What is Yoga
The common notion is that yoga is union between body & mind or body, mind & spirit, but the traditional meaning is union between the individual atma (soul) with Paramatma (universal soul) that is between one's individual consciousness and the Universal Consciousness.
yoga derives from the Sanskrit root yuj, which means to yoke – the union with the divine by integration of body, mind, and spirit. Yoga refers to a certain state of consciousness as well as to methods that help one reach that state of union with the divine.
Yoga has been recognized as a practice for improving their physical and mental health both in India as well as in western world. In addition to physical and mental benefits of yoga, it can also help people in their daily routine. More people are turning to yoga to find solutions for stress relief, diseases and peaceful life. Male who attempts yoga is called a yogi and a female who attempts yoga is called a yogini.
History of Yoga
Yoga is an ancient art with its early roots in India. Some images of yogi from Indus Valley Civilization found are considered as 6 to 7 thousand years old.
The earliest written mention of yoga appears in the Rig Veda, which belongs to an era between 1500 BC and 1200 BC. It is not easy to establish exact date when yoga as an art established itself for the first time, because Rig Veda was orally transmitted for many centuries.
Patanjali mentioned the first yoga dates in the 2nd century BC. Upanisads, which are thought to have been composed between the eighth and fourth centuries BC, provides the first quasi-rational full description of the principles and goals of yoga. The more detailed descriptions of Yoga are found in Bhagavad Gita and Yoga Sutra.
Types of Yoga
Yoga can be classified into different types with each type having its own unique virtues. Some yoga styles are useful for physical strength and some are useful for increasing mental powers. The good thing about Yoga is that it is available for a wide range of physical and mental fitness requirements and can meet the diverse goals of the individuals. Therefore, it is important to choose a form of yoga that is appropriate for each individual's level of fitness, goals, and medical condition. Over the long history of yoga, different schools have emerged, and there are numerous examples of subdivisions and synthesis.
It is common to speak of each form of yoga as a path to enlightenment. Some of the most popular and prominent Yoga types or Yoga styles are Bhakti Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Karma Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, Mantra Yoga, Purna Yoga and Raja Yoga. Other types of yoga include Iyengar Yoga, Kriya Yoga, Integral Yoga, Nitya Yoga, Maha Yoga, Prasara Yoga, Natya Yoga, Anahata Yoga, Tantra Yoga, Tibetan Yoga, Sahaja Yoga etc.
The focus and goals of each yoga type are different. While Bhakti Yoga emphasizes love and devotion, Hatha Yoga is an easy Yoga style. Jnana Yoga highlights the use of the mind, Karma Yoga emphasizes on action and service, Kundalini Yoga emphasizes to enlightenment and knowledge. In the Mantra Yoga one has to chant a word or mantra until he/she transcends mind and emotions. Raja Yoga lays more emphasis on the importance of Karma in daily life. Purna Yoga provides solution for complete and holistic healing. Thus, All the different yoga types have their unique virtues and paths.
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