What is yoga?

Yoga is a science to many, it uses the laws of physcology to unfold the whole being or conciousness of all things to man. If practised faithfully it brings unity to man. Yoga helps you unite the inside with the outside, to become who you really are. It goes far beyond just mere exercises full of awkward routines. It is the unity of mind, spirit and body. Yoga comes from the Hindu philosophy used to attain spiritual insight and harmony.

What is yoga?
Yoga generally refers to the common use of a system of exercises that is practiced as part of this discipline.

The word yoga is derived from the Sanskrit “yeung”, which means to join or integrate, or simply union. A yoke as used on oxen is closely related, but also the same root gives us "join", "junction", "junta", "adjust", "joust", and "juxapose" to name a few.

There are many institutions of yoga all of which have their own unique practices and beliefs. But in this article we have listed the five most common yoga practices.

However, yoga schools and paths have been established with many different variations that aren't listed here.
This is a simple site for yoga beginners, to show some of the history of yoga and help you understand it a little better. So you may very well ask "what is yoga?" and why so many branches from it. Just as with everything else, we always have our different take on how something should be done. You will find the basic ideas in all of the different forms of yoga. The main goal is to bring unity to the mind, body and soul.

Yoga began in India 3,000 to 4,000 years ago. Yoga started, as far as we know, as part of India's philosophical system, but not everyone practiced yoga, and it has never been a religion.

About 5 million people in the United States do some yoga. Dance and stretching exercise classes usually have parts and pieces that come directly from yoga. If you ever go to a physical therapist, he or she may give you therapeutic exercises that are yoga postures.

There are several types of yoga. The yoga you may have seen on TV or taught at your local Y or an adult education class is called hatha yoga, or physical yoga. Sometimes it's known as the yoga for health. You may also find yoga being taught in a hospital or medical setting. Many health professionals today feel yoga can be part of a treatment plan.

HATHA: Hatha yoga has three parts: a series of exercises or movements called asana (poses or postures in English), breathing techniques of all kinds, and relaxation. this is the most popular variety of yoga and one that has been commonly taught for years. So what is yoga for them? For them it is perfecting the mind by way of perfecting the body.

With this technique many yoga asanas or postures, breathing techniques and meditations are used.

ASHTANGA: this is another popular type, they are much faster than the other yoga schools. What is yoga for ashtanga’s?

For them yoga can be considered as a type of aerobic yoga for they instill quick and smooth transitions between poses.

KUNDALINI: This yoga school is focused on awakening and focusing what is known as kundalini energy. It is commonly represented by a coiled snake. Kundalini energy is most easily compared to life energy that lies dormant in our bodies.

MANTRA: this type of yoga is focused on calming the mind and body through the usage of words and sounds. The well known 'om' chant is commonly heard in this school.

TANTRA: This type of yoga school is well known by way of its focus on sexual spirituality. They also focus on kundalini energy, although their intent for awakening it is much different from the Kundalini practice.

Yoga is a very diverse practice, no matter which yoga school you choose. People young and old can gain many benefits from regular yoga practices, and asanas can be adjusted to fit physical limitations and other complications.

If you want a break from treadmills, weight rooms, or the pool, take a look at yoga. Not only are you striving towards physical well being, you are striving towards spiritual well being as well.

Traditionally, yoga consists of eight fundamental paths: Karma , Bhakti, Jnana , Hatha , Purna , Tantra , Maha and Ashtanga or Raja Yoga. In the western world, the term yoga often refers to Hatha yoga and its postures, movements, and breathing techniques.