...The word 'yoga' is taken from the Sanskrit word 'yuga' which means 'to join.'

Pantanjali, an indian philosopher, wrote what is thought of as the "bible of yoga" approximately two thousand five hundred years ago. While certain aspects of yoga were being done well before Pantanjali, his writing "encouraged" the practice of yoga and it began widespread practice throughout India.

Written in Sanskrit it contained the eight sutras that are the basic principles of Yoga practice. Physical activity focuses on the body, meditation on the mind and emotions. Yoga combines the practices to give you an overall sense of physical and mental health. Let's look at the sutras and learn a little about each one.

Those eight are:

1. Yama

2. Niyama

3. Asana

4. Pranayama

5. Pratyahara

6. Dharana

7. Dhyana

8. Samadhi

The first two sutras, similar to the Ten Commandments of the Bible, deal with moral and ethical issues. They are basic laws to govern the actions of humanity.

Asana refers to the different postures, or poses, that can be used to st...more

Practicing Hatha Yoga: The Gateway to Happiness

...Non-judgment is a universal principle that exists in Yoga and many religions. Judgment of noise, surroundings, smells, and sensations is a common distraction during Yoga meditation.

In Yoga, the mind is often compared to a monkey because of distraction, but judgment is different. When we judge, the mind classifies and categorizes everything, but the system of organization can be flawed if the mind is not tolerant, loving, and respectful of others.

Judging others is a prison. Yoga teaches us to avoid judgment of others. Many of us judge ourselves, and other people, too harshly. Do not expect others to fit into a template of wha...more

What can a Hatha Yoga Teacher Offer a Middle-aged Student for Optimum Physical Health?

...tant components of good health. If you go to any health club, the staff will tell you that your diet is very important for optimum physical health.

Pranayama (proper breathing) techniques are the most important part of physical health. Pranayama helps you every day and in times of extreme stress.

Many Yoga students are only aware of how their muscles feel, when considering the physical aspects of Yoga postures (asanas) during practice. A competent Yoga teacher will remind you to open your awareness about your vital organs, which are being massaged, and your body is feeling benefits at the skeletal level during asana practice.

It is never too late to correct bad habits and Hatha Yoga offers help for most of the ailments, which trouble mankind.

Copyright 2007 Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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What Is Yoga?

...ective and contemplative individuals. In this branch are eight 'limbs' or practices, formulated thousands of years ago in the work "Yoga Sutras" by the sage Patanjali, which must be strictly observed. They are yama-ethical standards, niyama-self-discipline, pranayama- control of breath, pratyahara-withdrawal of the senses, dharana-concentration, dhyana-meditation and Samadhi-ecstasy or total liberation.

karma Yoga

karma Yoga is the yoga of selfless service. Yogis (as persons who practice yoga are called) believe in reincarnation. They believe that what kind of life one is reincarnated into (including whether one becomes another human or an animal), is dependent on the spiritual results of the actions in one's past life, called karma. The aim of karma Yoga is to free ourselves of carrying bad karma into future incarnations, throug...more

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