What is Yoga?

•    Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit term ‘yuj’, which means to yoke; the yoking of the individual sense of self to the cosmic eternal Self; union with the Divine.

•    Yoga is a state of union between two opposite poles; Shiva and Shakti, body and mind, individual and Universal awareness; process of uniting opposing forces of the body and mind in order to realize the spiritual essence of Being.

•    Yoga is a science which liberates one’s mind from the bondage of the body and leads it towards the soul… the science of mind is called ‘Raja Yoga’, the science of intelligence is ‘Jnana Yoga’, the science of duty is ‘Karma Yoga’, and the science of will is ‘Hatha Yoga’.

•    Yoga is universal and could be practiced by followers of any religion or belief because it is a beautiful way of life, a bridge taking you to a new highway of health and happiness, love and harmony, compassion and truth, immortality and peace.

•    Yoga Sutra 1.1: “Yogash Chitta Vritti Nirodhah” Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuation of the mind.

Patanjali's Eight-Limbed System of Yoga:

1.    YAMAS: restraints
       a.    AHIMSA: non-harming
       b.    SATYA: truthfullness
       c.    ASTEYA: non-stealing
       d.    BRAMACHARYA: control on sensual pleasure
       e.    APARIGRAHA: greedlessness

2.    NIYAMAS: observances
       a.    SAUCHA: cleanliness
       b.    SANTOSA: contentment
       c.    TAPAS: self-discipline
       d.    SVADHYAYA: self-study
       e.    ISVARA PRANIDHANA: self-surrender

3.    ASANA: posture, seat, connection to the earth

4.    PRANAYAMA: breath control

5.    PRATYHARA: sense withdrawl

6.    DHARANA: concentration of the mind

7.    DHYANA: meditation

8.    SAMADHI: enlightenment, Yoga, union with the Divine

Patanjali's 5 Kleshas (obstacles to liberation):

1.    AVIDYA: misknowing, ignorance
2.    ASMITA: ego identification
3.    RAGA: attachment to pleasure
4.    DVESA: aversion, hatred of that which is unpleasant
5.    ABINIVESHA: fear of death