An Introduction to Yoga

Origins of Yoga
Yoga is a complete science of life that originated in India many thousand of years ago. It reached the common man around third century B.C, through Maharishi Patanjali in the form of grant called Yoga sutra where yoga philosophy is described as Astanga yoga. It is the oldest system of personality development in the world encompassing body, mind and spirit.
The ancient yogis had a profound understanding of man's essential nature and of what he needs to live in harmony with himself and his environment. They perceived the physical body as a vehicle, with mind as the driver, and the soul as man's true identity. Action, emotion and intelligence are the forces that pull the body vehicle. Taking into account the inter-relationship between body and mind, they formulated a unique method for maintaining this balance - and that is yoga.
Purpose of Yoga
The underlying purpose of the practice of yoga is to reunite the individual self (Jiva) with the absolute or pure consciousness (Brahman) - in fact, the word yoga literally means " Joining ". Union with this unchanging reality liberates the spirit from all senses of separation , freeing it from the illusion of time, space and causation.
People drawn to yoga can be classified under three groups. Some come to keep their bodies fit and supple - good to look at and to live in. Others come to seek help or relief for a specific complaint like tension or back-ache, etc. And some others for mental relief and to satisfy their spiritual urge. Whatever be the reason, Yoga can be a tool, an instrument that gives us what we came for and more. To understand what yoga is all about you need to experience it for yourself.
The practice
The yoga postures or Asanas exercise every part of the body, stretching and toning the muscles and joints, the spine and the entire skeletal system. And they work not only on the body's frame but on the internal organs, glands and nerves as well, keeping all systems in radiant health. The yogic breathing exercises known as pranayama revitalize the body and help to control the mind, leaving us feeling calm and refreshed and the practice of meditation gives increased clarity, mental power and concentration.
In recent years, medical research has begun to pay attention to the effects of yoga. Studies have shown that regular practice of asanas as well as pranayama can help diverse ailments as arthritis, arterio-sclerosis, chronic fatigue, diabetes, asthma, varicose veins, cardiac problems (Heart attacks) and menstrual problems. Laboratory tests have also confirmed yogis ability to consciously control autonomic or involuntary functions such as temperature, heart-beat and Blood pressure.
The most important aspect in the practice of yogasana is the relaxation technique (Savasana). This technique has explored the immediate remedy for the psychosomatic disorders which is wide prevalent now-a-days.
Today it has been realized that there can no longer be any doubt of yoga's effectiveness as both a curative and preventive medicine.
Yoga plays a great role in universal peace. Universal peace can be gained through individual peace. Yoga allows the practitioner to glimpse a state of inner peace, which in due course paves way for universal peace.
Anyone can practice yoga. There is no need for special equipment or clothes just a small amount of space and a strong desire for a healthier, more fulfilled life

"Surrendering to guru means to be very PURE in THOUGHTS, WORDS and ACTIONS"