The word Yogya is derived from the Sanskrit root ‘Yuj’ which means to be united or indivisible. In a broad sense, Yoga is considered to be a spiritual and self-restraint discipline of Hindus. A part of it, which includes control of breath, spontaneous meditation, practice of physical postures, is practiced all over the world for health and peace. While defining Yoga, Maharishi Patanjali said

Yogaścīttavṛttinirodhaḥ

Yogaḥ, Chitta, Vṛtti, Nirodhaḥ॥

Which means Yoga is the removal of the restlessness of the mind. ‘Chitta’ means mind, ‘Vṛtti’ means thoughts and their velocity and ‘Nirodha’ means end!

No definite and authentic date of the emergence of Yoga has been determined. The tradition of Yoga is very ancient. Yoga is a way of life and its mention is found in the Vedas 5000 years ago. The classical yoga system was codified by Maharishi Patanjali and was named as ‘Ashtanga Yoga’ on the basis of its eight branches.

The practice of yoga is possible through various physical postures, intellectual exercises and pranayama. Under this, various types of physical activities called asanas are practiced at the physical level, which keep the body healthy.

The mental technique includes breathing or pranayama and the practice of meditation which disciplines the mind. Physical, mental and spiritual are the three aspects of human existence. Now it is widely believed that yoga is beneficial in the following ways by the coordination of these three aspects.

• Yoga establishes complete coordination and harmony between these three aspects, physical, mental and spiritual.
• Yoga frees the mind and brain from negative obstacles and removes toxins from the body.
• Yoga increases personal power and self-consciousness.
• Yoga improves focus, focus and concentration.
• Yoga energizes the divine power of the nervous system and relieves physical stress and tension.

People from all over the world seeking a better and happier life are practicing yoga today.