General Concept of Yoga

What is Yoga? > General Concept of Yoga

The word Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit root "yuj" meaning to unite, join, harness, contact, or connect. Therefore, Yoga means union, joining, harnessing, contact or connection. It is the unison between the individual self and the universal self. It is the fusion of the healthy body with a disciplined mind for the purpose of spiritual development. It is the harnessing of one's own inherent inner power, as well as the wider natural forces from which one has emerged.

The above things were a part of the traditional Yoga. Today, the scope of Yoga is limited to physical and mental health. The later stage of spiritual unison with the Supreme Being is not very easily accepted by the scientific theories prevalent today. So, the preliminary stages of purification of the body and mind which have proved to be the best remedy to all kinds of ailments and diseases are referred to as complete Yoga. However it should be kept in mind that even if the the physical and mental exercises are an indispensable part of the Yoga system there is much more in this art. Collectively, this system can be considered as 'an art of living' which guides an individual on how to keep himself healthy and virtuous.

Yoga is mistaken to be a religion which it is not. It is neither a renunciation process. One can practice Yoga living in the same society where he has born and grown up. In fact, Yoga teaches an individual to handle his responsibilities more efficiently and with ease. Yoga consists of exercise but is not only exercise, it has philosophy but is not only a philosophy, it is a science which is proved by experience. It is a collection of virtues which every man needs today.

General Concept of Yoga

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