The word yoga finds its roots in the Sanskrit word ‘yug’ meaning to bind, join, attach or yoke.  In the context of yoga, this ‘yoke’ is the means by which the individual human spirit (jivatma) can be united with the Supreme Universal spirit (parmatma or god), to seek liberation (moksha).

Yoga is one of the six orthodox systems of Indian philosophy.  It was collated, co-ordinated and systematized by Patanjali in his classical work- the ‘yoga sutras’.  A lot of people think of yoga as merely the act of ‘stretching’.  But while stretching is definitely a part of it, yoga is more than mere stretching. It is about creating balance in the body through developing both, strength and flexibility.

Yoga also helps in the balance of the mind because each posture or ‘asana’ has to be done with the correct ‘bhavana’or feeling to go with it.

As lord Krishna had mentioned to Arjuna in the Bhagawad Gita (The most important authority on Yoga philosophy): “A lamp does not flicker in the place where no winds blow; so it is with a yogi, who controls his mind, intellect and self, being absorbed in the spirit within him. When the restlessness of the mind, intellect and self is stilled through the practice of yoga, the yogi by the grace of the spirit within himself finds fulfillment”.

And only a mind is free of sorrow and empty of worries, can it find peace and harmony within itself, can it dance and be joyful!  >>Course details