What IS yoga, anyway?

Yoga is a complete science of life that originated in India more than 5,000 years ago. It is considered the oldest system of personal development in the world encompassing the entire body, mind and spirit.

It is the union between a person's own consciousness and the universal consciousness.

The Ancient Yogis had a profound understanding of man's essential nature and of what one needs to live in harmony with oneself and the environment. They perceived the physical body as a vehicle, with the mind as driver, the soul as man's true identity, and action, emotion and intelligence as the three forces which pull the body-vehicle. In order for these to be integrated, these three forces must be in balance.

Taking into account the inter-relationship between body and mind, the Yogis formulated a unique method for maintaining this balance - a method that combines all the movements (Asanas) you need for physical health with the Breathing and Meditation techniques that ensure peace of mind.

The classical techniques of Yoga is a system of physical and and mental exercise that has been developed for the expressed desire for individuals to experience greater personal freedom, health and long life, and heightened self-understanding.

The word Yoga means "to join or yoke together," and it brings the body and mind together into one harmonious experience.

Yoga is a method of learning that aims to attain the unity of mind, body, and spirit through these three main Yoga structures: Exercise, Breathing, and Meditation.

The exercises of Yoga are designed to put pressure on the Glandular Systems of the body, thereby increasing its efficiency and total health.

The body is looked upon as the primary instrument that enables us to work and evolve in the world. As a yoga practitioner, one is asked to treat his body with great care and respect.

The Breathing Techniques are based on the concept that breath is the source of life in the body. Yoga students gently increase their breath control to improve the health and the function of both body and mind.

These two systems prepare the body and mind for Meditation, making it easier for students to achieve a quiet mind and be free from everyday stress.

Regular daily practice of postures (or movement), breathing exercises and meditation produce a clear, bright mind and a strong, capable body.