YOGA

Yoga is a group of physical, mental, and spiritual practices or disciplines which originated in ancient India. The Sanskrit noun yoga is derived from the sanskrit root yuj “to attach, join’’. The main focus of yoga is on strength, flexibility and breathing techniques. Someone who practices yoga or follows the yoga philosophy with a high level of commitment is called a yogi or yogini. Yoga is considered a way of life.

The practice of yoga has been thought to date back to pre-vedic Indian traditions; possibly in the Indus valley civilization around 3000 BCE. Yoga is mentioned in the Rigveda, and also referenced in the Upanishads. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali date from the 2nd century BCE, and gained prominence in the west in the 20th century after being first introduced by Swami Vivekananda. The ultimate goal of Yoga is Moksha (liberation), although the exact form this takes depends on the philosophical or theological system with which it is conjugated.