It is believed that the practice of yoga started at the very dawn of civilization. The science of yoga originated thousands of years ago, long before religions or belief systems were born. According to the yogic lore, Shiva is known as the ‘Adiyogi’ (the first yogi), and the ‘Adi Guru’ (first teacher).
The word yoga comes from the Sanskrit word Yuj, which means the union of the individual and the universal consciousness.
Yoga is essentially a spiritual discipline based on an extremely subtle science that focuses on bringing harmony between the mind and the body. It is the art and science of healthy living. The
word ‘yoga’ is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Yuj’, meaning ‘to join’ or ‘to unite. As per the yogic scriptures, the practice of yoga leads to the union of individual consciousness with Universal Consciousness. This symbolises a perfect harmony between mind and body, Man & Nature.
According to modern scientists, everything in the universe is just a manifestation of the same quantum firmament. One who experiences this oneness of existence is said to be in ‘yog’ and is termed as a yogi: someone who has attained a state of freedom referred to as mukti or moksha (nirvana).
Thus the aim of Yoga is Self-realization, to overcome all suffering and lead to a state of liberation (Moksha) or ‘freedom’ (Kaivalya) in all walks of life. Health and harmony are the main objectives of practicing Yoga practice. “Yoga” also refers to an inner science of various methods through which human beings can realise this union and achieve
mastery over their destiny. Yoga is widely considered to be an immortal cultural outcome of the Indus Saraswati Valley civilization – dating back to 2700 B.C. It has proved to cater to both material and spiritual upliftment of humanity as basic humane values are the very identity of Yoga Sadhana.
