What is Yoga?
"Every human being longs for true and lasting happiness. The path or means through which (s)he attempts to find it varies according to the level of the individual's development. (S)he may strive for happiness by satisfying the physical, emotional, and intellectual aspects of his/her personality. Experience may teach him/her what sages and saints have been proclaiming throughout the ages: that true and lasting happiness cannot be based upon that which is impermanent in its nature. True and lasting happiness can only be attained through the knowledge of the source of all life. It has been given such names as the Self, Nature, God, Brahman, Cosmic Consciousness, Infinity the Thing in Itself, Nirvana and so on. Since it is infinite, it can only be experienced when the individual raises above the limited personality."
Swami Satchidananda
The foundation of Yoga is the belief that the natural mental state of humans is one of truth, knowledge, contentment, and peace. This state becomes distorted as the body and the mind fills with toxins and stress because of wrong diet, wrong relationship, and an unhealthy lifestyle. The practice of Yoga is a process of gradually returning to a healthy lifestyle so that we can reconnect with our natural state of peace.
There are many methods and practices of Yoga available to help one return to this state. The type of Yoga chosen depends on the individual's specific needs and attractions. Some of the systematic methods of practice and understanding Yoga are:
