What is Yoga?

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Traditionally, yoga refers to an ancient Indian philosophical and cultural lifestyle in which the harmonious union of individual and universal energies is sought. This goal includes the unification of one's mind and body, as well as control over physiological and psychological processes and increased conscious awareness that cumulates in self-realization (Pandya, Vaidehi & Vyas, 1999; Yardi, 2001). The development of yoga spans some 5,000 years and has been defined in various ways, both in the distant past and today (Yoga Research and Education Center: http://www.yrec.org/definitions.html). Some suggest that the original motivation for yoga was solely for enlightenment, self-realization, and the accompanying ecstasy of such supreme freedom, however, others add the purpose of absolute health and proper functioning of body and mind (YREC: http://www.yrec.org/whatfor.html; The American Yoga Association: http://www.americanyogaassociation.org/general.html).

In general, yoga incorporates both mental and physical practices in order to realize these objectives and can be subdivided into several 'subsystems' such as regulation of mental functions, regulation of breathing, regulation of body systems, meditation, and higher consciousness (Pandya, et al., 1999). These subsystems make up some of the 'eight limbs (steps) of Yoga', or 'Ashtanga Yoga', dating from 1 or 2 B.C. that is typically considered Classical Yoga in the modern day and from which most practitioners base their techniques. Western taught yoga generally concentrates on steps 3-5, which involve physical exercises, breathing, and mediation. (AYA).

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