The word "yoga" originates from the Sanskrit root ‘yuj’ meaning Union. Union of the individual self with the Divine, Universal Spirit, or Cosmic Consciousness. Yoga is the union of the body, mind, emotions and intellect.
Maharshi Patanjali penned down this subject in his exposition known as Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Physical and mental exercises are designed to help achieve this goal.
On the physical level, yoga postures, called asans, are designed to tone, strengthen,and align the body. These postures are performed to make the spine supple and healthy and to promote proper blood flow to all the organs, glands, and tissues, keeping all the bodily systems healthy. On the mental level, yoga uses breathing techniques called 'praanayaam' and meditation called 'dhyaan' to calm, clarify, and discipline the mind.
Contrary to some misconceptions, yoga is not a religion, but a way of living with health and peace of mind. Some people think it is simply some postures, or just by chanting "AUM" you are practicing Yoga. And the there are some who believe it is some form of exercise which has very slow movements (This may be true to some extent, but that is not all).Some people even believe it is standing on top of a bed of nails and wierder things!! There is more to yoga than just "AUM" or Postures.
