What is Yoga
Yoga is the Sanskrit term for Union. Many people believes that, the term Yoga refers to union between body and mind or body, mind and spirit, but, the traditional acceptance is the union between the Jivatman and Paramatman that is between one's individual consciousness and the Universal Consciousness. Therefore, Yoga refers to a certain state of consciousness as well as to methods that help one reach that goal or state of union with the divine.
Origin of Yoga
Yoga was propounded by the ancient Indian sage Patanjali and is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Yog' which means 'union,' presumably union with the divine being or God. It is a secular and scientific methodology to experience the integration of the body-mind-soul.
The Yoga and Its Common Features
A sage, Patanjali, put forward yoga as a system of philosophy. The common form of Yoga is also referred to as the Ashtang Yoga, which comprises of eight basic features namely Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratayahara, Dharna, Dhayan and Samadhi. Each feature has its own importance.
Yama
Yama encourages the universal disciplines of truth, self-control, non-violence, non-stealing and non-greed.
Niyama
The second feature, Niyama, advocates human values of contentment, self-study, penance, cleanliness and surrender to God.
Asanas
Asanas are the various Yogic postures that are to be performed to keep the body healthy and fit.
Pranayama
Pranayama is one aspect of Yoga in which the management of the breath is covered.
Pratayahara
The feature of Pratayahara is practiced to relax the mind and alienate oneself from the five senses.
Dharna and Dhyan
Dharna and Dhyan are about concentrating and meditating.
Samadhi
The final aspect of Samadhi refers to the ultimate state of oneness with God.
The Yoga Centres in India
There are several centers in India bringing the authentic forms of Yoga techniques within the reach of the common man. The Yoga tour in India aims at offering an introduction to the tourists about the yoga centres in India and the teachings and training of Yoga at these centres like Madras (Chennai), Rishikesh, Kerala, and Bihar. Yoga tour at the Yoga centres in India destroys the toxic properties of the body through purification of bowel, enemas, cleansing of the nasal passage and eyes.