The secret to health and happiness lies deep within every human. Yoga is the science of discovering one’s own self - the very source of pure consciousness, peace and bliss. Everyone knows that we don’t feel good and we get stressed when there is disharmony in our lives, when our bodies are tired and our busy minds constantly chatter and judge. Through the discipline of Yoga we become more aware of ourselves by doing simple postures, breathing techniques, meditation, and relaxation to rejuvenate the body and quite the mind. It is in this manner that we cultivate harmony in ourselves.

Yoga is in this sense the practice of being conscious of all that we have, and tending to it with love and honor.Clear and simple- with Yoga we take care of our body and mind, so that we can experience ‘spirit’ (or our source, the Divine) which in turn creates more presence and energy. Only when we are in harmony within ourselves does harmony happen in our lives. Our instant gratification lifestyles have desensitized us; Yoga gives our senses a much needed break and re-instills our sensitivity. The more sensitive we are, the more present, the more present the more conscious, the more conscious the more Divine!

The ancient Indian sages, through inquiry about life by austerities and deep mediation, were able to reach a state of consciousness in which the secrets of healthier, happier and meaningful living were revealed to them. Sages called that secret and sacred knowledge ‘Yoga'.

The term ‘Yoga’ is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘yuj’, meaning union; the union of the individual consciousness with the universal Consciousness. The knowledge of yoga can be found in many ancient scriptures dating back over 5000 years. According to Hindu mythology, this knowledge was first revealed by Lord Shiva to his wife Parvati (also known as Shakti, the cosmic creative energy). More recently, Yoga has been shared in great detail by Lord Krishna to Arjuna in the Holy Bhagavad Gita. In this work, Lord Krishna expounds on the different paths to Yoga realization.

Today, Yoga transcends religion and culture - its application is universal. It is ancient, yet practical wisdom for a healthier, happier and more peaceful way of living that ultimately leads to self-realization. The tangible success in Yoga is attractive to all of us, and its proven methods are undeniable promises of freedom.

The secret to health and happiness lies deep within every human. Yoga is the science of discovering one’s own self - the very source of pure consciousness, peace and bliss. Everyone knows that we don’t feel good and we get stressed when there is disharmony in our lives, when our bodies are tired and our busy minds constantly chatter and judge. Through the discipline of Yoga we become more aware of ourselves by doing simple postures, breathing techniques, meditation, and relaxation to rejuvenate the body and quite the mind. It is in this manner that we cultivate harmony in ourselves.

Yoga is in this sense the practice of being conscious of all that we have, and tending to it with love and honor.Clear and simple- with Yoga we take care of our body and mind, so that we can experience ‘spirit’ (or our source, the Divine) which in turn creates more presence and energy. Only when we are in harmony within ourselves does harmony happen in our lives. Our instant gratification lifestyles have desensitized us; Yoga gives our senses a much needed break and re-instills our sensitivity. The more sensitive we are, the more present, the more present the more conscious, the more conscious the more Divine!

The ancient Indian sages, through inquiry about life by austerities and deep mediation, were able to reach a state of consciousness in which the secrets of healthier, happier and meaningful living were revealed to them. Sages called that secret and sacred knowledge ‘Yoga'.

The term ‘Yoga’ is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘yuj’, meaning union; the union of the individual consciousness with the universal Consciousness. The knowledge of yoga can be found in many ancient scriptures dating back over 5000 years.

Today, Yoga transcends religion and culture - its application is universal. It is ancient, yet practical wisdom for a healthier, happier and more peaceful way of living that ultimately leads to self-realization. The tangible success in Yoga is attractive to all of us, and its proven methods are undeniable promises of freedom.

Asana is defined as "posture". Its literal meaning is "seat". Originally, the asanas served as stable postures for prolonged meditation. More than just stretching, asanas open the energy channels (nadis) and the energy centers (chakras) of the body. Asanas purify and strengthen the body, and focus the mind. Asana is one of the eight limbs of classical Yoga, which states that asana should be steady and enjoyable, firm yet relaxed.

When holding a yoga posture, make sure you can breathe slowly and deeply. Go to your edge in the posture, holding where you feel a good stretch and without pain, strain or fatigue.

Breathing: easy and free destressing
Yoga breathing, or Pranayama, is the science of breath control. It consists of series of exercises especially intended to meet the body's needs and keep it in vibrant health. Pranayama comes from the following words:

Prana - "life force" or "life energy"
Yama - "discipline" or "control"

Thus, Pranayama means "breathing techniques" or "breath control". Ideally, this practice of opening up the inner life force is not merely to take healthy deep breaths; it is intended for yoga practitioners to help and prepare them in their Meditation process.

In our respiration process, we inhale oxygen into our body, going through our body systems in a form of energy to charge our different body parts. Then we exhale carbon dioxide and take away all toxic wastes from our body. Through the practice of Pranayama, the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide is attained. Absorbing prana through breath control links our body, mind, and spirit.

The benefits of Yoga are countless, everyday new findings and testimonies are documented. As Yoga has an effect on every level of our existence, the merit of a regular Yoga practice is felt by every aspect of our beings. As our body, mind, and spirit are connected overall well being is easily attained through the discipline of Yoga.

Yoga and Body
The physical level, Sri Sri Yoga:

• Improves flexibility, the range of joint movements, the posture and alignment of the body, blood circulation and digestion.
• Strengthens, nourishes and tones the muscles, joints, bones, internal tissues and organs.
• Enhances the function of endocrine glands.
• Provides prevention, relief and helps recovery from many illnesses such as chronic pain, anxiety and panic, gastro-intestinal disorders, sleep disturbances, fatigue, high blood pressure, headaches, depression, etc.
• Overall the body feels healthier, more energetic, balanced, graceful, with greater immunity to disease and stress-related effects.

With regular practice of yoga some of the benefits one experiences are:

• More peacefulness and calmness.
• Improved alertness and clarity.
• Increased ability to deal effectively with short and long term stressful situations.
• Increased concentration of mind.
• Improved self-esteem.
• Decreased reliance on drugs.
• Greater energy and enthusiasm for life.

Yoga and Spirit
Ignorance alone is the cause of all sufferings. Through the regular practice of yoga one develops skills and experiencial understanding to see the reality of life and appreciate its beauty.
When you see the beauty in life, you are able to admire and adore the Creator—the Spirit---the Divine. You see the Divine presence every where including in yourself. You form a stronger and loving connection with your Self which brings fulfilment and a meaningful purpose to life. It is out of this fulfilment you experience unconditional happiness and are able to share this joy with others.

courtesy: www.srisriyoga.org