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The word yoga in Sanskrit means to join together or to unite. It is an appropriate description because yoga's principles are based on the notion that the body and mind are one and cannot be separated from each other. Asanas (Hatha yoga postures) are one of the eight limbs of yoga as described by Patanjali, in The Yoga Sutras (this text is considered to be the authoritative text on Yoga). The ultimate goal of yoga philosophy is complete self-knowledge. The practice of yoga is thousands of years old; an exact date is not known since it was an oral tradition prior to being written down.
The eight limbs of yoga as described in The Yoga Sutras are:
Preparation for Practice (yamas & niyamas)
These include turning away from self-centered habits, cultivating habits and qualities that generate energy, and studying the ancient teachings of yoga.
Postures (asana)
By performing Hatha asana we bring our physical systems into balance. This is what most people in America define as yoga.
Breath Control (pranayama)
Is the use of diaphragmatic breathing (and other techniques) to direct the flow prana (life force energy) in our bodies to bring about calmness and clarity.
Preparation for Meditation (pratyahar)
The practice of turning the negative into the positive in ones life. By doing this we bring equilibrium into our lives. This is accomplished by practicing specific rituals, sounds, and postures that concentrate on this practice prepare us for meditation.
Meditation (dharana & dhyana)
The practice of concentration on an object (word, saying, or mantra) in order to achieve a meditative state and eventual quietness of the mind.
Natural State (samadhi)
Reaching an enlightened state of oneness. When we do this we have reached the goal of Yoga.
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The secret is to find a balance in one’s life. People of every age group, religion and culture can practice and benefit from Hatha Yoga. The gentle stretching movements of asana can make your life less stressful, bringing deep relaxation, peace, and greater flexibility to your body and mind. Yoga enables us to live our lives at a higher and more fulfilling level.
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