What is Yoga?

The word "yoga" comes from the Sanskrit root yuj, (Sanskrit is the language of ancient India where yoga originated.)

It means “to control”, "to join" or "to yoke".

Definitions of Yoga:

A way of life that includes ethical precepts, dietary prescriptions, and physical exercise.

Traditional physical and mental discipline originating in India, more than 5,000 years ago.

Yoga is an activity that improves muscles strength and flexibility while centering your thoughts and relaxing you.

Patanjali

The Indian sage Pantajali, in his Yoga sutras defines yoga as the control of the activities of the mind.

Classical yoga as defined by Patanjali is an eight stage process (the eight limbs of yoga).

The first two stages are ethical disciplines (Yamas, universal morality and Niyamas, Personal observances).

Then come postures (Asanas in Sanskrit) and breathing exercises (Pranayama).

The last four limbs are meditative stages: control of the senses (Prathyara), concentration (Dharana), meditation (Dhyana) and Bliss (Samadhi).