Yoga

Yoga is a collection of techniques and practices all aimed at integrating mind, body and spirit and achieving self awareness, enlightenment or oneness with the universe. The word Yoga means "joined together" and is derived from the Sanskrit word "yug" which means "to unify". Yoga aims at unifying the mind, body and spirit so that they are in harmony.

Yoga originated in the Indus-Sarasvati civilization in Northern India more than 5,000 years ago. The Rig Veda, a part of the Vedas (a collection of hyms used by ancient sages in India), mentioned the word Yoga and it was developed further into the different paths of yoga that we see today.

Yoga is not a religion but a spiritual practice that can be adopted by anyone. It does not require any specific belief system to participate. The philosophies of yoga are universal and can be incorporated within any belief system. Generally yoga is practiced based on ones individual, distinct nature.