In Hinduism, yoga is a collective term for various philosophical and practical disciplines, with the help of which man strives for spiritual consciousness.
The Sanskrit word yoga is related to the German word 'yoke' and means 'union' or 'unity'. What is meant is the union of body, mind and soul with the divine principle, the creative power, into a unity. Yoga was developed in India, probably in the 3rd millennium BC, Chr.
Among the earliest written sources of yoga are the yoga sutras of Patanjali. There are 195 verses, in which the author summarizes the yoga knowledge of his time as a learning aid. Patanjali describes how to lead a good life and develop his personality in his "Eightfold Path of Yoga".
The eight paths are: Yama (which one should not do), Niyama (what to do), Asana (exercises for the body), Pranayama (breathing exercises for the control of Prana, life energy), Pratyahara (control of the senses), Dharana (Concentration), dhhyana (meditation), and samadhi (enlightenment).
When meditating, a yogi usually sits in the Lotus seat. And that for a longer period of time. So that the body does not suffer from long stools, there are different gymnastics-like exercises, the so-called asanas. They ensure that the body remains supple and hinged and improve its functions.
Improving body functions makes yoga a natural fountain. An important reason why it is so popular in the West.
However, staying healthy and being fit is not the ultimate goal of yoga. A healthy body, however, is better able to withstand long hours of meditation. And anyone who has learned to master his body can not be put off by an itching or pulling muscle.
In the West, the first contact with yoga is mostly through Hatha Yoga.
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