The Complete Book of Yoga

Concept and practice of yoga originated in India several thousand years ago. Its founders were great saints & sages. The great yogis gave rational interpretation to their experience of Yoga & brought about a scientific and practical method within everyones reach. Today yoga no longer is restricted to hermits of saints and sages. It has taken its place in everyday life and has aroused the world wide awakening and acceptances in the last decade. The science of yoga and its techniques have now been re-oriented to suit physiological needs & life styles. Experts of various branches of medicine including modern science are realizing role of these techniques in prevention & management of various disorders. The literal meaning of the Sanskrit world "Yoga" is to "Yoke". Accordingly yoga can be defined as a means of uniting the individual spirit with the universal spirit. Yogasanas are special patterns of body that stabilize the mind through static stretching. Yogasana are broadly classified as (a) Asanas for meditation (b) Asans for relaxation and (c) Asanas for prevention of disease and promotion of health.