Philosophy The word Yoga is in the ancient language of Sanskrit, the oldest known language in the world. It comes from the root yuj, which means to yoke, join or bind, to direct one�s concentration fully to something. It is the union of our being with the universal Spirit. This union of the individual self with the Universe is called liberation (Kaivalyam), jivamukta or self-realization. Yoga is a complex system of philosophy and practice. The practices of yoga are to varying degrees external, dealing with the body, and internal, dealing with the mind. The most advanced internal practices delve deeper than even the subtlest aspects of the mind to connect us to the Universal forces- that is the tine a practitioner is nearing the true goal of yoga. What most of us think of as yoga today- mainly a series of exercises to keep the body healthy- is a very small portion of the entirety of Yoga. Even this small portion of the practices of Yoga has brought millions of people wonderful benefits such as a healthy body, calmer mind and happier disposition. The mere practice of yoga asana (postures) is not enough, however, to transform us on a deep level. Yoga, the most in-depth study of human nature, is one of the main orthodox systems of Indian philosophy. It is a time-tested, scientific method of systematically cleansing, balancing and strengthening our bodies, minds and intellect. It is a comprehensive system of life complete with ethical codes, practices for physical, mental and energetic cleansing and balancing and ultimately the removal of the seed of ignorance and the realization of the true Self. Indian philosophy expounds that there is one great, undivided, all powerful, all knowing force in the universe called Purusha (also called Universal Spirit, God, Brahman, Ishvara) and our innermost Self is a part of that Universal Spirit. We see ourselves as separate because we have forgotten our true nature and fallen into avidya (ignorance). We have lost the knowledge of this great truth because we have become attached to Maya- the manifestation of the Universal Spirit, and have taken the manifestation for the ultimate reality. Yoga is the process of realizing our true self (self-realization) as that Universal Spirit. Yoga is both the method and the goal. According to Yogic philosophy the mysteries of our body and mind, and those of nature can be understood by the process of turning inward. By turning inward we can go beyond the mind and connect to the Spirit. Through that connection the truth about our nature is revealed, ignorance falls away and we are established in our true state as Spirit. As all human suffering is a result of this basic ignorance of forgetting out true nature, the practice of Yoga brings one immense happiness, balance and fulfillment physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Yoga is unique because it teaches the students to practice and verify the teachings within themselves. A person becomes a yogi not merely by reading or listening to others, but by practicing, experiencing and discovering these ancient truths for oneself. It is an unparalleled system of training one to be independent in thought and action and to test the methods and practices by oneself. Throughout the ages yogis have proven that when practiced with dedication and sincerity yoga transforms us, we find perfect balance in our life - an inner peace, joy and security that only comes from knowing oneself. Yoga has the power to bring us what we desire because it connects us to our true self and removes deeply rooted delusions, blocks and fears in our being that prevent us from experiencing life fully and achieving that which we desire. History The philosophy and practices of Yoga may have existed since time immemorial. The first records of the practices of Yoga were found in relics of the ancient civilization of the Indus Valley (present day India) - the Aryan race. Yoga formed the foundation of this ancient culture. The Aryans lived some 5,000 years ago and were highly evolved in both the technology of the outer world and the science of the inner world. At that time Sages or enlightened beings entered a state of deep meditation and looked within their innermost being and connected to the universal Spirit - Purusha. From this state of deep communion with the Divine they perceived and brought down to the human level the science of Yoga. Many other sciences were also revealed in this way � Sanskrit, Astrology, Ayurveda, Mantra, Yantra, Tantra, the knowledge of nature, the human mind and spirit and the ways to live in harmony with oneself, nature and the world around. The collective works of the sacred knowledge of the Sages became known as the Vedas. The word veda means knowledge or science. The teaching of the Vedas included philosophy as well as rituals and practices for a spiritual life.. The Vedas, the most ancient texts of humanity were four works, the Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharva Veda, For thousands of years Yoga and all the knowledge of the Vedas was orally transmitted from Guru to disciple. Students learned the practices of Yoga and made them part of their life. Yoga was not something to do in addition to one�s life; it was life itself. Several thousand years later the illuminated sage Veda Vyas organized, compiled and wrote down the Vedas, thus securing these sacred sciences for the future of humanity. In addition to Yoga the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita and Vedanta (philosophy of non-dualism) all have their roots in the Vedas Around 600 BC, Krishna, an enlightened being, laid disclosed to his great student Arjuna the path of Yoga and liberation in the sacred text the Bhagavad Gita. The Bhagavad Gita, or the song of God, points to three paths to self-realization. Karma Yoga, the yoga of consecrated action, Jnana Yoga, the path of wisdom and Bhakti yoga, the path of devotion. The Bhagavad Gita is an incredible work; a succinct, yet profound exposition of the spiritual realm. Around 200 BC, the great sage Patanjali wrote down the Yoga Sutra. This work was also terse and immensely profound in its teachings of Raja Yoga- the Royal path of Yoga. For thousands of years yoga has been a highly respected science and method for the development of the human body, mind, intellect and spirit. In the modern age much of the deeper teachings of Yoga have been largely ignored. As a result, it is mostly practiced for physical reasons. Although all those who practice know from first hand experiences the many benefits that come from consistent and dedicated practice, still much is missing. Without the deeper practices of Yoga one cannot truly transform themselves and grow spiritually.