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| WHAT IS YOGA?
The word yoga comes from the Sanskrit “Yuj” which means to “yoke” Translated meaning: Union or to unite Connect Relationship with oneself and the universe. Yoga
is a scientific system for purifying the body and the mind, for making
each of us the master of our senses so that we may develop our emotions
and intellect to a level at which we function healthfully and in
perfect harmony. (Sri Swami Satchidananda)
 Walking the path of yoga can transform your life
by encouraging self discovery.
It can bring out your true nature which sometimes can be
hidden from the stress of everyday life. With awakening to your true self comes
happiness, healing, balance, peace, love, and a new perspective on life.
MISSUNDERSTANDINGS Many people have been mislead into believing that yoga is just doing postures to gain more strength, flexibility, and beatification.
The misunderstanding of what yoga is can take a student in the opposite direction of the true meaning and goal of yoga. It can lead to inflation of the ego and increased identification with the body not realizing that it is just an illusion and not who we really are.
GOAL OF YOGA self-realization, liberation or enlightenment
Yoga is a powerful connection to yourself, that can lead you to a new understanding of who you are and show you where the power to be yourself lies.
While the goal of yoga is "self-realization" "liberation" or "enlightenment" its rarely what most beginners of yoga have in mind at the onset, the slow, steady, and gradual awakening that comes from a regular practice, does brings change.
This change often includes very tangible aspects of personal transformation, like improved health and vitality, reduced stress, disease, and increased sense of well-being and feelings of generosity, compassion, and understanding.
What may have started, for example, as a curiosity about yoga or a purely physical pursuit of the yoga postures for increased fitness and flexibility, can become a vehicle for emotional growth and spiritual adventure.
Video on the wholeness of yoga narrated by Alan Watts:
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