When the word Yoga is mentioned outside India it is often associated to a concept reduced uniquely to the practice of asanas or postures. Yoga is much more than merely contorting the body, it is a tool for self-transformation based on ancient knowledge handed down through countless generations.
Though Yoga comes from Indian teachings and has greatly influenced Indian philosophy and beliefs it does not belong uniquely to Hinduism or any other belief system. Yoga belongs to the entire humanity and its essence is the quest for greater self-knowledge.
Yoga can be translated from Sanskrit to mean Union - union between the body and the mind, union between the left and right hemispheres of the brain, union with the divine that dwells within every living being. In the purest sense of the word Yoga is not something you can do - it is only something that can be experienced.
Patanjali, who compiled the teachings into written form in a series of sutras or aphorisms, starts his text by defining yoga as the "stilling of the mind waves" (Yogas chitta vritti nirodhah). It is the incessant movement of the mind that prevents us from being able to look deeper within and connecting with our true selves.
One analogy is that when the surface of the pond of the mind is ruffled by the winds of thought it is impossible to see past the surface of the water. When the thoughts slow down and the mind becomes calm and clear it is easier to peer into the depths.
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