The term Yoga has been derived from sanskrit and the word "Yuj", which literally means union. By Union is meant; focusing all the faculties together towards any activity. The practice of Yoga involves, the union between the body, the breath and the mind.
Patanjali in one of his sutras defines Yoga as 'Yogaha citta vritti nirodhaha', meaning ' Yoga is the ability to direct all the faculties of the mind towards one object and sustain that focus without distraction'.
In Yoga, all postures are derived from nature. For example the Mayurasana, a body posture that resembles and is derived from the peacock. It strengthens the hands, lower back, thighs, abdominal muscles and tones the digestive system. The Bhageerathasana is derived from a tree. It strengthens the legs and develops a sense of equilibrium and awareness of oneself in the standing posture. The Bhujangasana is derived from a cobra. It strengthens the lower back and opens the air sacs in the lungs.
What is Raja Yoga?
In the practice of "Raja Yoga", we identify "Yoga" with the breathing practices, body postures and meditative practices. Raja Yoga is also called as Astanga Yoga. It is often referred to as the 'King of Yoga' practices.
It involved 8 states - internal (Yama) and external (Niyama) disciplines, Body posturing (Asana) and breath regulation (Pranayama), the practice of attached detachment (Pratyahara), concentration (Dharana), de-concentration (Dhyana) and the blissful state (samadhi).
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