According to Hindu belief system the ultimate goal of the life is spiritual upliftment of the being through the union of soul (atma) and the Supreme power (Paramatma). Yoga (literal meaning union or combination) is a collective term given to the ancient spiritual practices leading to the union of Atma and Paramatma. As a general theory of Hinduism, yoga refers to the techniques or the disciplines of the asceticism and meditation that leads to the spiritual experience and a deep understanding of the nature of existence of the humanity.
The concept of yoga has got mention in various Hindu scriptures. The primary ones are Upanishads, Bhagwad Gita, Patanjali Yogasutra, Hath Yoga Pradeepika and Shiva Sanhita.
Raj Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga and
Bhakti Yoga are the branches of the Yoga.
Bhagwad Gita is one of the most revered text of Hindu religion which is deemed to have been composed in 2nd century BC. The term yoga has been used extensively in this scripture, with rather various connotations. Most wider emphasis is given to three terms- Karma Yoga (yoga of action), Bhakti Yoga (yoga of action) and Jnana Yoga (yoga of knowledge).There are 24 chapters in The holy Gita, each six based on these factions of yoga.
Acharya Patanjali is regarded as the founder of the formal Yoga Philosophy who composed Yogasutra. His yoga is Raj Yoga that deals with the control of body and mind. On the basis of Patanajali’s studies, the system of Ashtanga Yoga or Eight Limbs of Yoga has evolved. These are: Yama (five abstentions), Niyama (five observances), Asana (seat or postures), Pranayama (control of life force), Pratyahara (abstraction), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation), Samadhi (liberation).
The system of Yoga has influenced almost all the religious systems of India including Buddhism and Jainism. Almost all the major factions of Buddhism like Yogacara Buddhism, Zen Buddhism and Tibetan Buddhism have been deeply influenced by Yoga.
Yoga has now become popular all over the world including US. There are so many instructors who, after learning it from the accomplished Yoga Gurus, are teaching the techniques of yoga to the millions of people. The system of Yoga is scientifically proved, hence all people who have got scientific temperament are inclined towards yoga. Nowadays many yoga camps are organized in different cities by trained Gurus. Permanent yoga teaching centers and yoga classes are attended by huge number of people. All these activities are triggered by the popularity of yoga as a harmless system that provides physical as well as mental strength.
This is estimated that in coming times the popularity of yoga will only increase.
