Yoga is an ancient system for developing health and well-being. It has been the foundation for many spiritual seekers in their search for truth and understanding of the self. Not only have people on a spiritual path sought the benefits of yoga and the spiritual gifts it has to offer, but so have modern day ordinary people of all walks of life, even those who are not on a spiritual path and only desire to achieve the physical health that practice of yoga can bring.

When most people think of yoga, they think of India. Sure enough, India is the originating country from where yoga comes. Everyone in India is familiar with yoga, and almost all have been exposed to it in some way or another. It is part of their culture, just as the spiritual teachings are a common part of each individual’s life. In Western civilization, places like Europe, the USA, Australia, and other countries of the like, spirituality in the daily life has been somewhat lost, replaced by technology, science and materialism. However, India has never lost its spiritual heritage and the focus on spiritual well-being. Even the common street person in India can exhibit extraordinary spiritual powers because spirituality is such a focus. Of course, not every individual is focused on their spiritual search in India, but more consider it than the individuals living in most countries that have so many other distractions.

People also think of postures when they think of yoga. Some of these postures are quite contortionist, while others are very basic and easy. There are many levels of these postures, from beginning to advanced. Advanced yogis are truly amazing, and can wrap themselves up like a pretzel! For those of us less physically fortunate, beginning poses may be all we are ever able to achieve, but those can keep a person busy for a lifetime and the goal can still be reached even without being able to perform advanced poses; the goal being the focus of the mind and body into stillness. However, yoga is far more than just postures, although postures are a large part of the entire practice of yoga. There are many kinds of yoga, and each of them are meant to harness energy and direct it.

Yoga means “union” or “to unite.” It also means “to yoke,” which implies that yoga harnesses energy and directs it somewhat, just as the powerful oxen wearing a yoke are harnessed and directed when plowing a field. Yoga harnesses your energy and directs it to bring about your awakening—enlightenment, if you will. It does not guarantee enlightenment, although some yogis might say that it does because if you stick with it long enough enlightenment is inevitable. However, one could read a book on physics, but still not understand it even after much study has been done. Yoga does take some insight and understanding to bring about enlightenment, and of course it is only one path among many can that bring one to realization of the Self.

For those who feel that a path in yoga will serve in their spiritual search, here is an introduction to the subject of yoga. It will give one an idea of what yoga is all about, what it offers, and how to practice it. This course is in no way exhaustive, and only touches the tip of a huge iceberg. There are vast amounts of information in the world about yoga, and I encourage you to delve into its secrets as much as you can. If nothing else, yoga will bring about a healthy body and a clear mind, a great platform from which to perform the spiritual search that leads you in a circle back to yourself!

Course Continued…