Yog, an ancient Indian science and art, given by sage Patanjali, has 8 parts, mastering which, one meets God. It is not just physical fitness, but synchronization and harmonization of body, mind and soul with each other.
The word yoga, in Hindi pronounced as Yog, is derived from Sanskrit word yuj which means to join or unite. Yoga is an ancient Indian science and art. The practice of yoga integrates the body, mind and soul. Yoga can be practiced by all irrespective of colour, caste, creed, sex and race.
The ancient seers laid down four ways by which the practitioner can attain samadhi or spiritual salvation, the goal of yoga. These are:
Jnana Marg: The path of knowledge.
Karma Marg: The path of action.
Bhakti Marg: The path of selfless devotion.
Dhyan Marg: The path of introspection whereby pupil learns to cleanse the body, control the senses and restrains fluctuations of the mind. Dhyan Marg is clearly explained by Sage Patanjali.
Sage Patanjali
Sage Patanjali was the first person to present the ancient tradition of yoga in a systematic way. Thus he is considered the father of yoga. In his most important work- The Yog Sutras of Patanjali, he presented an eight fold path for attaining salvation. The path is called Ashtang Yog i.e. it is eight part yoga.
The eight limbs of Ashtang Yog are:-
1. Yama Social Disciplines
Ahimsa Non Violence
Satya Truth
Asteya Non Stealing
Brahmacharya Self control
Aparigraha Non Hoarding
2. Niyama Personal Disciplines
Saucha Cleanliness
Santosha Contentment
Tapas Great Effort
Svadhyaya Introspection
Ishwara Pranidhana Faith in God
3. Asana Postures
4. Pranayama Breath Control
5. Pratyahara Withdrawal of Senses
6. Dharana Concentration
7. Dhyana Meditation
8. Samadhi Union
