| Originating from the Sanskrit term 'yuj' which | | | | unlikely that full benefits will be reaped. |
| means to unite, Yoga is the path taken in the | | | | Being one of the five principles of Yoga, |
| pursuit of uniting oneself with 'God' or 'Spirit'. Yoga | | | | meditation is regarded as the constant |
| goes way beyond the common physical exercises | | | | observation of the mind. While the physical Yoga |
| we are familiar with and is actually more a way of | | | | positions develop the human body muscles, |
| life. | | | | meditation is designed to enhance the mind power. |
| The benefits of pure Yoga though definitely | | | | It is of prime importance to understand that inner |
| involving the physical being, are more about | | | | peace and outer well-being are linked, and that |
| achieving inner peace and tranquility. Any one | | | | ignoring one will adversely affect the other. |
| seeking to fully gain the benefits from Yoga must | | | | Seeking literature on pure Yoga that aims |
| begin with the understanding that Yoga | | | | towards its holistic benefits is the first step to |
| meditation, spiritual yoga and yoga exercises go | | | | moving in this direction. Learning about the |
| hand in hand. One without the others is quite futile. | | | | meaning of the universe and the unfolding of the |
| Most of us seem to get carried away by shortcut | | | | consciousness and moving on to discovering the |
| methods, and simply follow some basic exercises | | | | various stages on the human mind, are the first |
| while completely ignoring the holistic advantages | | | | few basics that are crucial to the understanding of |
| of the system. | | | | spiritual Yoga. Knowing about the science of Yoga |
| The human body is complexly linked to the soul | | | | as well as its practice, will help in reaping the |
| and it is imperative to fully understand the | | | | benefits of Yoga in a holistic manner, rather than |
| benefits of spiritual Yoga, by learning both Yoga | | | | simply tasting a small bit. The various asanas are |
| exercises and Yoga meditation in sync with each | | | | of course of primary concern but the advanced |
| other. Unless the body and soul are both worked | | | | stages involving the mental capacities are also as |
| upon simultaneously via Yoga and meditation, it is | | | | crucial as the basic steps of pure Yoga. |