Patanjali, the father of yoga, in his “Yoga Sutra”, puts forth that yoga has eight limbs.

They are:

• Yama, • Niyama, • Asana, • Pranayama, • Pratyahara, • Dharana, • Dhyana and • Samadhi.

It starts with moral code of conduct and ends in salvation.

The basic course of yoga consists of simple postures which are performed under the guidance of an able teacher. Yoga includes physical exercises, breathing exercises, meditation, food habits, and lifestyle.

Yoga gives physical activity to all parts of the body, concentrating one at a time. For example, there are exercises specifically for eyes, neck, shoulder, stomach, intestines, kidney, legs, spinal cord and even blood circulation.

Yoga in its various forms is popular throughout the world. There are many styles and some of them are, Ashtanga Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Bikram Yoga, and Raja Yoga.

Performing different postures and exercises comes under Hatha Yoga; Raja Yoga leads the path of concentration and meditation. Through Kundalini Yoga, the energy is channelised for personal empowerment.

Yogic postures are derived from nature, animals and objects around us. There are postures resembling lotus, tree, mountain, peacock, cobra, camel, cat, bow, boat and even geometric patterns like the triangle.

The exercises are based on human physiology. Doing the exercise in alignment with the body and holding the posture for longer duration is essential for reaping better benefits.

Yoga is part of the main stream of studies in many universities. There are diploma as well as degree courses for yoga instruction. Physical fitness is a must for any good trainer of yoga.

A dedicated practitioner believes in the path of yoga and strongly advocates that “yoga can change the world”.