The main objective of yoga is to help the practitioner cultivate an awareness of self and our connectedness to all things. It is about creating balance and calmness to live in peace, good health and harmony.
By practicing the step-by-step methods of Yoga we come to know our oneness with the Tao; the infinite wisdom, power, and joy which gives life to all and which is the essence of our own self.
Today's scientific investigation is rapidly changing the way we view ourselves and the world. The traditional, materialistic conception of life has vanished with the discovery
that matter and energy are essentially one: every existing substance can be reduced to a pattern or form of energy which interacts and interconnects with other forms. Some of today's most celebrated physicists go a step further, identifying consciousness as the fundamental ground of all being. Thus modern science is confirming the ancient principles of Yoga, which proclaim that unity pervades the universe.
The word yoga itself means "union": of the individual consciousness or soul with the Universal Consciousness or Spirit. Though many people think of yoga only as physical exercises — the asanas or postures that have gained widespread popularity in recent decades — these are actually only the most superficial aspect of this profound science.
There are eight branches that make up the full practice of Yoga.
Yama or Self Control - in Yoga it is taught to have control over oneself not only physically but morally as well. The main ideas behind having moral self control are to be non- violent or harmless to the world around you, to be truthful in your life, don't steal or be greedy.
Niyama (or the basic Rules of yoga) are to have cleanliness both outwardly in your physical appearance and inwardly in your mind. One's thoughts should be clean and calm. The practitioner should be content with themselves and their surroundings and they should remain unaffected by their surroundings. A yoga practitioner should become familiar with yourself and your thoughts through meditation and asanas or yoga poses.
Asanas - these are the actual yoga poses that are done in a sequence to improve strength, flexibility and coordination. These movements are designed to help each practitioner focus on themselves and gain a deeper understanding of their physical and mental limits.
Pranayama or breathing exercises are another tool in learning about your body, how it works and how it feels to breathe and relax.
Pratyahara or withdrawal of senses is a branch of yoga that is described as withdrawing one's self from that which nourishes the senses in order to know yourself better. It is an important lesson to know what you truly can and can't live without.
Dharana is to have unbending concentration. This can be achieved by doing the yoga poses and working to focus on nothing other than the feelings and sensations associated with doing asanas.
Samadhi or bringing it all together is learning how to apply these limbs of yoga to our everyday life.