Although the true meaning of the word "Yoga" is complex, and has seemingly endless branches and interpretations, the literal translation from the Sanskrit word (one of the world's oldest, most beautiful and enduring languages) means "union" or "to yoke". When we refer to Yoga facilitating the union of mind, body and SPIRIT, we are literally referring to yoking or joining them in a mindful or conscious way. It's the fundamental goal of Yoga, whether it's specifically defined that way or not. Originating from India over 5,000 years ago, it was essentially HANDED down from generation to generation through oral tradition. It wasn't until around 200 B.C. that the Indian sage Patanjali compiled the teachings into what's known as the "Yoga Sutras of Patanjali". The Yoga Sutras are the basis of today's yoga philosophy and also provide practical instructions on how to achieve the benefits of yoga. The benefits and praises of yoga were also eloquently illustrated in about 500 B.C. by the sage, Vyasa, who wrote the famous Bhagavad Gita. These two great literary works provide us with the first and most significant written definitions of Yoga.The Yoga Sutras describe the eight-fold (or eight-limbed) path to enlightenment or a purposeful LIFE. All wording in Yoga is in Sanskrit. The eight limbs are:1st The Yamas - ethical standards or behavior patterns, describing how we should live our lives. They include: Ahimsa (non-violence "do no harm"), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (self-restraint) and Aparigraha (non-covetousness).2nd The Niyamas - an attitude that we adopt toward ourselves regarding self-discipline. Guidelines for good, clean and healthy living. They are: Saucha (cleanliness), Samtosha (modesty, contentment), Tapas (heat/cleansing the body…keeping it fit/healthy), Svadhyaya (self-inquiry) and Isvara pranidhana (surrender to God).3rd Asanas - the physical postures we practice in yoga. The body is thought to be a temple of the spirit, and as such, we should take care of it as an essential stage of our growth spiritually. As we develop a habit of disciplined practice of the Asanas (postures), we detoxify and purify, and increase our ability to concentrate and meditate.4th Pranayama - breath control or "life force extension". Numerous breathing exercises are practiced to move this energy (prana) within us and rejuvenate the body, even possibly extending our lives.5th Pratyahara - the withdrawal of the senses, directing ATTENTION inward…which provides a unique OPPORTUNITY to look at ourselves realistically. Observing cravings and habits, and thus freeing ourselves from negative traits. Closing the eyes facilitates this inward journey.6th Dharana - concentration of the mind with a directed mental stream of energy and mental focus, focusing on a single thing or a sound. This precedes Dhyana.7th Dhyana - Meditation or contemplation. Completely uninterrupted flow of concentration with a quiet or "still" mind.8th Samadhi - superconsciousness or a state of continual bliss or ecstasy. A "peace that passeth all understanding". Enlightenment. Yoga has been popularized in the West due to its mysteriously beneficial effects to those who practice it with dedication. Once a "practitioner" (someone who engages in the regular "practice" of yoga) becomes devoted, they consider yoga an incredible gift in their life that they wouldn't want to be without. Yoga is not a religion, although most yoga practitioners find that it enhances and deepens their own religious or spiritual beliefs (whatever they might be) in often profound ways. "Hatha" Yoga is translated from Sanskrit as "sun" (heating postures) and "moon" (cooling postures), and refers to the physical yoga…the "exercise" of the physical postures…yoga of the body. Any yoga where you practice the physical postures is Hatha Yoga, no matter what style it is. There are so many different styles and branches, that we couldn't mention them all here!