Yoga has eight steps for self-realization. Of these two are most important. These need to be mastered before heading towards the other six because without these the asanas will end up being just mere exercises to keep the body fit.

 The first two steps are called Yam and Niyam . These need to be followed internally for preparing oneself for the higher consciousness.

Read more here: » Yam and Niyam: Yoga For Self-Realisation

The sage Patanjali postulated an eight-fold system of spiritual yogic practice for achieving the divine goal. It comprises:

Yam - Controls, Niyam - Rules and regulations, Asan - Bodily Postures, Pranaayam - Breath Control Exercises, Pratyahaar - Sense control, Dharana - Concentration, Dhyaana - Meditation, Samadhi - Mergence

Read more here: » Patanjali Yoga: PatanjaliSystem Of Yoga

Practising yoga regularly imparts great benefits, which can be categorized under:

Basic spiritual benefits, Advanced spiritual benefits , Ultimate spiritual benefit, Discover your breath and Free your thoughts.

Read more here: » Yoga: Spiritual Benefits of Yoga

 In yoga, it is believed that when we seek permanent solutions to difficult and chronic problems then our actions should be holistic. Yoga helps us achieve a proper balance through monitoring our actions or deeds with our thoughts. This can be achieved by bringing a balance between our Achar and Vichaar , which are thoughts and deeds in conjunction with our Ahar and Vihar, i.e food and recreation.

Read more here: » Yoga: The importance of attitudes in yoga

Yog means union. Union with a supreme power which is the source of creation, perfection and destruction. Union with the supreme intellect and the guiding force behind the perfect mechanism of the universe. Yoga is merging oneself with this force that guides the human being to a state of total bliss. A human being is a small universe in itself. When the consciousness of this small universe unites with the energy prevailing in the vast canopy of the universe the union is complete and the light of wisdom starts flowing in the human body.

Read more here: » Yoga - Beyond The Body And Mind

 ÒMudraÓ simply means hand and finger postures. Like yogic body postures, it is also a discipline, to rejuvenate the body.

You must have seen the statues of Buddha, Jesus, Mahavir, and Shiva et al among many others, wherein the hands and fingers are shown curled in a specific posture.

Read more here: » Mudras: Understanding Mudras

 When you first begin to practice yoga, the mind, like a child runs in different directions. For a while you may be able to stabilise your mind but the thoughts invariably get scattered.

 It is at this stage that you have to exercise conscious control and practice the art of ÒpratyahaarÓ. There are some practitioners who can control and bring the mind quickly to focus without much effort due to an inner state of calmness.

Read more here: » Pratyahaar: The Beginning Stage of Yoga

While in recent years the word "yoga" has been heard more in gyms than in religious discourse, "yoga" in its original sense has little to do with exercise. "Yoga" comes from the Sanskrit verb yuj, to yoke or unite. The goal of yoga is to unite oneself with God; the practice of yoga is the path we take to accomplish this.

Read more here: » Yoga: The Meaning of Yoga

The term - yoga, for many, means physical postures, and that too twisted, impossible ones. But that is not what we are referring to as yoga.

Yoga means to be in perfect tune. Your body, mind, spirit and existence are in absolute harmony. When you fine-tune yourself to such a point where everything functions beautifully within you, the best of your abilities will just flow out of you.

Read more here: » Spiritual Energy: Unlock Your Energy With True Yoga

Some brilliant, very effective and simple mudras, which you can practice anytime and anywhere. Mudras is the art of hand posture and finger posture.

Read more here: » Mudras: Different Mudra postures

The Sanskrit word 'yoga' is derived from the root verb yuj, which means union. The supreme union of individual mind and cosmic mind is yoga. In his Yogasutras , Patanjali advocated the eight-fold path of astanga yoga . Its eight limbs are: yama (self-restraint), niyama (life-regulating moral rules and observances), asana (postures of bodily restfulness), pranayama (breath control), pratyahar (withdrawal of senses), dharana (fixing the mind on the Supreme), dhyana (absorption of self), and samadhi (liberation of the soul).

Read more here: » Patanjali Yoga Sutras: Supreme Union of Body, Mind, Soul with the Patanjali Yoga Sutras

Hatha yoga is the combination of ham and tham, representing the masculine and feminine aspects of our existence, and also the physical and mental force.

The ultimate aim of Hatha yoga is the union of Shiva and Shakti or the awakening of the kundalini , the hidden potential within us. There are many ways of doing Hatha yoga. Its practice begins with the purification of the physical body, the carrier of energy and the meridians or nadis.

Read more here: » Hatha yoga: Keep the Flame of Yoga Burning

What is meditation?

Meditation can be considered a technique, or practice. It usually involves concentrating on an object, such as a flower, a candle, a sound or word, or the breath. Over time, the number of random thoughts occuring diminishes. More importantly, your attachment to these thoughts, and your identification with them, progressively become less.

Read more here: » Meditation: What is meditation?

How is meditation different from relaxation, thinking, concentration or self-hypnosis?

Relaxation: Relaxation is a common by-product of meditationÉ Thinking: Thoughts generally consume energy in the process of their formationÉ Concentration: Meditation begins with concentration, but after an initial period of concentration.. Self-hypnosis: Self-hypnosis, like meditation, involves at least an initial period of concentration on an objectÉ

Read more here: » Meditation: How is meditation different from relaxation, thinking, concentration or self-hypnosis?

What are the different meditation techniques?

Meditation involves concentrating on something to take our attention beyond the random thought activity that is usually going on in our heads. This can involve a solid object or picture, a mantra, breath, or guided visualization.

Read more here: » Meditation: What are the different meditation techniques?

Which is the "right" meditation technique right for me?

There is no "right" meditation technique for everybody. Some techniques work better for certain people while other techniques work better for other people. The important thing is to find what works for you.

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What are the abc's of meditation?

There are a few recommended guidelines for meditation:

* It should be done every day, preferably at the same time

* It should preferably be done before a meal rather than after a meal

* A spot should be set aside for meditation, which should be a quiet place and used for nothing but meditation

* One should sit with the spine straight and vertical (a chair is ok to use)

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Is there any religious implication or affiliation with meditation?

Meditation has been and still is a central practice in eastern religions, for contacting "God" or one's higher Self. Christianity also has semblances of meditation, such as the biblical statement "The kingdom of heaven is within you".

Read more here: » Meditation: Is there any religious implication or affiliation with meditation?

Does meditation have any ethical implications?

In many traditions meditation practice is a means for reinforcing ethical qualities. In these traditions, calmness of mind, peacefulness and happiness are possible in meditation and in life generally only if they are accompanied by the observance of ethical norms of behaviour.

Read more here: » Meditation: Does meditation have any ethical implications?

What is the best time of day to meditate?

While meditation is beneficial at any time, most people who meditate agree that early morning is the best time to meditate. Part of the reason is that it is said that in early morning the hustle-and-bustle of the world has not yet begun and so it is easier to establish a meditative atmosphere. Having an early morning meditation also lets us carry some of the energy and peace of the meditation into our daily activities.

Read more here: » Meditation: What is the best time of day to meditate?