Purpose of Yoga - Although different schools have many theories about the purpose of yoga and asanas and what they believe in - there is one common aspect that we can see in all the forms of yoga that we get now. Yoga is believed to be a way of union of the "atma" (human soul) with the "paramatma" (divine power). Yoga is believed to calm our mind and soul, free our body from toxins and reduce the degeneration of cells. In short it purifies our system and calms our mind from stress.
Yoga Sutras - Although the theory and practice of yoga existed since ancient times, it is Maharishi Patanjali who is credited with bringing the various forms of yoga into a systematic practice. He wrote the famous Yoga Sutras which are still followed today and are considered the highest form of knowledge of yoga. According to the Yoga Sutras of Maharishi Patanjali, there are eight stages of yoga and one needs to master this art one by one to achieve the highest goal of yoga. These eight steps of yoga are - "Yama" or restraint, "Niyama" or observance, "Asana" or exercise, "Pranayama" or breath control, "Partihara" or withdrawal of the senses, "Dharana" or concentration, "Dhyana" Or meditation and the highest form is "Samadhi" which is attaining super conscious state of mind.
Forms of Yoga - As already stated that according to the Yoga Sutras there are eight stages of yoga. But today there are mainly two forms of yoga practice – one is Asana and the other is Pranayama. While asanas are various yoga postures that are practiced to achieve good health and cure diseases, pranayama is basically the control of the breath. It is a form of meditation and breath control that frees the body from toxins and frees our mind from stress. Yoga for beginners should start with asanas and as they become accustomed to asanas and breathing techniques and gather a comprehensive knowledge of yoga, they should gradually start doing pranayama.
Benefits of Yoga- The benefits of yoga are many. You get better health, better immunity, peace of mind and longer life. Basically regular practice of yoga purifies your system and relaxes your mind which removes most of the health problems we face in today's stressful life. It is no wonder that everyone - from Hollywood celebrities to corporate heads - is practicing yoga for good health and a healthy mind.