Yoga

What is true Yoga?

"What is ‘Yoga’? There are many kinds of ‘Yoga’ in the world today. According to Patanjali Yoga sutras Yoga is defined as “Yogaha chitta vruttinirodhakaha” meaning Yoga is to have total control over one’s senses. Yoga means to have all the powers in a human under his control. Having total control is called as Yoga. Exercising control over what one hears is Yoga; control over smell is Yoga; controlling one’s speech is Yoga; control over one’s thoughts is Yoga- therefore Yoga is having control over the five senses."

Sri Sathya Sai Baba, Divine Discourse, 21 June, 1996

In His Divine Discourse (1993), Bhagawan Baba declared that Yoga is a must for anyone who wishes to maintain physical and mental health. He specifically outlined scientific research, as well as the work of Sage Patanjali, which proves that Yoga can protect the body from illness and ensure a balanced mind.

To practice Yoga, one requires neither finances nor extensive time, such is the practicality and accessibility of Yoga. As explained by Bhagawan, the Yogic principles of asana (posture) and pranayama (controlled breathing) belong to humanity, so that all may reap the myriad befit of this sacred and powerful practice.