"Yoga helps us to take the right attitude towards our problems and thus tackle them in an effective manner... Through the dedicated practice of Yoga as a 'Way of Life', we can become truly balanced 'humane' Beings..." - Yogacharya Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, Integral Psychology of Yoga -
It's true that when most people think of Yoga today, they think mainly about a class of stretches and physical exercises. Indeed, this is an aspect of Yoga, but in actuality, only a very small part of it. As a complete "Science for Living", Yoga presents us with a well-trodden path to explore the deeper dimensions of life, to uncover our "unknown Self", and to gain a clear understanding of the world around us. It provides us with guidance, along with a comprehensive scope of tools for gaining wisdom, health, balance, fulfillment and wellbeing in life.
As Epietetus said in 60 A.D.; "men are not disturbed by things, but by the views they take of them". This sentiment was echoed by the great Pujya Swamiji Gitananda Giri, who used to tell his students: "You don't have a problem. You are the problem!" Thus, Yoga helps us to break free from the shackles of ignorance - from our habits and conditionings - and to discover the true roots of disharmony, unhappiness and frustrations in our lives.
Yoga brings health to the body. It harmonizes the emotions. It brings peace to the mind. Yoga, as a "Way of Life", helps us to reduce the levels of physical, mental and emotional stress. It creates harmony and combats disease. Yoga grants wisdom and understanding. It brings joy, contentment, and fulfillment in life. In short, Yoga offers us a holistic, nurturing and evolutionary Way of Life!
As Swami Gitananda pointed out, through the practice of Yoga one becomes better at whatever one is: a better Christian, a better Muslim, a better Buddhist, a better Jew, or a better Hindu. One becomes a better father, a better mother, a better husband, a better wife, a better teacher, a better student, a better employer, a better engineer, a better doctor, a better friend, a better person ... a better Human Being!
