"Those who have studied Yoga will attest that this 'Science of sciences' is too comprehensive in its nature and too profound in its scope of teachings to be fitted into the framework of any particular philosophy, religion or belief, ancient or modern." - I.K. Taimni, The Science of Yoga -
Yoga is a familiar word to just about everyone now-a-days. It can conjure up images of a mysterious Sage meditating in a far-off cave in the remote Himalayan Mountains. But now-a-days it just as easily brings up images of young, flexible people in a hip studio in Los Angeles, clad in fashionable "stretch-wear", being guided through a mind-body-soul bending routine.
In modern times, the word "Yoga" has been attached to a variety of things, from the magical practices of mysterious men from an ancient and far off land, to heart-pumping, bone-twisting gymnastics for crafting a lean and sculpted physique. It is used in marketing campaigns throughout nearly every commercial industry, promoting an often bizarre spectrum of consumer messages that leave the average person wondering;"What is Yoga, really?"
Yoga has been called a form of exercise. Others profess it as the supreme philosophy or the definitive psychology. Some even see it as a religion. But for anyone who has even begun to truly investigate Yoga, one thing is for certain - Yoga is much more than a just system of stretches, exercises and relaxation techniques. Under the surface, Yoga is as vast as the Universe itself, and coming to know it is no small endeavour.
In simple words, Yoga is a fantastic system for physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. It is a philosophy of the highest profundity; a psychology for understanding ourselves to the deepest possible degree. Moreover, the practice of Yoga is an exploration of ourselves on every level, the physical, the mental, the emotional and the highest spiritual plane.
In the broadest sense, Yoga is a "Way of Life". It teaches us how to proceed in life with wisdom, awareness, and true understanding. It offers us the tools and the guidance to craft health on every level, and gives us the ability to live happily and in harmony with our natural environment, as well as with all of our fellow Beings.
But for the one who has the loftiest of goals, Yoga goes even further, revealing itself as the ultimate authority for uncovering the deepest mysteries of Life itself. Yoga, in its highest aspect, is the "guidebook" to the ultimate transcendental state of Self-realization.
