What is Yoga?

The word yoga comes from the root word ‘yuj’ in Sanskrit, the language of ancient India. It means union, integration, or wholeness. 

It is an approach to health and wellbeing that promotes the harmonious collaboration of the human being's three components: body, mind, and spirit through the eight limbs of yoga as described in the Patanjali Yoga Sutras. These 8 limbs are: Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, Samadhi. 

Read more about Yama and Niyama—yoga’s guide on social and personal ethics—to find out how practicing them in your daily life can transform you and your yoga practice.

Asana or yoga pose is simply an expression of mind-body integration. It is believed that there are more than 84,000 yoga postures. Browse our detailed yoga poses catalog that gives information, instructions, and benefits of more than 50 most popular postures along with their English and Sanskrit names and also sequences like subtle yoga (sukshma vyayam) and sun salutation. 

Pranayama is derived from two Sanskrit words - Prana (life force) and Ayama (control). Therefore, in its broadest description, pranayama would mean the regulation, correction, and balance of the flow of life force; the science of breathing. Breath is the gross expression of life force energy. In recent years, the term breathwork has been coined to describe breathing techniques. Browse our full beginner’s guide on pranayama and give a try to some simple ones today. Beyond pranayama, learn the Art of Living’s signature breathwork—Sudarshan Kriya—at the SKY Breath Meditation course.

Meditation—an ancient tool primarily for relaxing the mind and finding enlightenment— has become the buzz word in modern times because of its manyfold benefits. Everyone seems to be interested in it. Enjoy our simple guide with 27 basic tips to get started with your meditation practice, find your zen soon! Learn a simple and effortless meditation—Sahaj Samadhi®—with a trained meditation instructor.

Patanjali Yoga Sutra and Bhawad Gita are two of the topmost original scriptures on yoga among many more.

For the yoga enthuse, the Art of Living offers Sri Sri Yoga Foundation Program, Sri Sri Yoga Deep Dive Retreat and 200 HR Teacher Training Program.