Yoga is union with Universal Consciousness. Yoga also refers to the dedicated practice (yoga sadhana) leading to the realized Oneness with this Universal Consciousness. Therefore, yoga is both the path and the destination at the same time. The destination is always present in the path, and visa versa. Yoga sadhana done regularly, with proper guidance and right effort, therefore not only helps one to maintain a healthy body, a high level of energy, and a quiet and contented mind, but also has the potential of awakening one to the truth of their Self, and to their inherent Oneness with all things.

Yoga is not a religion or creed, and thus, is not opposed or contradictory to any one religion. To be a yogi is to live in full-awareness of the Divine Spirit pervading all of life. It is a celebration of the Divine, knowing that the Divine is non-other than your true Self.

Sanskrit Chants

8 Limbs of Raja Yoga

Recommended Reading:
- “The Bhagavad Gita,” translated by Eknath Easwaran.
- “The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali,” translated by Swami Satchidananda.
- “Light on Yoga,” by B.K.S. Iyengar.

"The aspirant who is seeking the Lord
Must free himself from selfish attachments
To people, money, and possessions.
When his mind sheds every selfish desire,
He becomes free from the duality
Of pleasure and pain and rules his senses.
No more is he capable of ill will;
No more is he subject to elation,
For his senses come to rest in the Self.
Entering into the unitive state,
He attains the goal of evolution.
Truly he attains the goal of evolution."

Om Shanti Shanti Shanti

~ From the Paramahamsa Upanishad~