What is Yoga? Many times, Yoga is explained away as a Sanskrit word which means, union. In fact, Yoga means many things to many people. Yoga has been called a Hindu discipline, an exercise, a science of life, a self-improvement system, a gateway to God, and many more explanations.

There are some who will argue that Yoga is all of these things or none of these things. Is Yoga good or evil? If you look at the foundation of Yoga, it is Yama and Niyama. There is no evil in moral codes of conduct or moral observances.

Yet, someone will inevitably claim there is something evil in Yoga. Is training the mind for spiritual insight, growth, and tranquility, evil? Yoga is difficult to define. If Yoga falls into a category, which cannot be defined, then it is suspected by the "narrow minded" as a vehicle to undermine religions.

We know that Yoga will improve mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health. As a result, Yoga practitioners will enhance their physical and mental wellbeing. Yoga teaches us many things. Within Yama and Niyama, one is taught to love his or her enemies, to find peaceful resolutions, to seek purity, to enjoy solitary moments, and to embrace self-denial.

It is worth noting, that every major religion, also shares these universal beliefs. Humankind suffers from limited thinking. Instead of cherishing cultural diversity, humans are too busy arguing about their differences. Yoga offers everyone, of every religion, a chance to see the good in each other.

?Copyright 2009 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications