Word Yoga comes from Sanskrit word "Yuj" that means "to unite". It is hard to say when this science is discovered. It is considered to be old at least 10 thousand years, when in deep meditation the ancient wise men (rishis) had insights of how man can live more healthier and balanced life, and how to reach self realization. As this knowledge was transmit to their disciples orally it is not possible to determinate the origin. Later on all that knowledge had been written in the form of shastras (secret books) of which some are still preserved.

Yoga is very practical philosophy, and as an exact science it is based on fixed natural laws. It is well known to people in all countries that have an interest in self development, and had always talked about it with respect because it contains a master key that unlocks the inner areas of profound peace. Even philosophers from the West find comfort and peace in this sciences. The founder of philosophy of yoga, Maharishi Patanjali, was not only a philosopher and yogi, but the physician also. It is said that he lived 300 years before Christ.

Primarly, yoga is a way of life, and it is not something that is separate from life, it is not abandonment of the action, rather the more effective action in the right spirit. Yoga is not running away from the life, this practice brings wiser and healthier attitude towards life. Yoga practice is not confronting with any religion, nor anybody˙s sincere faith. Yoga is not religion, but help in practicing of basic spiritual truth of all religions. Yoga is a universal discipline that belongs to everyone.

Practice of Yoga allows control of the mind and its modifications, gives the feeling of integrity and fulfillment, awakens a sense of belongingness and the ability of active acceptance, responsibility and desire to help others. All human values are emerging. It is said that all that keeps you from your real nature is just stress, whether physical, emotional or mental. When the stress is eliminated with the practice of Yoga, the only thing that remains is a deep feeling of peace, stability, and contentment. Yoga is not here to give you something, it only removes all the negativities and what is left is real You. Thereby human relations and communications are improved.                                                                  

The following descriptions refer to the six basic paths of yoga. Every path has its different branches and styles.

Jnana yoga:

It indicates the path of wisdom and it is suitable for people with intellectual temperament. Practitioner wants to find unity through knowledge. Ignorance is a barrier on the path of Yoga. The basic methods of practicing of this type of yoga are learning and meditation.

Bhakti yoga:

This is the path of commitment and will respond to those who are inclined to prayer. The sense of this Yoga is in devotion of higher ideals or goals.

Karma yoga:

Karma yoga is the path in which a practitioner has devoted his life to unselfish action. Is not so important the size of the work, but motive of action. Therefore, for the one who makes it out of love it is said that he practice karma yoga, as opposed to the person who is guided only by desire to be awarded.

Mantra yoga:

This is the path of sound vibrations, where self realization is achived by repeating certain words or phrases, loud or mentally, which are called mantras.

Raja yoga:

Raja means "royal." It is a path of eight steps which leads to self realization. It is also called Ashtanga yoga.

Hatha yoga:

This is the path of body control and it is considered to be preparation for higher stages of Raja Yoga. It is said that the real purpose of Hatha Yoga is Raja yoga. It is also said that there is no Raja yoga without Hatha yoga (Hatha yoga pradipika - one of the greatest yogic texts). Hatha yoga is a type of Yoga that is most practiced in the west. Namely, when the westerners say yoga, usually they think of Hatha yoga. Hatha yoga prepares us for meditation and contemplation, and therefore includes physical positions - asanas, breathing exercises - pranayamas and purification procesess - Shat karmas or yogic kriyas.

Benefits of yoga practice by Swami Shivananda:

Today's life is full of stress and tensions, frustrations and nerve iritabilities, passion, and rush. If  man could apply only a few elementary yogic principles he would be much better equipped to handle a complex existence. Yoga brings perfection, peace and long-term happiness. It is possible to have peace of mind at all times with a practice of yoga. It is possible to have a peaceful sleep. It is possible to have an increased energy level, strength, vitality, longevity and high level of health. It is possible to be successful in every sphere of life. Yoga gives new strength, confidence and ability to rely on yourself. The body and mind will be friends. Yoga gives us the control of emotions and improves power of concentration. Yoga leads from ignorance to wisdom, from weakness to strength, from disharmony to harmony, from hatred to love, from limits to freedom, from diversity to unity, and from imperfections of perfection. Through the discipline of Yoga, mind, body and organ of speech work together in harmony. For Yoga practitioner, a new looks; new health, new awareness and a new view of the world comes and transforms the life. Any effort to the direction of Yoga is never in vain.