Holistic Junction  

A Sanskrit term, Yoga is a combination of mental and physical disciplines that finds its roots in India; and is related to Buddhist and Hindu meditation practices that are centuries upon centuries old -- dating back to as early as 3300 BC. But this mind-body-spirit practice is not just an exercise, it's a way of life that is based on Hindu philosophy.

While Yoga is facilitated to improve physical health, it is practiced more so to gain a sense of clarity and to experience higher states of consciousness. Like some Eastern practices, there are specific names such as "Sensei" that refer to Japanese professionals; this is true in the case of Yoga, where experienced practitioners of Yoga are referred to as a "Yogi." But you don't have to be a Yogi to learn this fascinating way of life.

Philosophically speaking, (more specifically, Indian philosophy) Yoga is a term that is used to describe one of the six schools of philosophy (or thought). The system of Yoga was developed to promote a "mind over matter" sense, but throughout time, this practice demonstrated its ability to help in other ways, too. In Ashtanga Yoga, there are "Eight Limbs" or eight concepts that are the basic traits of the practice. They are: Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Paryahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi. The first concept, Yama includes the five abstentions, which are the practice of non-covetousness, non-lying, non-possessiveness, non-sensuality, and non-violence. (A close depiction of the this form of Yoga is probably best demonstrated by the Buddhist people in the film, "Seven Years in Tibet," starring Brad Pitt. ) 

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