The word 'Yoga' originates from
the root 'Yuj samadhao' that means 'Union with the Supreme Being'. That
is, to obtain union with the God that leads to liberation from the sufferings
and enjoy lasting happiness in presence of the God.
Yoga, through its postures, encourages you to cease the activities of the mind. It is a state of detachment from the material world and getting in touch with your higher self to allow you to balance your own spirituality with the material trappings of life. It allows you to stretch your physical body in a way which promotes better health and development of the mind and soul. For information on the effects on your physical body see here.
Raja Yoga has eight key steps that involve the progression from living a troubled life, to exercising your body, increasing your heath, allowing you to know yourself, moving along the path to self-actualisation and union with God. You can take from yoga what serves you best. It has been developed over an illustrious history, for you to put in and take out as much as you can devote. Yoga can mean for you anything from relief from stress, ease of painful symptoms, increase of self-esteem all the way through to total dedication to God.
Bhagwad Gita said "Yogastha Kuru Karmani", which means "Whatever task we undertake, we should put all our energy, efforts, senses and mind to fulfil that particular task is called Yoga. It means to concentrate only on one job at a time till it finishes".
Which certainly increases your
productivity. The time you invest is so focused, it provides a great return
on your efforts. The aim is to strike the right balance between material
gain and spiritual practice, to live a comfortable life with happiness,
achievement and without stress, pain and worry.
