Yoga

Yoga meaning union in Sanskrit is a family of ancient religious practices that originated in India, where it remains a vibrant living habit and is seen as a means to enlightenment. Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga, and Raja Yoga are considered the four main yogas, but there are many other types. In other parts of the world where yoga is popular, notably the West, Yoga has become linked with the asanas of Hatha Yoga, which are popularly considered there as fitness exercises and also form the basis of an increasing business.
Yoga as a means to enlightenment is central to Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and has influenced other religious and spiritual practices throughout the world. Ancient Hindu texts establishing the basis for yoga include the Upanishads, Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, the Bhagavad Gita, the Hatha Yoga Pradipika and many others, which state the criteria of having successfully mastered a particular yoga technique.