The Science of Yoga is one of several unique contributions of India to the world. It seeks to discover and realize the ultimate Reality through yogic practices. Acharya Patanjali, the founder, hailed from the district of Gonda (Ganara) in Uttar Pradesh. He was a pupil of Maharshi Panini (Great Grammarian and Father of Computer Programming).
He prescribed the control of prana (life breath) as the means to control the body, mind and soul. This subsequently rewards one with good health and inner happiness. Acharya Patanjali’s 84 yogic postures effectively enhance the efficiency of the respiratory, circulatory, nervous, digestive and endocrine systems and many other organs of the body.
Yoga has eight limbs where Acharya Patanjali shows the attainment of the ultimate bliss of God in samadhi through the disciplines of: yam, niyam, asan, pranayam, pratyahar, dhyan and dharna.
The Science of Yoga has gained popularity because of its scientific approach and benefits. Yoga also holds the honored place as one of six philosophies in the Indian philosophical system. Acharya Patanjali will forever be remembered and revered as a pioneer in the science of self-discipline, happiness and self-realization.
योगेन चित्तस्य पदेन वाचां मलं शारीरस्य च वैद्यकेन ।
योऽपाकरोत्तं प्रवरं मुनीनां पर जलिं प्रा जलिरानतोऽस्मि ।।
अर्थात् चित्त-शुद्धि के लिए योगसूत्र, वाणी-शुद्धि के लिए व्याकरण (महाभाष्य) और शरीर-शुद्धि के लिए वैद्यशास्त्र देनेवाले मुनिश्रेष्ठ पातंजलि को प्रणाम !
I bow with my hands together to the eminent sage Patañjali, who removed the impurities of the mind through yoga, of speech through grammar, and of the body through medicine.
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