[nandm]

Yoga means literally to yoke, to unite, to be whole. It comes from the ancient Indian language of Sanskrit. The Sanskrit word "yug" is the great-grandfather, so to speak, of the English word "yoke." Yoga's aim is to unite the body, mind, and spirit.

Every philosophy, every religion, and every therapy addresses the human need to feel whole. That's because when you feel whole, you feel happy, with everything finding its place---and its peace. This is where yoga comes in, harmonizing body, mind, and spirit.

A life that incorporates a practice of yoga is a healthy, happy, whole life, as modern as it is ancient. Even better, you don't have to believe anything in particular, or even give up on your own beliefs to practice it, because yoga is just between you and yourself. Yoga "yokes" all the separate parts of you into an integrated whole. This is why many people say that yoga makes them feel peaceful: You feel at peace when you are not conflicted, when your mind is not tugged in ten different directions, and when your body is relaxed.

You may experience what dedicated yoga practitioners confirm: That a peaceful calm seems to emanate from them and transform their relationships with others. When you practice yoga people will say, "You seem different somehow. I can't quite put my finger on it, but it's there." What they are sensing is your inner peace.