When the word yoga is mentioned, most people immediately think of some physical practices for stretching and stress reduction. This is only a very small aspect of Yoga and a relatively recent development. The physical yoga was primarily designed to facilitate the real practice of Yoga, the understanding and complete mastery over the mind. Yoga is the science of the mind. It has also been described as as wisdom in work or skillful living amongst activities, harmony and moderation.

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The word yoga is derived from the Sanskrit root 'yui' meaning to bind or to unite. To unite the ego-self with the divine Self, the infinite Spirit.

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Yoga is one of the six orthodox systems of Indian philosophy. It was collated, co-ordinated and systemised by Patanjali in his classical work, the Yoga Sutras. 

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The Sutras provide a window into the past traditions of yoga, they teach us about ourselves, our actions and our roles in life. They are a tool to help us see clearly, and understand our own nature, not just for ourselves but also how we function as human beings in relation to the world around us.