YOGA

yoga - the real meaning of yoga is `joining' - is to connect the individual self (Jiva) with the absolute or pure consciousness (Brahma).
according to yogic philosophy the human body and mind are element of the illusory world of matter, with a limited time span, while the soul /spirit is endless and passes onto next world when this body destroy. Thus, central to yogic theory are the concepts of Karma (cause- effect relationships) and Reincarnation.

Yoga is mention as a almighty science of life, revealed to enlightened sages in meditation. First textual mention in the Vedas was established by oldest archeological sign of seals from the Indus Valley dating back to around 3000 B.C. The Upanishads that ensued the Vedas arrange the main foundation of Vedanta philosophy (that espouses the idea of an absolute consciousness called Brahma) and yoga teachings.
In Sanskrit, the word 'yoga' means 'union'. A yogi's ultimate objective is to be able to attain this 'union' with the Eternal Self with the help of certain mental and physical exercises. Hiranyagarbha (The Cosmic Womb) Himself had initially recommended the traditional system of yoga, from which all different yoga schools have developed. But for all existing information of yoga and its practices, such as yogasanas and pranayama, the entire credit goes to Maharishi Patanjali.