The simple meaning of Yoga is union. To add one number to another is called union in Mathematics. We want to unite ourselves with another through Yoga. For example we may say that we want to unite ourselves with our mothers or fathers or brothers and sisters, uncles, husbands, wives or with anybody. Still further, we can unite ourselves with God who is dwelling in our heart. The simple meaning of Yoga is to unite, add, meet etc. It is said that the science of Yoga was started by Lord Shanker. From time immemorial, many Rishis, great Sadhus, Saints and Yogis propounded the subject of Yoga or propagated it. The original book on Yoga philosophy is the
Yoga Sutra of Patanjali. Controlling our mental processes has been called Yoga. According to Patanjali Yoga has eight Angas:
Yam (Rules of conduct), Niyam (Vows), Asan (Postures), Pranayam (Control of breath), Pratyahar (withdrawal of senses), Dharana (concentration), Dhyan (Meditation) and Samadhi (tranquility). To remain free of disease in life or to be able to fight the diseases, we have to think seriously about these four Angas namely:
Yam, Niyam, Asan and Pranayam; and we have to think about them deeply and practise them.