Every human being is born with powers to make his life more meaningful and complete. His physical power fulfill his physical needs through action; his psychological power enables him to achieve the impossible in a civilised world and his moral (inborn) power helps him master the 'art of living' by inculcating good values. Unfortunately, this inborn power is the least utilised, leading to physical and psychological breakdowns.

Yoga, rooted in ancient history, helps to overcome these physical and mental diseases by generating cosmic powers. Yoga is usually associated with yogis; as a method used to high altitudes to attain peace. However, it has no relevance to any particular religion. It is a way of life to control the mind, body and soul. Yoga helps one to get in touch with reality by being in touch with the inner self. Yoga helps to achieve the elusive contentment, which no materialistic luxury of the modern world can bring, to strike a perfect balance between the mind and body and harmony between man and the universe through yogic kriyas, yogasanas, chitta shuddhir and yoga nidra. It relaxes the physical and psychological powers and recharges them for better performance. Yoga, as defined by Maharishi Patanjali, one of India's greatest sages, is a technique used to control thought waves in the mind. He calls it a way of life, beyond the consciousness of body, mind and intellect.

Yoga can be classified into Karma (selfless service), Bhakti (complete devotion to god), Jnana (uniting with God through meditation) and Raja (physical and mental control).

Raja Yoga, founded by Patanjali is also known as Astanga Yoga, refers to the eight limbs of Yoga. Each limb has relevance to the functioning of today's world. These limbs can be further classified as external (Bahiranga) and internal (Antaranga). The first five fall under the former category and the last three under the latter. All the eight limbs are timeless and relevant, regardless of age or time. Eight Limbs

Yama
(Social or ethical discipline or restraint) Yama, a symbol of social and ethical discipline, self-purification and abstinence, is one of the first great commandments transcending creed, country, age and time. It enables one speech, mind, body and emotions. 
It comprises of Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharya and Aparigraha, they are as follows:-

Do's and Don'ts and Benefits :-

Unlike the superficial and frivolous lifestyles, without any do's or don'ts, yoga imposes certain discipline with scientific justifications for a balanced and content life. Little wonder then that it is a global phenomenon even in this age and time.Regular practice of yoga helps in cultivating good eating, cleansing, sex and characteristic life to be human.

The kriyas and asanas cultivated through the ages enables to cure a variety of physical and mental disorders to lead a normal healthy life. One should remember that practicing yoga in the wrong manner can aggravate the negatives rather than positive changes in the body and mind. Therefore, it is advised that yoga should not be practiced without any professional guidance and knowledge. If you're physically unwell, do not practice yoga. Weak patients are warned against holding their breath (Kumbhaka) during pranayama. People suffering from serious problems like heart trouble, high or low blood pressure or any serious organic disease should also avoid postures, which may prove dangerous. Practice in the present of a medical or yoga expert. If there is profuse sweating during practice, do not wipe it with a towel, but rub the body with the palms. Avoid other physical exercises like gymnastics, weightlifting, jogging, tennis, swimming etc. after asanas and prayama for atleast 20 minutes after yoga. The sequence of yogic practices; Kriyas, Asanas, Pranayama, Chittashuddhi and Yoga Nidra should be maintained.

In attain peace of mind, yoga should be practiced in a quiet, secluded place, where fresh air envelops you for fresh breathing of the mind. It is recommended that you either practice early in the morning or evening on a relatively empty stomach.

Pratyahara
You are allowed the flexibility of practicing yoga four hours after a heavy meal and 20 minutes after a glass of juice or a cup of skimmed milk. After practice, meals after half-an-hour is optional. Avoid tea, coffee, smoking, alcohol, zarda, pan masala, sweets, fried food and spices as they activate chemical toxins, which are harmful and lead to stress and illness. Your diet should include raw food, salad and fruits. Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water everyday, irrespective of yogic practice. It helps in cleaning up the system. A time schedule should be idual capacity and to make it a regular practice. For instance, Pranayama can be started with a less duration initially and can be later increased gradually depending on one's capability to concentrate. Initially one may feel stiffness uscles but it will ease out after regular practice.

Physical comfort is as important as mental comfort while practicing yoga. Hence, clean, loose, free-flowing clothes; preferably cotton garments should be worn. In cold climates, a shirt or sweater can be worn. Jewellery and accessories should be avoided and

practice with bare-feet to ensure contact with the ground. As the body has to be stretched in all directions, yogic practice has to be done on a clean mat, rug, carpet or a blanket. You should be on ground and do not practice on sofas and beds. 

During Yogasana, one should breathe through nostrils and not through the mouth, except during Sheetali and Sheetakari Pranayama.

Although there is no direct co-relation between bathing and yoga, a shower before and after yogasana will help in refreshing the body and mind. Cleanliness only helps. Yoga should be started with a meditative posture, with a calm, tension-free mental state. The old saying,'Silience is Golden' is most relevant to yoga.

Yoga is not something, which can be practiced by merely watching TV or reading about it. Every action has significance in yoga, so it cannot be taken lightly. Beginners should follow instructions given by a tutor.

Pregnant woman should be extremely careful and should avoid Yogasanas, Kalbhati, Bhastrika and Suryabhedana during menstruation. Asanas could be practiced during pregnancy upto the first 80-90 days. Pranayama can be continued without Kumbhak throughout pregnancy, as it helps considerably during labor. 

The above instructions might sound tough to follow, but once it becomes a way of life then there is no stopping. Always remember that the benefits of yoga depend entirely on how much you want to gain from it. Your commitment, dedication and personal belief in yoga will help you in lead a balanced, healthy life. he results are astounding and the discipline you follow is worth the exercise.