...As you read through these sections, please bear in mind that there is absolutely no attempt here, directly or indirectly (or in any other way possible!) to endorse or promote any religious view. This is because the view of this book is same view that is held by the world’s foremost authorities on yoga: that it is not a religion. It does not have a dogma...

...Yoga can seem like a complicated concept; or, at the very least, a dizzying array of physical manipulations that turn seemingly happy-looking human beings into happy looking human pretzels. Or even more disconcerting, as we have alluded to in the Introduction, a stereotype does exist in places where the term yoga is synonymous with cult, or some kind of archaic spiritual belief that compels one to quit their job, sell their house, and go live in the middle of nowhere...

...Yoga does not see a distinction between the body and the mind; and this is an understanding that western psychology has also concluded for many years now (the link between mental health and physical health, and vice versa). If you’ve come to this book looking to understand yoga as a means to help your body heal or improve, then please don’t worry; you’ve come to the right place! Yoga is indeed a process that involves releasing blocked tension and energy in the body, and helping make the muscles, tendons, joints, ligaments, and all other components work to their utmost potential...

...By harmonizing these three principles, the benefits of yoga are attained. And just what are these benefits?
These benefits include:

• equilibrium in the body’s central nervous system
• decrease in pulse
• respiratory and blood pressure rates
• cardiovascular efficiency
• gastrointestinal system stabilization
• increased breath-holding time
• improved dexterity skills.
• Improved balance...

...When an individual decides to be happy, something within that person activates; a kind of will or awareness emerges. This awareness begins to observe the jungle of negative thoughts that are swimming constantly through the mind. Rather than attacking each of these thoughts – because that would be an unending struggle! – yoga simply advises the individual to watch that struggle; and through that watching, the stress will diminish (because it becomes exposed and thus unfed by the unconscious, unobserving mind!)...