The word "Yoga" is derived from the root 'Yug' meaning 'joining together'. It is transformation of human consciousness into divine consciousness. It is a systematic process of accelerating the growth of human being from his animal level to normalcy then to super human level and ultimately divinity. It is a method of all round personality development : Physical - mental - intellectual - emotional as well as spiritual components of the Man.

    The word 'Yoga' is normally taken into a narrow sense of 'Yogasans' or yogic exercises which is but only the third of the eight stages of liberation viz.,Yam (conduct), Niyam Self discipline), Asan (exercises), Pranayam (breath restraint), Pratyahar ( ), Dharna ( ), Samadhi (liberation). There are four main paths to suit different kinds of temperament to attain the goal :

For the men of action : Karma yoga (actions, work, self sacrifice).
For the men of devotion : Bhakti yoga (worship, emotions)
For the mystic or philosopher : Jnana yoga (wisdom, uses intellect)
For the men of reason : Raj yoga (Patanjali Ashtang yoga)

We shall however, limit our reference to only yogic asans - the exercises prescribed to bestow a healthy, agile body and an alert mind, provided the laws of healthy living are respected in practice. These asans are useful, not only to revive the body, to strengthen the nervous system and regulate the glands, but also to cure physical and mental illness. A routine of exercises followed at Tapovan Ashram is as under :

• Sukshama yoga : Simple exercises to activate all parts of the body viz. head, eyes, ear, nose, throat, neck, shoulders, arms, hands, chest, stomach, hips, legs and foot.
• Surya Namaskar : Sun prayer composed of IO postures of exercises for the entire body.
• Exercises for stomach and digestion.
• Excercises for the spinal cord and back-ache.
• Exercises to regulate breathing and respiratory system (Pranayam)
• Yogasans prescribed for curing specific diseases.