Yoga is one of the world\’s most ancient arts. It originated in India nearly five thousand years ago and has since developed to become a systematic means by which practitioners can become healthier. Not only this, it has long had spiritual and moral aspects as well. It is the most visible export of Indian culture found outside the subcontinent. A good yoga teacher can earn a reasonable living doing something they enjoy.

The variety found within this tradition may seem vast. In this it mimics the Hindu religion from which it developed. The Hindu religion contains a vast pantheon of gods and goddesses, minor deities, local spirits of tree, rock and river. To the outsider it can seem very confusing and mixed up. Many writers from within the tradition say that all of these small gods in all their immense variety are merely aspects of one true god, or life force. It is frequently this that yoga draws upon.

The Hindu pantheon may seem strange and complicated to people who were not raised in this particular tradition. Some of the stories associated with it may appear to be fantastic and curious, but they offer a variety of messages and meanings. Some teachers will share these with the class and others prefer not to.

It today is practiced by people who have little or no knowledge of the Hindu religion or philosophy. It is practiced across the globe by thousands if not millions of people. Classes are run in even the smallest of places, and people from all backgrounds benefit from it. They may themselves have a variety of different religious backgrounds. Some classes are run by organisations which have their roots in different Indian philosophical traditions. Others will be offered by individual teachers, all of whom will have different interests and backgrounds.

People come to the practice for a variety of reasons. For some it might be about improving posture and flexibility. Many of these exercises enable people to do this. They also assist with breathing. It can also improve general health as well. Some schools of yoga are much more physically demanding than others.

One lesser known benefit is that of concentration. The practices contained in the variety of yogic disciplines all require the development of greater concentration. It can assist people in becoming more single minded. This can help with thought processes. It can enable people to become more effective in the workplace. They may report feeling calmer and better able to cope with the many ups and downs that life throws at them.

This is one reason so many people in the public eye have been drawn towards yoga. These have included pop stars, movie stars and even politicians have advocated it and its benefits. These people have again increased the popularity of the practice. They are often advocates for particular schools of yoga which then experience a sudden increase in interest. It really started to enter the public consciousness in the western world during the 1960s when a number of high profile people in the celebrity world championed it and its benefits.

There is no shortage of classes in different varieties of this ever discipline. Finding a yoga teacher locally should not be a difficult task.

Author Bio: Offering the best in yoga in Victoria BC and Victoria pilates training. British Colombia\’s school of teacher training is your stop for spiritual and physical practices.

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: wellness,fitness,exercise,lifestyle,culture,society,yoga,pilates,training