By Filomena Aversa

The word Yoga comes from the Sanskrit word 'yuj' meaning to yoke, join or unite.

It is a philosophical science of self - realization and transformation, independently guiding one into recognizing his fullest potential and purpose in life (Essence of spirit).

The origin of yoga pre-dates Indian Hindu and Buddhist religions and in that context, Yoga is not a religion.

In Yogic philosophy we have three bodies; the Physical, Subtle (astral) and Causal (spirit), which is the path to the integration of self or "self realization".

By acknowledging and integrating the individual aspects of ourselves from the physical, mental and emotional we can achieve a contented, balanced and above all useful life.

Traditionally the knowledge of yoga (investigation into the nature of the inner and outer realities of existence) was handed down orally from teacher (guru) to student.

There are however, six main Indian philosophical systems (Darshanas) or classical points of view that integrate ordinary perception with experiencing the essence or spirit of life's values.

The six systems are:

Yoga - union of individual consciousness with universal consciousness
Vedanta - knowledge of self, universe and God.
Sankhya - philosophical classification of the universe
Vaishesika - analysis and characterising of the universe
Nyaya - logic
Purva-Mimamsa - laws of formal religion
It was on Sri Patanjali Maharishi's "Yoga Sutras", that Yoga today has laid its foundation. An integrated and concise text based on the above philosophical systems, it was written over 2000 years ago.

At Malacchi Range Retreat guests readily make that intuitive connection between the inner and outer experience of just being in the 'now' and leave feeling refreshed, nurtured and inspired.