Yoga is a generic term for the physical, mental, and spiritual practices or disciplines which originated in Ancient India with a view to attain a state of permanent peace. Yoga is a Sanskrit word meaning "union" and is defined as "union with the divine". The term "yoga" first appears in the Hindu scripture Taittiriya Upanishad. The Kasha Upanishad defines yoga as the steady control of the senses, which along with cessation of mental activity, leads to the supreme state. The concept of yoga as "union with God" forms the basis of the philosophy expounded in the Bhagavad Gita. The Bhagavad Gita describes five types of yoga: yoga of action, yoga of renunciation, yoga of meditation, yoga of knowledge and yoga of devotional service. The text Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali defines yoga as "the stilling of the changing states of the mind". Various traditions of yoga are found in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.

Indian monks, beginning with Swami Vivekananda, brought yoga to the West in the late 19th century. In the 1980s, yoga became popular as a system of physical exercise across the Western world. This form of yoga is often called Hatha Yoga. Many studies have tried to determine the effectiveness of yoga as a complementary intervention for cancer, schizophrenia, asthma and heart patients. In a national survey, long-term yoga practitioners in the United States reported musculo–skeletal and mental health improvements.

Hatha represents opposing energies: hot and cold (fire and water), male and female, positive and negative. Hatha Yoga attempts to balance mind and body via physical postures or "asanas", purification practices, controlled breathing, and the calming of the mind through relaxation and meditation. Asanas teach poise, balance and strength and are practiced to improve the body's physical health and clear the mind in preparation for meditation.

In the 20th century, Hatha Yoga, particularly asanas, became popular throughout the world as physical exercises, and is now colloquially called just Yoga.

The Ritual of Yoga can be Performed at any time, by anybody. In common times the profession of Yoga Instructor has been greatly taken on by many, creating jobs for the local communities. 

Whilst Yoga is not a traditional Catholic Ritual, it is still used by many Christian Followers. Yoga is a great way of finding the perfect balance of life and self. It helps to de-stress and cleanse of what is keeping us from moving strongly forward.