Yoga is NOT just a physical practice

It all started thousands years ago. The ancient Hindus believed that the key for a good health, strength and happiness is to have a clear consciousness.
The tendency of human is to be distracted by the movements of the Ego, Intelligence and Mind. These three are the components of the consciousness. Their fluctuations prevent it from being pure and can cause to mental and physical diseases.

In order to fulfilled their purpose , the ancients have explored ways to quietening these disturbances. They called this path Yoga.
"Yoga Citta Vrtti Nirodhah" yoga is the cession of the fluctuation of the consciousness.the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali

Yoga was already mentioned in ancient scriptures dating back to around 5000 BCE.But Patanjali (lived around 200 A.D.) was the first one to create a manual scripture that is all about how to practice yoga: "The Yoga Sutras".
It is written as a teaching text in a very simple and presice way. No stories and sagas. No criticism or comparison. Just universal application and recommendations.

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali was written in Sanskrit language and has been commented and translated during the centuries by hundreds of yogis, philosophers and yoga teachers.

My two favourite translations to the Yoga Sutras are:
1. Light on the yoga sutras of Patanjali by B.K.S Iyengar.
I love the creative explanations and the clear tables and diagrams.
This translation is a beginners-friendly.
2. The yoga sutas of Patanjali by Edwin F Bryant
I enjoy the huge knowledge of other commentators opinions and the history of yoga.