Glossary-Y

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Yin and Yang - According to traditional Chinese philosophy, yin and yang are the two primal cosmic principles of the universe. Yin (Mandarin for moon) is the passive, female principle. Yang (Mandarin for sun) is the active, masculine principle. According to legend, the Chinese emperor Fu Hsi claimed that the best state for everything in the universe is a state of harmony represented by a balance of yin and yang.

Yoga - The word yoga denotes a concept of discipline leading to union. The body and the mind form a continuum of consciousness and life that, in achieving a state of focus and clarity, may unite with the Universal Spirit. Of two general yoga forms one concentrates on posture and alignment and another on mental control and a consciousness differing from waking, sleeping or dreaming. Each method utilizes stretching postures, breathing and meditation techniques to calm the mind and emotions and tone the body. This integration may create an internal atmosphere of peacefulness and integration and bring the individual from a state of separation and divisiveness to a unity of self that is flexible accepting affirming and whole.

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