This article first appeared in the Frontiersman All people wish to be happy, healthy and at peace with themselves and others. The quest for happiness takes many forms, but unless we are at peace within, nothing external will ever truly make us happy.   Yoga , which dates back 5,000 years , has a formula for happiness which has withstood the test of time.   In this article I will share an over view of the Yoga Sutras, or the " Eight Limbs of Yoga " as written by Patanjali around 200 AD. The practice of Yoga, which means " union " of the body , mind and spirit is not a religion, but is considered a science and an art form.   Many people of all faiths are drawn to yoga for its many health benefits . These include, but are not limited to ; physical healing, strengthening, stretching and relaxing the skeletal, muscular, digestive, cardio-vascular, glandular and nervous systems.   When the body is relaxed, and the mind is still, meaningful happiness is realized. The Eight Limbs of Yoga 1) Yama: The Golden Rule, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." this include ; non-violence, truthfulness , fidelity, non-stealing, and non-attachment.   The Yamas are a foundation of ethical behavior much like the Bibles Ten Commandments.   2) Niyama: Rules of conduct towards oneself which consist of certain disciplines are both physical and mental ; including cleanliness, contentment, self-discipline, self-study and devotion to the God of your understanding . 3) Asana: These are the actual physical exercises known as Hatha Yoga which are usually associated with yoga. These powerful poses are designed to give our body strength, flexibility and vibrant energy. They also contribute to the deep sense of relaxation and mental focus that is necessary for meditation . Through the practice of asanas, we develop the habit of self observation, discipline and the ability to concentrate. Asana is always practiced with attention to proper breathing.   4) Pranayama: These are the energizing breathing exercises that promote vitality and overall health . Gaining mastery of pranayama allows the breath to deepen and become more subtle as well as rhythmic. This cultivates emotional calm and tranquility of the nervous system.   Beginning yoga students are often amazed at how quickly they gain control over their emotions by working with the breath.      5) Pratyahara: This is detachment from the senses, and directs our attention internally.   Without external distractions, we become an objective observer of our feelings, and the bodily sensations that relate to certain thoughts and cravings.   We are able to witness our addictive habits from a place of non-judgment, and define and focus on habits detrimental to our health, which are likely interfering with our inner growth.   With this crucial information we are able to honestly assess our behavior, and with self- discipline, break the cycle and make positives changes.   6)   Dharana: This is the practice of slowing down the thinking process by concentrating on a on a single mental object. Dharana can be as simple as watching the sound and sensation of the breath as it flows in and out of the body. It can be the image of a deity such as Jesus or Buddha , the use of rosary or mala beads, or the repetition of a sacred phrase or sound. We, of course, have already begun to develop our powers of concentration in the previous three stages of posture, breath control , and withdrawal of the senses.   The practice of Dharana prepares us for the next step towards freedom, the freedom from unwanted mental chatter, and focused clear thinking. 7) Dhyana: This is meditation, designed to still the agitations of the mind and take us deeper into that quiet place within.   To open the heart to God's healing love.   No longer are we mentally pulled into thoughts of the past or illusions of the future.   We are fully connected to the reality and experience of the present moment, the "Here and Now". 8) Samadhi: The result of Samadhi is peace, bliss and happiness without end. There is no longer a feeling of separation.   Here there is no feeling of 'I' and 'mine', we experience union with the God of our understanding .