Yoga and meditation are two disciplines which have originated in India and being practiced from ancient past. Both are related to meditative practices to ease the mind, body and soul of a human being. Where Yoga mainly lays stress on physical practices, at the same time meditation is somewhere focused on getting into deeper state of mind relaxation. Both yoga and meditation are followed by people following almost all religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism etc. in one or the other way all over the globe.

Yoga
Yoga is related to physical and mental practices for relaxation of mind and body. It was originated in Hindu philosophy and literally means union of the human soul with universe. In Hindu philosophy there are a number of branches of Yoga like Karma Yoga, Raj Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga and Hath

Yoga
Yoga is time tested to heal the physical disorders and mental stress of a person besides helping in maintaining balance among physical, spiritual and mental aspects. It is believed that yoga has cure of various diseases and the person who practices yoga regularly stays away from diseases, stress and fatigue, which are very common in the contemporary life. Yoga has been practiced by saints and sages from the times immemorial and is believed to be a life saving tool.

Meditation
Meditation is all about spiritual experience and transforming human state of mind. It is believed that by practicing meditation one gets to inquire and know about his inner self. In meditation a person has to concentrate and focus his mind on a single subject leaving all the other matters of the world besides. There are mainly three stages in the process of meditation which are concentration, meditations and enlightenment.

In modern society, people are turning towards meditation to cope up with the increasing stress level. There are various purposes of practicing meditation from person to person. Some do meditation to achieve higher consciousness state and creativity, while others practice meditation to have more peaceful state of mind and getting relaxed. It is practiced in various forms like 'mindfulness meditation' and 'concentrative meditation'.

Mindfulness Meditation
In this process a meditator focuses on a particular process or object like his breath, light or sound by siting in a comfortable position. It is basically focused on increasing one's tolerance and relaxation with open mind, avoiding unnecessary subjects.

Concentrative Meditation
Concentrative meditation is mainly focused on single object such as chanting of a particular prayer or mantra so as to minimise distraction of mind and concentrate on a particular subject. It is practiced by people of various religions along with yoga.

Famous Yoga and Meditation Centers in India
Beach and Lake Ayurvedic Resort, Trivandrum
Ashtamudi Resorts Ayurvedic Island, Kollam
Kairali Ayurvedic Resorts, Palakkad
Purple Valley Ashtanga Yoga Retreat Centre, Bardez
Ashiyana Yoga Retreat Center, Mandrem Beach, North Goa
Lotus Yoga Retreat, Patnem Beach, Canocona
Himalaya Yoga Valley, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala
Basunti, Khatiar, Kangra
Agama, Rishikesh
Mahayog Acedemy, Nainital
Patanjali International Yoga Foundation, Rishikesh