The practice of GSY originates from an ancient form of Yoga known as ‘Siddha Yoga’. Due to the large number of Yoga schools that have mushroomed in the West, the term ‘Yoga’ has come to mean physical exercise or a process by which the body can be strengthened. However, the term ‘Yoga’ actually refers to a ‘Union with the Supreme’. The word ‘Siddha’ means that which is ‘perfect’, ‘perfected’ or ‘empowered’. Siddha Yoga is the means by which Yoga (union) can be attained effortlessly. This Yoga can be realized only by the grace of the Siddha (Perfected) Guru, without any effort on the part of the disciple.

Siddha Yoga is gifted to mankind by the ancient Nath sect of Yoga tradition. Ancient sage Matsyendra Nath first attained knowledge of Yoga thousands of years ago directly from Lord Shiva in the celestial abode in the Himalayas. Lord Shiva asked Matsyendra Nath to disseminate this knowledge of Yoga to the entire mankind for its spiritual evolution. Since then, the Yoga system, full of knowledge and wisdom, is being handed down from generation to generation through the guru-disciple tradition. It is so broad-based that it integrates all the Yoga systems such as Bhakti Yoga, Karma Yoga, Raj Yoga, Kriya Yoga, Gyan Yoga, Laya Yoga, Bhava Yoga, Hatha Yoga, etc. It is therefore also called Purna Yoga (complete Yoga) or Maha Yoga (great Yoga).

Siddha Yoga is the means by which Yoga (union) can be attained effortlessly. This Yoga can be realized only by the grace of the Siddha (Perfected) Guru, without any willed effort on the part of the disciple. ‘Effortless’ here means that the disciple only has to do the practice, he does not have to set specific goals to achieve. The spiritual transformation will happen of its own accord.