Many people are unsure about the distinctions between meditation and the yoga. Initially, we should define the two words. Wikipedia states that "Yoga is a generic term for physical, mental and spiritual practices or disciplines which originated in ancient India with a view to attaining a state of permanent peace" and "Pranayama is a term that refers to an expansion of the 'pran' or breath, or an extension of the life energy". It originates in Indian yogic teachings.