What is Yoga? In recent decades, yoga has expanded to a global phenomenon. A contemplative technique that originated in the East thousands of years ago has developed into a trendy way of life that brings in billions of dollars today. This is due to yoga’s adaptability—people from diverse backgrounds can practise it and reap its advantages. Many celebrities swear by this physical and spiritual practice, and even those who don’t practice yoga seem to know someone who does. Practitioners frequently use words like peace, calm, balance, strength, flexibility, and relaxation to describe their experiences. However, what precisely is yoga? And how far from its historical roots has this practise deviated?
What is yoga?
Yoga, which means “yoke” or “union” in Sanskrit, is a word that meaning to draw together, bind together, or to combine.
The body, mind, soul, and global consciousness are intended to be yoked together or united in this way.
This process of connecting the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual elements of oneself is what permits yogis to experience deep realms of liberation, calm and self-realization.
A physical, mental, and spiritual practise regimen known as yoga has been handed down from teacher to student for thousands of years.
Yogic practises include postures, breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, chanting, and other forms of meditation.
Yoga comes in a wide variety of forms, each with its own distinctive goals and methods for achieving a state of unification.
Its roots can be found in the Upanishads, a group of yogic writings that range in date from around 800 BC to 400 AD.
Although the term “yoga” was first used with its modern meaning in the Katha Upanishad, it was first mentioned in the Rigveda.
Sometime between the fifth and third centuries BCE were used to write this ancient spiritual literature.
One of the most well-known books on the foundations of yoga is the Yoga Sutras, which Patanjali penned in 200 BCE.
He defines yoga as yogash chitta-vritti-nirodhah in sutra 1.2 of this fundamental work.
Yoga is the cessation of the mind’s swirling fluctuations, according to this translation.
The result of constant yoga practise that is concentrated and persistent.
This contemplative exercise quiets our minds so we may perceive the unity of our own selves and the interconnectedness of everything around us. This contemplative exercise connects to the source of our existence.
Goals of Yoga
Yoga is a method of emancipation and self-discovery via meditation.
It is an eclectic group of techniques meant to calm the mind, identify an objective witness consciousness, and break free from the cycle of birth and death. It teaches us to see ourselves clearly, to understand what is true about who we are, and to let go of anything that does not serve us. It enables us to become conscious of our feelings, ideas, and beliefs and to alter them when they are no longer beneficial to us.
It equips us with the means to lead more completely and to make wiser decisions in life.
Our bodies, brains, and souls may all be transformed and purified through the practise of yoga. It expands our consciousness to help us connect with nature and the universe around us. In addition, it increases our ability to tap into our inner resources, which may instruct us in self-awareness, acceptance, patience, appreciation, forgiveness, humility, love, peace, and joy.
8 limbs of yoga
In his revered work, the Yoga Sutras, Patanjali outlined the foundational principles of yoga theory and practise.
He outlines eight limbs or steps to attain the practice’s objective.
Each limb is a practise that develops upon the others on a spiritual, mental, or physical level.
The eightfold path’s limbs are as follows:
- Yama – The principles of behaviour
- Niyama – The external practises and inward observances
- Asana – The appropriate stance
- Pranayama – Correct breathing techniques
- Pratyahara – is the act of withdrawing one’s senses from outside disturbances.
- Dharana – is the practise of mental focus and concentration.
- Dhyana – Concentrating one’s attention and practising meditation
- Samadhi – is the practise of stopping all mental activity in order to achieve a state of unity.
The practices of yoga
The traditional yoga has six primary branches.
Through various yoga techniques, the aim of union is attained in each of them.
Depending on the practitioner’s temperament, talent, and ability, each of these many parts of yoga will speak to them in a different way.
Which are:
- Raja –or “the royal way,” emphasises meditation techniques.
- Karma – (the road of action) emphasises service and action in day-to-day existence.
- Jnana – (the path of knowledge) emphasises discernment and introspection.
- Bhakti – or “the way of devotion,” emphasises devotion to God.
- Tantra –sometimes known as “the path of bliss,” emphasises ritual and initiation
- Hatha – (the powerful way) emphasises the body’s energy and movement.
Modern yoga in the West
In the West, the term “yoga” has come to refer to a specific form of yoga known as hatha yoga.
This branch focuses on asanas (postures), pranayama (breathing techniques), stress reduction, unwinding, physical fitness, and wellness. In contrast to traditional yoga, where the emphasis is more inward and spiritual, in modern yoga, the primary focus is on the physical body. There are numerous hatha schools, each with a distinct aesthetic and philosophy.
A philosophy of life
Yoga isn’t just meditative exercise, It is an entire system of life philosophy. It is a thorough methodology for connecting with our highest truth, living intentionally, and making decisions that advance our best interests. Yoga helps us peel back layers of conditioning and habit, bringing us back to our genuine nature time and time again. We have the chance to learn more about who we are and the true nature of the universe every time we stand on our yoga mat or sit on a meditation cushion.
