What Is Yoga?

What is Yoga?

Yoga is often defined by the root word “yuj” which in Sanskrit means “to join”.  The same origin as the word, yoke.  This is ultimately the union of polarities - that of the physical and the spiritual - that which constantly changes and that which is eternal.  In the words of BKS Iyengar, “Yoga is the union of the body with the mind and of the mind with the soul.”   This union elevates the person from the torrents of the mundane existence into the higher consciousness. In the state of  Yoga, one maintains a steadiness of mind and achieves a greater perspective on reality.   This experience of union can arise spontaneously in a few individuals but most of us need the methodology provided by Yoga. 

To reap the benefits of  Yoga as a means for transformation one must undertake the practices with a strong intention of commitment, uninterrupted persistence, and dedication. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (often referred to as Classical Yoga or Raja Yoga) list yoga methodology in eight limbs (ashtanga). (See handout).

The first two limbs can be considered as disciplines in:

(1) Outer social behaviors (yamas), and

(2) Inner personal observances of attitudes (niyamas).

(Do you find) For many to just change habits, and adopt a different attitude is next to impossible so yoga has other methods to assist in self-transformation.  These other methodologies are more well known in the West, and they include

(3) Postures (asanas), and

(4) Breathing practices (pranayama).

There are practices to

(5) Withdraw from the distractions that lead our sense awareness outward (pratyahara). 

The final three methodologies as listed in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali are progressive stages of meditation.

(6) Focused attention (dharana),

(7) Sustained focused attention (dhyana), and

(8) Total sustained absorption of the mind on the object of focus (samadhi) are at the heart of personal transformation.  

So how do the postures that are so commonly referred to as “yoga” come into play in self-transformation?  Yoga recognizes that the mind and the body are interpenetrating.  What impacts one also impacts the other. To access peace and stability of the mind there needs to also be stability and peace in the body.  Again in the words of BKS Iyengar, “Yogic practices develop the body to the level of the vibrant mind so that the body and mind, having both become vibrant are drawn toward the light of the soul.”   Through the steadiness of postures and breathing practices, the body and the breath (along with ethical behaviors and a balanced disposition) become portals for the mind to access higher states of consciousness in meditation. Meditation is the ultimate means to experience the true nature of oneself.  This intention of revealing one’s true Self to self is what separates yoga from exercise. To do postures without the intention of seeking one’s true essence is not yoga. Postures are a part of yoga, postures in and of themselves are not yoga.  To do the postures can certainly be of benefit for alignment, flexibility, and stability of the body along with improved physiology and better mental disposition. But, yoga goes deeper into the soul and connection to the source of who you truly are. In the state of Yoga, the mind transcends the body and personality and finds peace through anything that the material world can throw at it.

For many, the transcendent aspect of the yoga practice is not a goal and that is fine, then practice the postures to tone the body and improve physiology and mental wellbeing but know that that is not Yoga with a capital “Y”. For those who do seek the transcendent aspect of  Yoga then find yourself a competent, sincere teacher as the path can get bumpy and you will want to travel with someone who has integrity and whom you can trust and has familiarity with the terrain. Those who chose the Yogic path for transformation are those who may already be attuned to the inner calling of bliss that lies just below the surface of the ego. The state of yoga is the uncovering of your true essence which is love and bliss.

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 References:

1. Iyengar, B.K.S., The Tree of Yoga(Boston, Shambhala Publications, Inc., 1988), p.3.
2. Ibid., pg 3.
3. Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, translation and commentary by Sri Swami Satchidananda (Integral Yoga Publications, Buckingham, VA. 1990.)