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WHAT IS YOGA?

Yoga is an ancient discipline originating in India, consisting of physical, mental, and spiritual practices aimed at creating harmony between the body and mind through asanas, pranayama, meditation, and ethical teachings.

When asked “What is Yoga?”, the answers often involve “unity” and “control.” At its core, yoga is a profound philosophy aimed at inner peace and self-realization. To understand this concept more deeply, we can look at ancient teachings, particularly sage Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras.

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The Yoga Sutras in Brief

The Yoga Sutras were written by the sage Patanjali around 200 BCE (though the date is debated). They provide guidelines for achieving mental clarity, spiritual insight, and inner peace within the framework of yoga practices and philosophy. We can think of the Yoga Sutras as a user manual. There are 195 (or 196) sutras, which are divided into four chapters.

Samadhi Pada

This chapter explains what yoga is, the nature of the mind, and the ultimate goal of yoga, which is Samadhi. It’s important to note that while Samadhi may not be the personal goal for everyone practicing yoga, the insights drawn from these sutras can significantly enhance the quality of our lives.

Sadhana Pada

This chapter focuses on practices and the methods used to reach the ultimate goal. Eight limbs of yoga (Ashtanga Yoga) are presented here, which guide the practitioner in their journey.

Vibhuti Pada

This chapter explains the achievements of the mind through advanced meditation and what the mind is capable of.

Kaivalya Pada

The final chapter focuses on liberation and the attainment of independence and freedom.

Introduction to Yoga:

Athayogānuśāsanam

PYS 1.1

Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind.

Atha: Now. It is believed that Brahman used this word when creating the world. The first word of the Yoga Sutras, Atha, is used as a form of blessing and signifies that the student has met certain conditions and is now ready for the teachings to begin.

Anuśāsanam: Instructions, rules, commands, teachings, discipline. Yoga requires determination, and the essential condition for this determination is self-discipline.

What is Yoga?

YogśchittavṛittiNirodḥa

PYS 1.2

Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind.

Chitta: Mind.

Vritti: Waves, patterns, circular movements, whirlpools, modifications.

Nirodha: Stillness, cessation, control.

The Result of Yoga:

Tadā Draṣṭuḥ svarūpe’vasthānam

PYS 1.3

Then, the observer (self) settles into its own true nature.

Tada: Then.

Drashtu: The observer, consciousness, spirit, self.

Swarupa: True nature, essential quality.

Avasthana: Settle, stabilize, fix.

Otherwise:

Vṛtti sārūpyamitaratra

PYS 1.4

Or the observer (the self) identifies with the fluctuations of the mind.

Sarupyam: Identifying with.

Itaratra: In the other case, or.

Conclusion

Yoga is a process of profound transformation, both physically and mentally. Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras lay the philosophical foundation for this process, emphasizing that yoga is not a physical exercise but a life discipline. These teachings help the individual find inner peace, gain mental clarity, and achieve spiritual freedom. Yoga is a personal journey that carries a different meaning for each individual. The key is to practice yoga consciously to step into a more peaceful and balanced life.

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YOGA IS NOT AN EXERCISE

Suppose you have ever wondered and researched briefly; you must have noticed that there are countless answers to the question ‘What is Yoga?’. I think we should also discuss what it is not, and the first subject I want to cover is that Yoga is not an exercise.

So what is exercise?

If we are to explain what exercise is roughly, they are regular physical activities done to achieve set goals such as improving endurance and strength, reducing body fat percentage and so on. During these exercises, heart rate increases to higher levels than normal, metabolic rate rises, breathing accelerates, and oxygen consumption increases.

During exercise, the sympathetic nervous system is activated to create beneficial stress on the body, also known as the ‘flight or fight’ mode. In yoga practice, however, the target is the para-sympathetic nervous system, in other words, the ‘rest and digest’ state. Mastering a yoga pose, or asana, means being able to stay in the posture effortlessly.

What actually happens during Yoga?

With asana practices, the ability to use the body improves. We actually learn to use our existing power by increasing awareness and concentration and relaxing the body. Through stretching the connective tissue, we begin to better access the potential of the muscle with the help of the energy coming from the relaxed tissue without increasing muscle density.

Asana practice and exercise are not interchangeable, but they complement each other. By the way, the word asana is commonly used as a pose/posture, but if we translate it literally, it means seat/to sit. 

Well then, does Yoga consist of poses only?

   Asanas are the main reason why Yoga is mistaken for exercise, but actually asana practice is preparation for meditation. According to Patanjali, asanas are only about training the body not to disturb the mind during meditation. In his best-known work, Yoga Sutras, only three of the 195(196) sutras mention asana, and what is meant are meditation poses like Sukhasana. This doesn’t show us that asanas are unimportant but that Yoga is so much more.

Sthirasukhamāsanam

PYS 2.46

A stable, comfortable posture(seating).

Sthira: Firm, steady, strong.

Sukha: Comfort, convenience, well-being.

Asana: To sit, seat.

  1. Raja Yoga: A physical posture in which a person feels comfortable and in harmony with themselves.
  2. Hatha Yoga: Specific postures to direct energy (prana), balance the chakras and remove energy blockages.