What is Yoga?
In The Bhagavad Gita, Krishna defines yoga in many ways, but fundamentally Yoga means “Union”. It is the union of all that you believe to be seperate, with the Self. The Self is that witnessing part of you that is undisturbed by the external world, and guides us through our intuition. It is the part of you that is connected to the Universe/Higher Power/God (whatever you want to call it). You may also think of it as the Soul. Yoga is a path for you to connect with your Self and realise your true potential.
“The word ‘Yoga’ means ‘union.’ Union means you begin to experience the universality of who you are. For example, today, modern science proves to you beyond any doubt that the whole existence is just one energy manifesting itself in various forms. If this scientific fact becomes a living reality for you – that you begin to experience everything as one – then you are in Yoga. When you are in Yoga, you experience everything as a part of yourself. That is liberation, that is mukti, that is ultimate freedom.” -Sadhguru
Ancient Yoga
There are many ways in which one can practice Yoga. The four main Yoga’s spoken of in the Gita are; Karma Yoga or the Path of Action (Karma-mārga), Bhakti Yoga or the Path of Devotion (Bhakti-mārga) to Ishvar (God), Jnana Yoga or the Path of Knowledge (Jñāna-mārga), Raja Yoga or the Path of Meditation (dhyāna-mārga).
The great Sage Patanjali organised this knowledge about Yoga from older traditions into Sutras (rules or aphorisms) so devotees could practice Yoga with more guidance and instruction. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali is the what influenced the modern yoga movement. It’s where the various forms of physical practices (asana) were inspired from; Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Hatha.
Within the Yoga Sutras, Patanjali breaks it down into 8 core limbs of Yoga (or how to obtain ‘Yoga/Union’). yama (abstinences), niyama (observances), asana (yoga postures), pranayama (breath control), pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses), dharana (concentration of the mind), dhyana (meditation) and samadhi (absorption). Click on the links to know more of what each limb entails.
The Bhagavad Gita
On this path effort never goes to waste, and there is no failure. Even a little effort toward spiritual awareness will protect you from the greatest fear. (2:40)
Modern Yoga
The modern yoga movement has primarily focused on Asana, and only just realising the importance of pranayama (breath control) and dhyana (meditation). The reality is that Yoga is not just about the physical practice, yet it is often what attracts people to the practice (those funky poses do look pretty cool). However, there is much more to your Daily Spiritual Practice (Sadhana) than just the physical.
Incorporating other parts of yoga will allow for space to create and adjust as you move through life. Doing handstands or arm balances when you’re injured or pregnant may not be the path at that specific time in your life (if it is, you go glen co co!). Having the options to dive into a practice that accommodates your needs at that specific time in your life will do wonders for your mental, physical and spiritual health.
Having found the source of joy and fulfilment, they no longer seek happiness from the external world. They have nothing to gain or lose by any action; neither people nor things can affect their security.
The Bhagavad Gita (3:17-18)