What is yoga?
This is my novice attempt to elucidate what is yoga, what are its origins, why should one do yoga sadhana (a.k.a practice) and how the 21st century perceives or adapts yoga in their lifestyle.
I am a student currently receiving RYT 200 Teacher Training at a1000yoga Academy, Bangalore, India ( Jan- Apr 2021). This is an abstract of the 4 hours Etymology and History of Yoga module.
[1] Definitions of Yoga
Etymology
Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Yuj' - meaning "to yoke" or "to join" - which essentially means UNION
Mentions
Rig Veda - "The yoking of the horses to the rays of the sun"
Interpretation — Control of your senses, moving towards enlightenment - the sun; emphasizing the removal of darkness. In a nutshell, it is the path to attain illumination by union with self. By moving from a Jeevathma (Individual Soul/Consciousness) to a Paramahathma ( Universal Soul/Consciousness)
Katha Upanishad - "When the senses are stilled, when the mind is at rest, when the intellect wavers not, they say the wise is reached the highest state, has the steady control of senses. He who attains this is free from delusion."
Based on Sage Vyasa’s commentary on Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
Yuja Samadhau — "Yoga is the state of SAMADHI and is the methodology to get there"
Interpretation — The goal is Samadhi and the path to that is the practice. Pure single sighted focus to achieve the universal consciousness state.
Yoga Citta Vritti Nirodaha — Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the Citta (mind)
Sthirham Sukham Asanam — To be comfortable and still is pose — the definition of yoga according to Hatha yoga. This helps restore the balance of the breath, mind and body; eventually preparing the body to sit still for longer mediation to attain Samadhi!
Bhagavad-Gita
- "YUKTA" - "When his mind, intellect and self (ego) are under control, freed from restless desires so that they rest in the spirit within, a man becomes a yukta - one in communion with God"
- "Yoga Karmesu Kausalam" - Skill in action is yoga. You need to act or work through your karma without attachment to the outcomes - success/failure.
P.S. Most mentions are from scriptures and they are lucidly translated to English. The true essence may be lost due to translation, however, the interpretation is on point.
[2] History of yoga, chronologically listed events with mentions of yoga
Indus Valley Civilization (3300 - 1300 BC)
The Pashupati Seal is a steatite seal that was discovered at the Mohenjo-daro archaeological site of the Indus Valley Civilization. The seal depicts a seated figure that is possibly tricephalic (having three heads) surrounded by animals, showcasing a typical yogic practice or attitude.
Vedic Era (1300-500 BC)
Vedas had the first glimpses of rituals and sacrifices, using which one attained the boons. The distilled wisdom of the Vedas (pinnacle) was the Upanishads, where more yogic practices are present.
Pre-classical (500 BC)
Upanishads - Yoga Upanishads are a group of minor Upanishads of Hinduism related to Yoga. The Yoga Upanishads, along with other minor Upanishads, are generally classified separate from the thirteen major Principal Upanishads considered to be more ancient and from the Vedic tradition.
The Yoga Upanishads deal with the theory and practice of Yogic techniques, with varied emphasis on methodology and meditation, but with some shared ideas. The Yoga Upanishads ( Maitri, Svetasvatara, Taittiriya) - contained concepts and ideas - forming what is known as Vedanta ( Ved - Knowledge + Anta - End) - the ultimate wisdom - search for the God within.
Classical (400 BC)
Yoga Vasishtha, Bhagavad Gita, Yoga Sutras of Patanjali - all present with the philosophy of Vedanta, and the means and ways to achieve the universal consciousness through yoga.
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali , has first mentions of 8 limbs of yoga, a.k.a. Patanjali/Ashtanga Yoga (not to be confused Ashtanga Vinyasa - a style of Hatha Yoga created in the 20th century). Yama - Self Restraint; Niyama - Observance; Asana - Movement & posture; Pranayama - Breath; Pratyahara - Withdrawal of senses; Dharana - Concentration; Dhyana - Meditation; Samadhi - Union
Post-classical
Tantra & Hatha Yoga (11th century onwards)
Shiva Samhita, Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Gheranda Samhita all are the key texts which represent all the details for post-classical yoga.
Shiva is considered the first Guru of Hatha yoga - Adi Yogi. His discourse to Shakti (Parvati) was absorbed by Matsyendranath. Legend has it that he (soul in a fish/or a fish) was born as a human, then practised and revived Hatha yoga (legend).
Modern Yoga (18th century)
Encompasses all the Hatha Yoga Styles, that we see today, which have risen to help each individual choose the style that works best for them and makes it easier to attain union with the self. Ashtanga Vinyasa, Iyengar Yoga, Bikram Yoga, Yin Yoga and many more such styles are tailored versions of Hatha yoga to help every individual find their style and pursue their exploration.
[3] Synopsis:
Historically all the pre-classical and classical mentions and scriptures on yoga, relate to the union of self, a discovery to your purpose, an insight to your existence in this world. As time ensued, more paths and styles emerged to help an individual cleanse and be one with their body.
And thus emerging the yogic practices including asanas - postures; pranayamas - breathing techniques; mudras - positions or gestures which represent the psyche; bandhas - locks for channelling energy; and shatkarmas - cleansing practices; purify the body, mind and energy systems to prepare the ground for higher practices of meditation and the ultimate experience of cosmic consciousness.
Today a spiritual heritage is being reclaimed of which yoga is very much apart. While yoga’s central theme remains the highest goal of the spiritual path, yogic practices give direct and tangible benefits to everyone regardless of their spiritual aims!
[4] My comprehension
Yoga is essentially a pathway to the discovery of one’s self, samadhi or dharma in this life. All modern or post-classical yoga styles have emerged to make this process approachable and adaptable to everyone. Try and explore them, choose what you like, and identify that you are on the path of discovery, and not just fitness of the body.
It's more evident that over periods, these practices have evolved only to make the end goal achievable. The one that strikes a chord with me is Sthirham Sukham Asanam, which is what I enjoy doing while on the mat, naturally inclining towards Hatha Yoga (yin and restorative yoga, supported yoga styles with props). And the aim is to approach the mat, to achieve stillness from active life, to balance your breath, mind and soul, and eventually find the compassion to self and set yourself on the discovery of your Brahma Dharma!
As seen in the movie TENET (spoiler alert) once you know the universal truth a.k.a. actions that drive the future, you live life differently. And imparting that knowledge to those who are still trying to comprehend and helping them live! 😊
References:
Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha APMB - By Swami Satyananda Saraswati
Pashupati Seal - https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pashupati_seal
Yoga Upanishads -
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoga_Upanishads
Matsyendranath -
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matsyendra
P.S. If any mentions are invalid or inappropriate please call out then in comments, for me to address and correct. Thanks!
