WHAT IS YOGA?
The word Yoga comes from the Sanskrit root "yuj" meaning to yoke, attach, join or bind. Yoga, in its broadest context, brings together the entire field of our existence, from the physical, emotional and mental to the spiritual. It is a yoking or integration which encompasses all aspect of ourselves, from the innermost to the external and may include ethical disciplines, physical postures, breath control, as well as meditation.
In ancient times, meditation was the goal and the asanas (yoga exercises) were a means of enhancing the capacity of the body and mind so that a person could sit in meditation for long periods with as few distractions as possible. The great Indian sage Patanjali, in his yoga sutras defines yoga as the control or the stilling of the activities of the mind. By combining physical postures (asanas), awareness practices(meditation), relaxation techniques (savasana) and breathing methods(pranayama), the mind becomes quiet, the body refreshed and rejuvenated. It is through this sadhana (spiritual practice) that one begins to see the connecting link between body and breath, breath and mind, mind and spirit.
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There are many branches of yoga, with Hatha yoga being the most familiar. "Yoga" has become a very common word in western society, and in most cases refers to hatha yoga. There is a vast difference between the way asanas (yoga postures) were originally thought of and how they are taught now. Today many people go to yoga classes to enhance their physical fitness, and in many classes asanas are taught as a means of addressing the concerns of the body, with little or no attention given to cultivating the inner connection between body, breath, mind and spirit. However, the physical level of asana practice is just one part of hatha yoga. In other words hatha yoga, from a holistic approach, uses physical poses, breathing techniques and relaxation methods to explore the inner structures of the body, mind and spirit. It is with-in this framework that the 'yoking' experience and process of self-discovery can be experienced.
Within the Hatha yoga system there are many different techniques and styles of practice. Many people will go to their first yoga class for physical reasons: to complement a fitness programme, to heal an injury, to increase flexibility and strength, or to promote physical health. It is important to find a teacher and an approach that appeals to you.
This is a wonderful beginning place, but eventually by engaging in meditative approach to yoga it becomes a spiritual practice not just a form of exercise for the body.
Some will come to yoga to de-stress. The breathing practices are the foundation and the link between the mind and the body, providing a valuable tool for releasing tension and reducing stress. Breathing exercises and relaxation techniques provide:
And then there are those who begin yoga as a path to self inquiry. When yoga exercises are part of a general training of mindfulness - and not just a physical workout - they offer an immense support to a meditation practice. The spiritual practice of hatha yoga teaches us:
The inward journey is a gift we can give to ourselves - in other words it is something we can develop through the practice and study of yoga.
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