What is Yoga?
Yoga is a holistic system of practices originating in ancient India that encompasses physical postures (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), meditation, relaxation techniques, and ethical principles. The word "yoga" itself comes from the Sanskrit root "yuj," which means to yoke or unite, reflecting its goal of integrating and harmonizing the body, mind, and spirit.
Yoga is not just a form of physical exercise, although that aspect is often emphasized in the West. It's a comprehensive approach to well-being that addresses physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of an individual's life. Different styles of yoga emphasize different aspects of practice, such as strength, flexibility, relaxation, or meditation.
The benefits of practicing yoga can include improved flexibility, strength, balance, and posture, as well as reduced stress, anxiety, and depression. It can also enhance concentration, promote better sleep, and contribute to overall feelings of well-being and inner peace.
Yoga has evolved over thousands of years, and there are now numerous styles and approaches, from the vigorous and dynamic styles like Ashtanga or Vinyasa to the more gentle and restorative practices like Yin or Hatha yoga. Each style may focus on different aspects of practice, but all ultimately aim to cultivate greater self-awareness, inner peace, and harmony.
The Eight Limbs Of Yoga
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (Satchidananda, 2012) divides the practice of yoga into eight stages or ‘limbs’. The first stages are ‘Yama’ which can be translated as abstinences and ‘Niyamas’ which detail positive behaviours. Patanjali advises aspiring yogis to start their journey with these practices to build the moral and mental strength required for asana practice (the third stage of yoga). However, the Hatha Yoga Pradipika (Muktibidhananda, 2016) advises to start with the third limb (Asana) to build the necessary strength, both physically and mentally, to be able to follow this moral code. Most current western practitioners have begun their yoga journey with Asana practice as their entry point.
The Yamas and Niyamas offer a path for ethical living and growth on a personal level as well as giving direction on how we must ethically conduct ourselves as practitioners of Yoga. It is my belief that if we are serious about our yoga practice, we must work to bring these practices into our daily lives. On a simplistic and practical level, spending just a small daily amount of time doing and reflecting on this can help make our existence more enjoyable, meaningful and improve our sense of wellbeing.
