Yoga has become a common practice today, with many people around the world practicing various forms of yoga for physical, mental, and emotional well-being. However, beyond the asanas and pranayama, yoga has a rich philosophy.
The origins of yoga can be traced back to ancient India over 5,000 years ago. The word "yoga" comes from the Sanskrit root "yuj" meaning "to unite" or "to join." Initially, yoga was a philosophical practice aimed at uniting the individual self (jiva) with the ultimate reality (Brahman).
The earliest written records of yoga can be found in the ancient Hindu scriptures, the Rig Veda and the Upanishads. The Upanishads, in particular, contain teachings on the nature of ultimate reality, the self, and the path to liberation.
Yoga philosophy is rooted in some key concepts:
Brahman: The ultimate reality, the unchanging, all-pervading consciousness that underlies everything.
Atman: The individual self, the spark of Brahman within each being.
Karma: The law of action, which governs the consequences of our thoughts, words, and deeds.
Samsara: The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, driven by karma.
Moksha: Liberation from the cycle of samsara, achieved through the realisation of Brahman.
Sage Patanjali systematised the practice of yoga in the Yoga Sutras. He outlined the Eight Limbs of Yoga, a step by step framework for achieving liberation:
The five Yama - the five precepts - Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Aparigraha and Bhramacharya keeps us away from unnecessary greed, violence and over use of our senses.
Niyama - Saucha, Santosha, Tapa, Swadhaya, Ishwar Pranidhana encourages us to look within and clean our thoughts and body and purify them.
Asana and Pranayama help us balance both our body and mind.
Pratyahara helps us restrict our senses and point them inward. This helps our mind to be stable. This is very similar to getting our mind conditioned for focusing on the desired goal.
Dharna helps us to concentrate on a single aim, goal or object. This works like goal-setting and steers the mind in one direction.
Dhyana helps us to focus on this object for long periods of time, this helps in developing the consistency to holding on to that aspect of our mind which we need to.
Samadhi is a natural unfolding of liberation once you have mastered the above.
Yoga philosophy offers a profound and timeless wisdom that transcends physical practice. By exploring the deeper meaning and history of yoga, we can enrich our understanding of this ancient tradition and deepen our practice. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or just starting out, the philosophy of yoga takes us toward a more meaningful, purposeful, and fulfilling life.
Remember that yoga is not just a physical practice, but a way of life.
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