Yoga is not an ancient myth buried in oblivion.
It is the most valuable inheritance of the present.
- Swami Satyananda Saraswati
What is Yoga?
Yoga is a way of life. It is an integrated practice that guides the body, mind and spirit through physical postures, breathwork, meditation and ethical principles.
The word 'yoga' means 'unity' or 'oneness' and is derived from the Sanskrit word Yuj - meaning 'union'. The ultimate aim of yoga being the realisation of one's true self, and its unity with the universal consciousness.
Yoga is not associated with any religion or belief system. It is a comprehensive lifestyle that promotes overall well-being.
A Short History of Yoga
Pre-Vedic Period: Yoga's origins can be traced back over five thousand years, with archaeological evidence found from the Indus Valley Civilisation in northwest India and Pakistan.
Vedic Period: The first written texts appear in the Vedic period, spanning 1500 - 500 BCE, with the Rig Veda being the oldest. Whilst not explicitly a yoga text, it contains the earliest references to practices that ultimately evolved into yoga which laid the foundations of the philosophical teachings, such as pranayama (breath control) and meditation. Many of the mantras chanted in yoga today, such as the Gayatri Mantra, come from the Rig Veda.
Pre-Classical Period: The Upanishads, written by Rishis (Sages) in roughly 800BCE and 500BCE, further refined and developed the practice of yoga, emphasising the importance of self-realisation and spiritual liberation. The Bhagavad Gita was also written around this period, which outlines four primary paths to the understanding of oneself and the connection with the world around us - Karma Yoga (selfless action), Bhakti Yoga (devotion), Jnana Yoga (knowledge) and Dhyana Yoga (meditation).
Classical Period: During this period from 500 BCE to 800 CE the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali were written, which outlined a systematic approach to yoga through an eightfold path, known as the 'Eight Limbs of Yoga'. Further information below.
Post-Classical Period: During this period (800 to 1800 CE), the Hatha Yoga Pradipika was compiled, from which Hatha Yoga emerged, which shifted focus towards the body, aiming to balance energies through asanas (postures), pranayama (breathing exercises), mudras (hand gestures), bandhas (muscle contractions) and shatkarma (cleansing techniques).
Modern Period: Yoga was introduced to the West in the 19th century. Many of the teachings and philosophies steadily became westernised, with a far greater emphasis beginning to be placed on the body.
Yoga continues to constantly evolve and prosper, with its relevance continuing to resonate with people as a path to physical and mental wellbeing.
The Eight Limbs of Yoga
Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, thought to have been written between the fifth century BCE and third century CE, outlines an
eight-fold path to help individuals live with meaning, integrity and peace.
1
Yamas (Moral Principles)
The word ‘yama’ is often translated as ‘restraint’, ‘moral discipline’ or ‘moral vow’.
The Yamas traditionally guide us towards practices concerned with the world around us, but often we can take them as a guide of how to act towards ourselves too.
The five Yamas are Ahimsa (non-harming), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (energy moderation), and Aparigraha (non-greed/possessiveness).
2
Niyamas (Positive Duties)
Niyamas are a set of personal observances or habits to support self-care, inner growth and spiritual development.
These guidelines encourage us to live a more mindful and
intentional life.
The five Niyamas are Saucha (purity), Santosha (contentment), Tapas (discipline), Svadhyaya (self-study) and Ishvara Pranidhana (surrender to the Divine).
3
Asanas (Yoga postures)
Pantajali's Sutra 2:46 describes Asanas as a 'steady comfortable posture'. Whilst this may appear simple to achieve, finding a posture free of tension or stiffness is not always accessible. This can be particularly so when practicing meditation.
The practice of Hatha Yoga
and moving through different physical postures can help with body alignment, circulation, respiration, strength, flexibility etc., preparing the body for meditation and foster a sense of mental calm and stability.
4
Pranayama (Yoga breathing)
The yogic meaning of 'pranayama' is comprised of 'prana' meaning 'vital energy' or 'life force' and 'ayama' meaning control. Pranayama is often translated to 'breath control' or 'regulation of life force energy'. Following the practice of asanas, pranayama becomes a bridge distributing energy between the body and mind, bringing the mind inward.
Pranayama involves conscious control and awareness of the breath. Examples of pranayama include Anulim Vilom (Alternative Nostril Breathing) and Ujjayi (Victorious Breath).
5
Pratyahara
(Withdrawal of senses)
Pratyahara, meaning withdrawal of the senses, refers to withdrawing from external influences.
Pratyahara is a crucial bridge between the more externally focused practices of asanas and pranayama, towards meditation, self-awareness and spiritual growth.
By withdrawing the senses, one starts to understand how the mind is influenced by sensory input.
Benefits of pratyahara can include emotional clarity, inner awareness, enhanced concentration and preparation for meditation.
6
Dharana (Concentration)
Dharana comes from the Sanskrit word 'dhr', 'to hold or maintain'.
It is a focused form of meditation and forms the first of the final three limbs, which Patanjali considered together as progressive stages of concentration.
Dharana can be practiced in a variety of ways from focusing on an object,
a mantra or the breath.
It is common in this stage of meditation for thoughts to come and go, and to move from one object to another.
Dharana is the foundational step for deeper meditation and self-awareness.
7
Dhyana (Meditation)
Dhyana moves beyond Dharana, where a state of deep, effortless meditation or presence is achieved, beyond ordinary thinking or concentration.
The mind stays on one object or image without interruption, and the practitioner becomes one with the object of meditation.
Through Dhyana a sense of inner stillness and absolute presence can emerge.
8
Samadhi
(Supreme Consciousness)
Samadhi is the final stage of meditation. Samadhi itself is not a practice; it is the culmination state of practicing Dharana and Dhyana.
In Samadhi there is full detachment from the mind and body, and individual consciousness becomes fully absorbed with the object of meditation.
One way to explain being in Samadhi is at Dhyana you know you are meditating; you know what you are meditating on; and you know you are the meditator. When Samadhi is reached the process of concentration, the object of concentration and the mind all become one.