Yoga is essentially a spiritual discipline based on an extremely subtle science, which focuses on bringing harmony between mind and body.
Yoga is much more than physical movements (postures/asanas) that improve our health and mobility, Yoga is a state of mind and a lifestyle.
The word “Yoga” is derived from the Sanskrit root ‘Yuj’, meaning ‘to join’ or ‘to yoke’ or ‘to unite’. As per Yogic scriptures the practice of Yoga leads to the union of individual consciousness with that of the Universal Consciousness, indicating a perfect harmony between the mind and body.
Over the time, Yoga has been mentioned and described beautifully in the Sacred scriptures of Hinduism.
The Yoga Sutras compiled by Patanjali around c. 4th century BCE is considered to be one of the foundational texts of classical Yoga Philosophy, where “Sutras” mean aphorisms. Patanjali brilliantly described yoga as: “Yoga chitta vritti nirodhaha” Yoga is the calming/removing of the fluctuations/patterns of the mind. i:2
That doesn’t mean that we will be able to remove the fluctuations of the mind as we are constantly thinking, but to bring us a mental peace.
We can also find a beautiful meaning of Yoga in the Katha Upanishad, written around c. 5th century BCE. Where “Katha” literally means story, legend, conversation, speech, tale. “Tham yogam iti manyante sthiram indriya dharanam” (Yoga is considered to be the steady fixing of the senses) ii.3.11
And of course in the Bhagavad Gita c. 2nd century BCE, which literally means “The Song of God”. Here are several definitions: “Be equal minded in both success and failure. Such equanimity is called Yoga” (2.48); “Yoga is skill in action” (2.50); “Know that which is called yoga to be separation from contact with suffering” (6.23).
So What is Yoga? It is up to you to discover the real meaning of Yoga. For that, you need to step into the Yoga path and live Yoga in your mat and off your mat. I would be more than happy to walk with you, hand in hand, and share with you my experience.
The attitude of gratitude is the highest yoga
Yogi Bhagan
Ready to book a class?
Yoga is a process of self-discovery and self-transformation, my primary role is to show you a yogic pathway and offering you guidance along that path.
If you are ready to embark on or continue your personal yoga journey, contact me for a one-to-one session or a small group practice in the comfort of your home.
