What is Yoga?

Apart from the classical definition of the root verb ’yuj’, meaning to yoke or unite and the popular definition of ‘union of body, mind and spirit’, which are often given to new students at the start of a Yoga Course, how would you answer an experienced student who asks “yes, but what is Yoga really?” Base your answer on your own ideas and experience, reinforced by quotations from classical and modern sources.

Yoga is for me a complete system and science to develop all aspects of us as human beings. It is a holistic therapy which encompasses not just the physical part of us but also and equally at the same time, the mental, emotional and spiritual parts. Yoga also helps to bring all those aspects of us into a unified whole so we can move quicker along our life’s path with everything tuned to the same goal or focus. When all aspects of our persona are trained on the same objective, instead of being fragmented, then we move along or bring about change much quicker. So it is about bringing into balance and harmony all those different facets of my life and myself so I can be a more effective human being. It is a “constant and never-ending enrichment of the mind, body and soul”.

“This is the trilogy of your human endowments. To improve your mind without the cultivation of your physical gifts would be a very hollow victory. Elevating your mind and body to their highest level without nurturing your soul would leave you feeling very empty and unfulfilled. But when you dedicate your energies to unlocking the full potential of all three of your human endowments, you will taste the divine ecstasy of an enlightened life”

–The Monk who Sold His Ferrari by Robin S. Sharma

It is a whole life-style overhaul, incorporating everything, the way you think, speak and act, your diet, how you conduct yourself and every aspect of your life.
 

“Yoga is a harmony. Not for him who eats too much, or for him who eats too little; not for him who sleeps too little, or for him who sleeps too much.

“A harmony in eating and resting, in sleeping and keeping awake: a perfection in whatever one does. This is the Yoga that gives peace from all pain.”

–Bhagavad Gita, Juan Mascaro Ch 6 v16 & 17

Before I began to practice Yoga, my body would be doing one thing and I would be thinking about something completely different, which would result in my emotions running riot and being in control of me. Through my Yoga practices, I am more aware of my emotions and the thought patterns that generate them. I am able to look at myself with compassion and detach myself from them and recognise them for what they are, fluctuations of the thought waves of the mind. These stop me from realising my true nature, which is unbounded consciousness. So that is my real goal in life now and I can use every experience in life, difficult as well as easy, as a stepping-stone to that end. Which reminds me of the poem “If” by Rudyard Kipling where he tells us that if we want to be a fully functional human being “a man” then we need to treat triumph and disaster both the same and carry on regardless.

The main goal

 

The main goal of Yoga, whatever form or forms of Yoga you follow is the same - to achieve an enlightened state of mind. Even if you do not achieve this state in this lifetime, there are many benefits along the way, which help us to evolve gracefully and joyfully. One thing, which identifies a spiritually enlightened person, is their state of joy. This might be at variance with the popular mistaken view of spirituality, which tends to portray a spiritual person as someone who is miserable, judgemental and a killjoy.
 

“Concealed in the heart of all beings is the Atman, the Spirit, the Self; smaller than the smallest atom, greater than the vast spaces. The man who surrenders his human will leaves sorrows behind, and beholds the glory of the Atman by the grace of the Creator.”

–Katha Upanishad by Juan Mascaro

So Yoga is also about connecting, the little me finding a way to let go of the little ego and going within to experience something much more profound, longer lasting, which does not change and fluctuate with my moods, the challenges I face daily, the time of day, the seasons and the years. Something, which is timeless, ageless, deathless and beyond all the things that make us doubt, worry and fear.

“The Spirit who is in the body does not grow old and does not die, and no one can ever kill the Spirit who is everlasting. This is the real castle of Brahman wherein dwells all the love of the universe. It is Atman, pure Spirit, beyond sorrow, old age and death; beyond evil and hunger and thirst. It is Atman whose love is Truth, whose thoughts are Truth.”

–from the Chandogya Upanishad.

It is about finding and living in a state of joy, love, peace and truth that nothing can shake or take away from you.

“Thus Joy supreme comes to the Yogi whose heart is still, whose passions are peace, who is pure from sin, who is one with Brahman, with God.

“The Yogi who pure from sin ever prays in this harmony of soul feels the joy of Eternity, the infinite joy of union with God.”

–Bhagavad Gita Ch6 v27 &28

The journey

 

And it is a journey or process that takes time, diligence practice, persistence and perseverance and it is as important to enjoy the journey as it is to arrive at our destination. So as we begin our journey in yoga – to a unified state of being - we develop the body with asanas so we are healthier and not in (so much) pain, we begin to develop mental muscles or discipline. When the body wants to give up in a posture or not practice at all, we tell the body we are in control and coax it into doing more. We are mindful of our emotions that belie our attitudes to others and ourselves and then we can apply the yamas and niyamas – the observances and restraints to overcome those unhelpful traits that hold back our progression and development. Breathing techniques help us to quieten our minds so we can see past our emotions and mental attitudes to the bigger picture. Having taken control of the body, mind and emotions, like a charioteer takes hold of his powerful horses we can use our mind like a laser beam and train it onto any goal we choose. Using the tools of Pratyahara (sense withdrawal), Dharana  (Concentration) and Dhyana (Meditation) which collectively are known as “Samana” then we can turn our attention inward and discover who we really are and what is the truth behind our world of maya or illusion.
 

“Sit down, be silent, and invite your feelings in. Know that the teacher is always inside you. By accepting your inner knowing, you will change. Slow down, go into it, and be in your heart, not in your mind. Your heart is your strength. It is the guru’s heart. If you dare to stay in the chaos of your feelings, thoughts, or pain, a deep feeling of peace will emerge. Peace comes from accepting yourself- and this is also power. It is wisdom and self-knowledge. Dive deep inside your self and you will come out renewed.“

–Emotional Yoga, How the Body Can Heal the Mind by Bija Bennett

Article by Sally Worth, please visit www.yoga-lincoln.co.uk for more information on Yoga classes