About Yoga Yoga Introduction What Is Yoga? | What Is Yoga? |
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Yoga is a system of exercise that that develops a strong, flexible and healthy body, a relaxed and alert mind and a contented outlook on life.
At the simplest level, Yoga is a system of exercise that works the
entire body. It uses physical postures (known as "asanas") and breathing
techniques ("pranayama") that strengthen muscles, lubricate joints and rejuvenate the
brain and other internal organs. However as the body and the mind are
dependent on each other and interlinked, working the body also works
the mind and brings about mental serenity.
Yoga is one of the oldest systems of personal development in the world. It is an Indian philosophy that has been practiced for thousands of years and is still totally relevant to today's modern world. Traditionally it is a spiritual discipline with the ultimate goal being the attainment of an eternal state of ecstasy by transcending the individual self to connect with the "Supreme Self" (equivalent to God, or the universal energy, dependent on whether you have a religious perspective). In the modern context, especially in the West, Yoga has become more associated with the performance of the physical postures of Hatha Yoga. However for more serious practitioners, Yoga is an applied science of the mind and body that aims to bring about a state of perfect mental and physical health. It is also a system of personal development based around principles of honesty, non-violence and personal study. The word Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit root 'yuj' meaning to bind, join, attach and yoke, to direct and concentrate one's attention on, to use and apply. It also means union or communion. An excellent modern definition that recognises the benefits of yoga beyond the purely physical is made in 'Yoga: the Iyengar Way' by Silva, Mira and Shyam Mehta:
"From the psychological viewpoint, yoga sharpens the intellect and aids
concentration. It steadies the emotions and encourages a caring concern
for others. Above all, it gives hope. The practice of breathing techniques
calms the mind. Its philosophy sets life in perspective. In the realm
of the spiritual, yoga brings awareness and the ability to be still. Through
meditation, inner peace is experienced.
Thus yoga is a practical philosophy involving every aspect of a person's
being. It teaches the evolution of the individual by the development of
self-discipline and self-awareness.
Anyone, irrespective of age, health, circumstance of life and religion,
can practise yoga." In his introduction to Light on Yoga, BKS Iyengar states: "Yoga is not for him who gorges too much, nor for him who starves himself. It is not for him who sleeps too much, nor for him who stays awake. By moderation in eating and in resting, by regulation in working and by concordance in sleeping and waking, Yoga destroys all pain and sorrow." |