What is yoga?

 Yoga is both an aim and the method used to achieve that aim.

The Aim: Focus, Union and Peace

You may have heard that the word ‘yoga’ means ‘union’. This is true, but it’s not the full story. The root of the word ‘yoga’ is ‘yuj’. The Sanskrit word ‘yuj’ has various meanings, one of which is to ‘yoke’ or ‘join’, hence the translation of yoga as ‘union’. However, another meaning of ‘yuj’ is to ‘concentrate’ or ‘focus’. One of the verses from the Yoga Sutras (an ancient text dating to the early centuries of the Common Era) states:

“Yogas chitta vritti nirodhah” – “Yoga is stilling the fluctuations of the mind.”

This is the primary purpose of yoga: the focusing or stilling of the mind and bringing it under control. It is a practical aim for which we can all understand the need. The Bhagavad Gītā, an ancient Hindu scripture dating to around 200 BC, describes the mind as ‘impetuous and stubborn, strong and wilful, as difficult to harness as the wind’. Nearly two thousand years later, I think we can all resonate with that! We all know that we feel better when our mind is quiet. Even if we feel as if we have never experienced a quiet mind, we know instinctively that it would be a good thing! If we use yoga for no other reason than to quieten our mind, then it is still a very powerful practice.

However, the stilling of the mind serves a higher purpose, leading us to the concept of ‘union’. When we transcend the incessant chatter of the mind, we experience the pure consciousness that lies at the core of our being. This consciousness, akin to the sky behind the clouds, represents our true Self, omnipresent throughout the universe. Indeed, there exists only One Consciousness; the universe manifests as One Self, expressing itself in myriad forms. Through the experience of this pure consciousness, we recognise the unity of our individual consciousness with the universal consciousness, liberating us from the illusion of separateness.

This is the ultimate goal of yoga: the attainment of liberation (moksha) through the ‘union’ of our individual consciousness with the universal consciousness. In the words of the Bhagavad Gita, “Yoga is the journey of the self, to the self, through the self”. It is a journey towards Self-realisation, transcending the egoic self to realise the true Self, which is the universal Self. This journey brings us to the realisation that the cosmos resides within us. Whether we refer to this universal consciousness as ‘God’, ‘Krishna’, ‘Mohamed’, ‘Tao’, ‘Gaia’, or simply the ‘One’, yoga offers a path to liberation from the sense of separateness, irrespective of religious affiliations.

In our modern, secular era, comprehending this concept may pose challenges, yet it aligns with emerging scientific perspectives. Many physicists now posit that consciousness precedes matter, suggesting that all material existence, including ourselves, emanates from consciousness. This notion, likening materiality to the manifestation of water as ice, underscores the profound interconnectedness of all existence. For those who find the idea of being a manifestation of universal consciousness challenging, the stilling of the mind itself can bring a sense of liberation. In today’s hectic world, where distractions abound, this inner peace is more invaluable than ever.

The Method: The Eight Limbs of Yoga

Yoga is based on logic and experience. It is a path of exploration. It does not require blind faith or acceptance. It is practical. The practice of yoga has eight limbs; if you integrate them into your life, you will see a difference. They are:

1. Yama
Five guidelines on how to relate to others and the world.
1. Non-harming 2. Truthfulness 3. Non-stealing 4. Moderation 5. Non-grasping
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2. Niyama
Five guidelines on how to relate to ourselves.
1. Cleanliness and clarity 2. Contentment 3. Self-discipline 4. Self-study 5. Surrender
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3. Asana
The physical part of yoga, which many people think is yoga.
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4. Pranayama
Breathing practices and techniques.
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5. Pratyahara
Sensory withdrawal – the practice of drawing inward.
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6. Dharana
The practice of focused concentration
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7. Dhyana
A state where the mind holds on one point of focus without effort.
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8. And finally … Samadhi
A state of pure absorption or bliss (I’m not there yet!)

These are considered limbs rather than steps because they aren’t necessarily practiced sequentially, and one doesn’t ‘complete’ a limb before moving to the next. For instance, if you’re reading this, you’ve likely been practicing asana and pranayama without necessarily being aware of the Yamas and Niyamas. I find this visualisation of the eight limbs helpful:

We group the final three limbs into one because they are all directly connected to each other; one cannot exist without the other. We could say that Dharana is the starting point of meditation, Dhyana is the midpoint, and Samadhi is the culmination of meditation.

It is easier to practice the first limb than it is to attain the eighth limb. They progress from the gross (the physical body) to the subtle (states of consciousness), so there is an increasing subtlety of experiences and activity from the first to the eighth limb. They take us from external experiences and actions to internal experiences and stillness. Therefore, it is also helpful to visualize them like this:

It’s important to note that this is a very brief summary of yoga, based solely on my own understanding. Yoga is not a singular concept: there is no such thing as one yoga, only many yogas; rather, there are many interpretations and practices associated with it. The Sanskrit word ‘yoga’ has been used for a long time and has not always had the same meaning; it has been associated with various practices throughout history. While it has existed for millennia, it has taken on different meanings and forms for different people.

Contrary to popular belief, yoga is not a static practice that has remained unchanged throughout history. The physical postural practice commonly associated with modern yoga is just one aspect of a broader tradition that has evolved over time. It’s essential to recognise that our understanding of yoga is incomplete and will continue to evolve.

There’s a lot more depth to yoga and numerous interpretations exist. If you’re interested in delving into the history of yoga to understand its complexity better, I highly recommend reading “The Roots of Yoga” by James Mallinson and Mark Singleton. Also, be cautious about believing everything you encounter on the internet ;-).