What is Yoga?

(Taken from one of my mails to a friend from Philippines...personal referring(s) removed/edited)

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Sorry for the belated mail.

Ok, I don’t know what you were expecting from me in this regard. First of all, understand that Yoga is NOT JUST another form of exercise as promoted by many. In reality, it’s a way of living and its one of the 6 major philosophical systems that exists in India (Yoga, Sankhya, Vedanta, Mimamsa, Nyaya and Vaisheshika. I am not talking about them since it’s out of the scope of this mail). Yoga means union….union with the divine….union of self with God. To achieve this, one need to practice the twofold aspects of yoga, that is, the spiritual aspect and the physical aspect.

There are many paths of Yoga; like Karma Yoga (this is ‘work is worship’ kind. Doing good deeds without eyeing on the return), Njana (knowledge) Yoga , Raja yoga (mastering the mind), Hatha (determined effort) Yoga, Mantra Yoga etc.

The postures, mudras and many breathing exercises (e.g. pranayam) you see are mostly from the Hatha Yoga (and Raja Yoga) system. And the authentic text followed is ‘Yoga Sutra’ written by Sage Patanjali (year 200 BC).

Yoga is becoming very popular day by day both here in India and abroad (that’s why you came to know about it). But have you ever heard of 'Yama' and 'Niyama' ? They are the code of conduct prescribed by Patanjali, in his Yoga Sutra, for every practitioner of yoga.

These days, 99% of those who do yoga follows only the physical aspect – doing the asanas (postures/body position/sitting position). It doesn't mean that it is of no use, of course it is useful but the real goal of yoga is not achieved. Yama and Niyama are the spiritual aspects of yoga. Yama is the social discipline aspect and Niyama is the self discipline aspect.

Yama are of 5 kinds.

Ahimsa (non-violence) – it is self explanatory, isn't it? Don't harm others in your acts, words or even in thoughts. This can include killing of animals or even cruel to them.

Satya – Be truthful and don't lie. This also includes your act, words gesture etc

Asteya – Non stealing. Be honest and also don't take advantage of others.

Brahmacharya – being celibate when single and being faithful to your spouse after marriage. Let you control the lust and not the other way.

Aparigraha – Don't be greedy. Take only what you really need.

(Some spiritual leaders add some more, but as I have not gone through the yoga sutra myself, so far, I don't know how many are there exactly.

Kshama – patience
Daya – compassion
Mitahara – eat moderately
Dana – Charity or the " art of giving"
Astikya – complete faith in God, Guru, your spiritual path etc
Sidhantha Shravana _ listening to scriptures
Vratha – adopting the religious vows in one's life (like you do in your lent period)
)

Niyama

Saucha – Cleanliness. Keep your body, mind and surroundings clean.

Santhosha – Be happy. Be happy with what you have and don't worry about what you don't have. This does not mean that you should not have any ambition in your life.

Tapas – Austerity. Practice those things which help to burn the impurities in your life. This includes the practice of yoga, meditation, pilgrimage, proper sleep, your regular fitness programme etc.

Svadhyaya – Self study or self examination. Apply what you learnt from the scriptures in your life and see the progress. Try to find who really you are.

Isvara Pranidhana – Worship God. Do puja (lighting the candle/lamp, offering flowers etc) and japa (chanting)and surrender to God. If you don’t believe in God, its fine. Don’t worry too much about it.

You won't believe, but long back, first we needed to practice yama and niyama before we actually practice the asanas (postures) . But now a days, this spiritual aspect of yoga is almost completely forgotten. People just want a healthy and well toned body, that’s all.

Wherever any worship element comes, you can follow YOUR faith.

I hope now you have some basic idea about what Yoga is. If you want any explanation about any aspect I mention here, don’t hesitate to ask me.

Bye for now and take care.

Jay