5 Questions About Yoga You Are Asking Yourself (Answered!)
Yoga has been on our minds. Maybe we go to a yoga class, or perhaps it features in our New Month or New Year resolutions. Either way, there are questions we have about yoga that need answers.
Keep reading…
Here, we have answers to some of the most burning questions about yoga you have been asking yourself – all of them crucial to your understanding of yoga.
These include the true nature of yoga, its actual meaning, main principles, the spiritual and religious aspect of yoga, and the significance of Namaste in yoga class.
Let us begin with understanding the true nature of yoga.
What is the true nature of yoga?
The true nature of yoga can be best understood from Sutra 1.2 of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali that says “yogasch chitta vritti nirodha.” This translates to ‘yoga is the silencing of the fluctuations of the mind.’ The true nature of yoga is finding this place of stillness inside where there ceases to be a separation between the self and the divine.
The origin of yoga and the ultimate aim of yoga are both directed towards stilling the mind.
It is in this state of pure awareness that one can overcome suffering and attain enlightenment.
The Bhagavad Gita, a holy scripture in Hinduism, describes yoga as, ‘Be equal minded in both success and failure. Such equanimity is called Yoga.’
The true nature of yoga is, therefore, self-realization. All that we do in yoga is meant to lead us to this freedom from disturbances that deter us from reaching the place of Ananda or ultimate bliss.
The journey of yoga is a journey towards yourself.
Over time, yoga can help strip away the impressions that the mind has accumulated from past experiences and environments to reconnect with the truth of who we really are.
This brings us to the next question. What is the meaning of the word yoga?
What is the actual meaning of yoga?
The actual meaning of the word yoga is ‘yoke’ or ‘union.’ It is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Yuj,’ which means to attach or join. Yoga is the process through which oneness with the divine (Brahman) or with one’s true reality (atman) becomes possible.
Yogic scriptures talk about yoga being a discipline to unite the individual consciousness with the universal consciousness.
It is a state of self-realization and freedom from the world’s sufferings, known as kaivalya.
One who can achieve this union and state of freedom is said to be in yoga and is referred to as a yogi.
What are the main principles of yoga?
The main principles of yoga are intended towards purifying the mind. It is only when the mind is free from harmful tendencies can it begin to settle down. These ten principles give us a practical framework for our ethical and moral conduct in our daily lives.
They create the foundation for everything that follows in yoga – the physical practice in the form of asanas, the breathing practices in pranayama, and the practices of concentration and meditation.
Here are the ten main principles of yoga:
1. Ahimsa or non-violence
This is the principle of not causing harm to yourself and others.
It asks us to be kind, compassionate, and peaceful in thoughts, words, and actions.
2. Satya or truthfulness
This principle asks you to be honest with yourself and others.
Live in truth and refrain from lying unless it is to protect someone from harm.
3. Asteya or non-stealing
This principle asks you not to take something that is not yours.
It is not limited to stealing physical objects and things, but also aspects like not taking credit when it is not due, not cheating, not taking advantage of another’s trust, and not stealing ideas or achievements.
4. Brahmacharya or moderation
Brahmacharya is the principle of balance.
It invites us to become aware of our sensory excesses, which could be in terms of our desire for excess food, sleep, relationships, or other forms of distractions.
Rather than living in extremes, it asks us to live in moderation.
5. Aparigraha or non-possession
This principle reminds us that nothing is really ours.
It teaches non-hoarding, non-greediness, and non-grasping.
Whether it is with the people in our lives or things, aparigraha asks us not to be attached to them as if we own them.
6. Shaucha or purification
Shaucha is about cleanliness and purification.
It is the principle of keeping our bodies, environment, and thoughts clean and free of clutter.
7. Santosha or contentment
Being content and satisfied with what we have is the essence of the principle of santosha.
It asks us to be grateful for what we have rather than be disappointed with what we lack.
8. Tapas or self-discipline
Tapas is the principle of discipline.
It entails setting clear goals and establishing a clear practice to achieve those goals.
When things get tough, tapas helps us carry on with unwavering determination.
9. Svadhyaya or self-study
This principle encourages us to study the self with curiosity and openness.
By doing this, we will be able to unfold the many layers of our beliefs, fears, and sense of identity.
It also encourages us to study scriptures that can bring us closer to the truth.
10. Ishvara Pranidhana or surrender to the divine
This principle asks us to surrender to that which is infinite and supreme.
It guides us to trust in the universe and give up on the false beliefs created by the ego.
Is yoga spiritual or religious?
Yoga is not religious, even though it shares its roots with Hinduism. It is not a belief system. It does not postulate a singular way of thinking that followers are required to adopt. Yoga is spiritual because it emphasizes self-realization, universal ethics like ahimsa, the theory of karma, and the practice of meditation.
Yoga is experiential and not founded on a belief structure.
It allows for freedom of choice.
Yoga gives different routes for self-actualization for different kinds of people.
It does not standardize or create rules.
Also, yoga is adaptable, which means it can be taught in a way that does not include any religious connotations.
Why do we say namaste in yoga?
The word namaste is derived from Sanskrit and translates to ‘the divine in me bows to the divine in you.’ A namaste at the beginning of a yoga class is a greeting of respect. A yoga class typically also ends with namaste, with the teacher initiating the greeting and the students following after. It is an expression of gratitude and respect flowing both ways.
The physical gesture of namaste is pressing both hands together, fingers touching and pointing up, and the thumbs resting at the heart center.
The eyes close for a few seconds, and one bows the head or bends at the waist.
When we say namaste in yoga class with our hands pressed and head bowed, it connects us with our heart and the heart of the other.
It creates a deep connection and union that is based on respect and non-separation.
In closing
The philosophy of yoga is vast and can take a lifetime of dedicated study and practice.
The more we understand yoga, the more it will draw us towards itself.
This short film talks about the power of yoga and self-transformation and also shares many personal stories on how yoga heals.