What is Yoga?

Yoga is an ancient science and practice that seeks to harmonize the physical, mental and spiritual facets of our being. The Sanskrit word Yoga means to yoke or join. It is also translated as union, and through this path we seek unification of the mind and the body, seeking to join our individual consciousness with a universal or divine consciousness. Yoga offers a holistic approach to balancing the varied elements of our being and through regular practice an organic evolution from physical to mental and ultimately spiritual well being becomes possible.

Although often associated as a physical practice, yoga in fact is a term used to denote a myriad of methods with enlightenment as a common goal. Other legs of yoga include bhakti yoga (the yoga of devotion), karma yoga (the yoga of action or selfless service), jnana yoga (the yoga of wisdom) and raja yoga (the so called royal yoga). The term hatha yoga (yoga which involves physical movement) is but a facet of yoga’s ambit. Yoga is a philosophy, rather than a religion that has its pursuit the recognition of a higher consciousness which can be described in many ways from the Absolute/Love/Truth/the Divine/God or Higher Self.

The seminal source on yoga is said to be contained in the Yoga Sutra as codified by Patanjali sometime between 500 and 200 B.C. Contained in these 196 ‘threads’ is the essence of yoga, with strict guidance on its definition, practice, effects and ultimately liberation. Patanjali sets out a clear framework of operation in his eight limbed (Ashtanga) path. Here the yamas and niyamas (the moral and ethical precepts) are delineated alongside asana (posture), pranayama (breath control), pratyahara (sensory withdrawal) dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation) and ultimately Samadhi (Self Realization).

The effects of a yoga practice on your life become evident through the initial sense of well being that the movements create. With continued diligence, a sense of awareness begins to evolve. Through this opening consciousness, the experience of subtle energies becomes possible. Ultimately the effects of yoga on our lives are to create balance, improved health, mental and emotional well being, greater tolerance, patience and kindness for oneself and others. Inevitably the yogic path necessarily opens the heart and can offer clarity through the stilling of our minds. It is the ultimate intention that yoga will lead one to the realization of the Self.