Dear friends,
There seems to be a bit of a lack of clarity over what “yoga” actually is and means, so I thought I’d try to be a bit more exacting as perhaps opposed to how the term is often used. As these terms are often either misused or misunderstood I thought a little explanation might shed some light.
Yoga is a practice and method of uniting one’s little self with the larger Self. “Yoga” actually means “yoke” and the two words have the same etymological root. Yoga is the way to unite the body, mind, and spirit “yoking” them together into a united whole.
There are several forms of yoga, each of which has that same goal. Hatha Yoga involves postures and is the most familiar aspect of yoga. As the body affects the mind, disciplining the body is a part of that union process. Karma Yoga is the path of action. Selfless service without thought for gain or reward. Doing things with the thought of serving Spirit rather than one’s own desires or goals. Bhakti Yoga is the path of love. Opening the heart fully to embrace everything and everyone as a part of Spirit. Gyana Yoga is the path of insight and wisdom. Seeing things completely clearly and going beyond the filter of our hopes, desires, and fears, which normally dominate and distort how we see the world around us. Raja Yoga seeks to combine them all, enabling the devotee to develop without limiting the aspirant to just one of the four paths described above.
Yoga postures has grown far from its roots. Yoga (most leave out the “hatha” descriptor) is now used to drop a little stress, firm the tummy, and stretch the limbs. All worthwhile pursuits, but not really a practice devoted to Spirit.
Yoga is rooted in Hindu Philosophy, which is a religion, with rituals, rites, ceremonies, etc. Yoga is the practical “How To” part of that great system of understanding.
The Bhagavad Gita is considered one of the primary explanatory works of Yoga. In it Krishna (the incarnation of Spirit explains to his chief disciple, Arjuna, how the world works and what he needs to do to free himself. It is part of a much greater epic called the Mahabharata. The Gita is the cornerstone of that huge epic story, and is just that conversation between Krishna and Arjuna.
Learning terms and concepts is far secondary to living in Spirit. Yet, the mind must be satisfied, and it is also nice to know what people are talking about when certain terms are read or heard. :-)
Blessings,
David G., manager
For the Gang at East West