What is Yoga? Its History, Definition and Importance

The word ‘Yoga’ has so much importance in Indian History and culture. What is yoga? The term is derived from the Sanskrit root ‘Yuj’ meaning to bind, join, attach, and yoke. It also means union or communion. In fact, it is the true union of our will with the will of God. In short, Yoga is a life-changing tool one can have access to at almost zero cost.

Yoga is one of the six orthodox systems of Indian philosophy. Maharishi Patanjali collated, coordinated, and systematized his work, in the classical ‘Yogasutras’. In Indian thought, everything is permeated by the Supreme Universal Spirit (Paramatma or God) of which the individual human spirit (jivatma) is a part. The system of yoga is so called because it teaches how the jivatma can be united to, or be in communion with the Paramatma, and so secure liberation (moksha). In this article, we will see an introduction, history, and the definition of ‘Yoga’.

Yoga is a timeless pragmatic science that evolved over thousands of years dealing with the physical, moral, mental, and spiritual well-being of a man as a whole. But, the first book to “systemize” this practice was the classic treatise the ‘Yogasutras’ of Patanjali dating from 200 B.C.

One who follows the path of Yoga is a Yogi or Yogin.

What is Yoga? Different Definitions:

Vedas, Upanishads, Gita, and Puranas (Indian philosophies) uses this word from a very long time. As a well-cut diamond has many facets, each reflecting a different color of light, so does the word yoga, each facet reflecting a different shade of meaning and revealing different aspects of the entire range of human endeavors to win inner peace and happiness.

Gita has an important place in Indian literature. ‘Compatibility-adversity, Perfection-Imperfection, Victory-Defeat, Despite being self-absorbed in all these emotions, doing karma (action) skilfully inspired by the same inner divine inspiration is called yoga by Lord Shri Krishna in the Gita.‘

The Bhagavad Gita also gives other explanations for this term. However, it lays stress upon Karmayoga (Yoga by action). It says: ‘Work alone is your privilege, never the fruits thereof. Never let the fruits of action be your motive, and never cease to work. Work in the name of the Lord, abandoning selfish desires. Don’t be affected by success or failure, This equipoise is called Yoga.’

The Kathopanishad (Indian philosophy) describes: ‘When the senses are stilled, when the mind is at rest, when the intellect wavers not-then, say the wise, is reached the highest stage. This steady control of the senses and mind has been defined as Yoga.’ Thus, he who attains it is free from delusion.

In the second aphorism of the first chapter of the Yogasutras, Patanjali describes Yoga as ‘Chitta vritti nirodhah’. This means the restraint (nirodhah) of mental (Chitta) modifications (vritti) or suppression (nirodhah) of the fluctuations (vritti) of consciousness (Chitta).

According to Jainacharya, ‘Yoga is the means by which the soul attains perfection and salvation.’

Limbs/ Stages of Yoga:

The right means are just as important as the end in view. Patanjali enumerates these means as the eight limbs or stages for the quest of the soul. No one can become ‘Yogi’ unless he follows these eight limbs.

1. Yama (Universal Moral Commandments)

2. Niyama (Self-purification by discipline)

3. Asana (Posture)

4. Pranayama (Rhythmic control of the breath)

5. Pratyahara (Withdrawal and emancipation of the mind from the domination of the senses and      exterior objects)

6. Dhaarana (Concentration)

7. Dhyana (Meditation) and

8. Samaadhi (A state of super-consciousness brought about by profound meditation, in which the individual aspirant (sadhaka) becomes one with the object of his meditation- Paramatma or the Universal Spirit).

Click here, to read more about Limbs of Yoga.

Why should one do Yoga? What are its effects on our bodies?

Yoga is not for him who gorges too much, nor for him who starves himself. It is not for him who sleeps too much, nor for him who stays awake. By moderation in eating and resting, by regulation in working, and by concordance in sleeping and waking, Yoga destroys all pain and sorrow.

The practice of Yoga induces a primary sense of measure and proportion. Reduced to our body, our first instrument, we learn to play it, drawing from it maximum resonance and harmony. Yoga is a technique, ideally suited to prevent physical and mental illness, and to protect the body generally, developing an inevitable sense of self-reliance and assurance.

There are innumerable benefits of yoga. Let’s see some of them as listed below

• Stretching in various postures for minutes at a time helps in gaining tenacity, while calmness comes with quiet and consistent breathing.
• Helps in developing Latent consciousness.
• Helps in the regeneration of dead fibers and new fibers and cells that improve blood circulation. As a result, Immunity strengthens.
• The pancreas gets active and starts creating insulin in the right amount, so diseases like diabetes stay away.
• The health of the whole body depends on the health of the digestive system. Likewise, the root of all diseases lies in the illness of the digestive system. The digestive system becomes healthy and heart diseases also stay away from us.
• Clean air fills the lungs completely during the practice of yoga. So the lungs stay clean and healthy, keeping Asthma, Respiratory diseases, and allergies far away.
• It is helpful in weight loss.
• It controls the mind and senses.

Conclusion

Yoga is an incredibly versatile practice that can be used for a variety of purposes. Broadly speaking, it can be described as a system of exercise and relaxation that is used to improve physical and mental health. Yoga can be used as a form of exercise to improve strength, flexibility, and balance. It can also help to improve mental health by helping to reduce anxiety, depression, and stress. In addition, yoga can be used to help improve sleep quality and improve overall well-being. There are innumerable benefits to it. So, let’s start right now and get on to your healthy and happy life’s journey. Cheers!

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