The Meaning of Yoga

Yoga. You’ve probably heard of it while watching something on television or seen it in the works while scrolling posts on social media. It’s such a common practice that images of people doing elaborate poses in a studio automatically come to mind. From the top of your head, you instantly know what it is… but do you know what it’s all about?

There’s more to the practice of yoga than meets the eye.

Defining Yoga

The word “Yoga” is from the ancient Sanskrit language. The root of the word is “yuj”, meaning “to bind”.[1] A common interpretation of “binding” is that the practice of yoga helps to unite one’s breath, body, and mind.[2]

Classic Indian philosophy affirms that there’s one reality, but six ways of understanding reality. Known as the six darsanas, or philosophical insights, they are believed to be the routes to obtain truth and reason.[3] These six insights are known as the following: Nyaya (logic), Vaisesika (naturalism), Samkhya (dualism), Yoga (meditative discipline), Mimamsa (interpretation of scriptures), and Vedanta (reflection upon scriptures).[4]

Being one of the six darsanas, yoga offers its own perception of reality. Philosophically, the purpose of yoga is to help one become more focused and to release unhealthy attachments. Freeing oneself from bad habits could invite the experience of “samadhi”, or a happy union with reality achieved through a state of deep focus.[5]

The Ancient Roots of Yoga

According to lore, the Hindu deity Shiva was the first practitioner of yoga. From Shiva’s initiative, the practice was passed down to seven sages(or those with sound judgment or wisdom) who went out into the world to teach it. Similar folk narratives found in several local traditions suggest the presence of yoga in ancient Indian society. Historical evidence leads to the existence of yoga spanning all the way back to 2700 B.C. In addition, The Classical Period of yoga arrived between 500 B.C. and 800 A.D., which is believed to have partial influence by prominent figures such as Mahavir and the Buddha.[6]

Yoga’s Health Benefits

Today, while yoga may not always be practiced in its original philosophical context, it is highly sought after for its health benefits:

• Weight loss. Research has shown that a weekly practice of yoga, for 30 minutes, for four years straight, can lower weight gain in middle adulthood in conjunction with mindful eating. [7]

• Management of stress. Yoga can help relax the mind through meditative focus and breathing methods, thus relieving one’s stress. [8]

• Relief of back pain. Experts promote yoga as a first-line treatment for those suffering from constant back pain, due to the healing element of stretching the practice requires. [9]

References:

1. Eliade, M. (2018, May 17). Yoga. Encyclopedia of Religion. Retrieved from: https://www.encyclopedia.com/philosophy-and-religion/eastern-religions/hinduism/yoga

2. Tomlinson, K. (2021, January). Yoga Lingo for Beginners. EkhartYoga. Retrieved from: https://www.ekhartyoga.com/articles/practice/yoga-lingo-for-beginners

3. Bernard, T. (1996). Hindu Philosophy. Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass Publishers.

4. Murty, M.R. (2013). Indian Philosophy: An Introduction. Buffalo, NY: Broadview Press.

5. Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2019, April 26). Yoga. Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved from: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Yoga-philosophy

6. Basavaraddi, I. (2015, April 23). Yoga: Its Origin, History, and Development. Ministry of External Affairs – India. Retrieved from: https://www.mea.gov.in/in-focus-article.htm?25096/Yoga+Its+Origin+History+and+Development

7. Harvard Health Publishing. (2015, February). Yoga – Benefits Beyond the Mat. Harvard Medical School. Retrieved from: https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/yoga-benefits-beyond-the-mat

8. American Osteopathic Association. (n.d.). The Benefits of Yoga. American Osteopathic Association. Retrieved from: https://osteopathic.org/what-is-osteopathic-medicine/benefits-of-yoga/

9. John Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). 9 Benefits of Yoga. John Hopkins Medicine. Retrieved from: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/9-benefits-of-yoga