Introduction to yoga

1. To achieve the ultimate is Yoga. – Rigveda

2. Balance of Mind in failure or success is called yoga. – Geeta
3. Perfection in action is called yoga. – Geeta
4. Yoga is treasure house of fulfillment. – Mahabharata
5. Expelling attachment and achieving “Moksha” is called yoga. –
Ramayana
6. Integration of physical, mental and spiritual energies into God is
called yoga. -according to Gandhi
• Yoga is a spiritual, philosophic and holistic science,
originated in the Northern part of India, over 5 thousand
years ago.
• The word yoga was first mentioned in the Rig Vedas, the
earliest amongst the Vedas, the most ancient sacred
texts known to humanity.
Yoga is also among the six schools of philosophy in
Hinduism, as well as an important role in Buddhism and
its meditation practices.
The main components of yoga are breathing practices,
postures, mantras, bandhas and mudras aiming to
boost mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing and
elevate the human being.
• The literal meaning of yoga is hidden in its Sanskrit root yuj.
The word yoga is derived from the Sanskrit root yuj which has
three meanings:
• Yujir yoge: meaning to join
• The first meaning of yoga goes with the understanding of
joining the individual consciousness jivatma with the ultimate
consciousness paramatma.
• According to the highest conception of Indian philosophy of
which yoga is an integral part, jivatma is a component or
partial expression of the Supreme Soul or Paramatma.
Although two are the same and indivisible both are separated
subjectively and the jivatma undergoes the evolutionary cycle
in the manifested universe, to become united again with Him.
So the discipline through which the union is attained is yoga.
 • Yuj samadhou: meaning Samadhi
The second meaning describes yoga as Samadhi itself. Maharishi
Vyasa has defined yoga as Samadhi in Vyasa bhashya. Samadhi is a
state where nothing exists except awareness. Samadhi is explained
in detail in a different section ‘samdhi’.
Yuj samyamne: meaning to control संयम
• The third meaning considers yoga is to have control. Control of
what? Control of senses. It describes yoga as to have control
(Sanyam) over senses. Samyama is the combined simultaneous
practice of Dhāraṇā, Dhyāna and Samādhi.
• From the above explanation it is clear that yoga is not merely about
physical movements and it not only includes meditation and other
technique but it is the path which leads us towards the truth, the
ultimate reality. The different definitions of yoga gives a better
understanding of what yoga is? And what it deals with.
 Definitions of yoga
• There are many scriptures which define yoga in various
manner. One of those scriptures is ‘Paatanjal
Yogasutra’, the authorship of which belongs to
Maharishi Patanjali. Patanjali defines yoga in his text as:
Yoga is the inhibition of modification of the Mind.
(Yogas citta-vritti-nirodhah– Yogsutra)
• Here the word Chitta doesn’t literally means the mind but in a general sense, it is
considered as mind. Chitta is fundamental of nature or consciousness which is
immaterial but affected by the matter. In fact, it may be called a product of both,
consciousness and matter, the presence of both being necessary for its functioning.
It is like an intangible screen which enables the light of consciousness to be
projected in the manifested world. But the real secret of its essential nature lies
buried in the origin of the manifested universe and can be known only on attaining
enlightenment.
• The word Vritti is derived from the Sanskrit root Vrit which means ‘to exist’. So
vrtti is a way of existing. In considering the ways in which a thing exists we may
consider its modifications, states, activities or its functions. So vrttis are a
modification of chitta or mind. Sage Patanjali has explained five vrttis, the
fundamental states or types of modifications in which the mind can exist. So the
sutra defines yoga as the discipline through which modifications of the mind are
inhibited.
• Bhagavad-Gita presents a very vast explanation of
yoga. In fact, the whole of the Geeta deals with
yoga. Bahgavadgeeta is basically the talk between Lord
Krishna to his disciple, also a friend Arjuna in between
the battlefield of Kurukshetra.
• When Arjuna was distracted from his Dharma Lord
Krishna taught him about what Dharma actually is? And
he taught him about Jnanyoga, Karmayoga, Bhakti yoga
and Rajayoga to make Arjuna understand Dharma.
• Yoga as skill in action (Yogah karmasu kaushalam-
Bhagavadgeeta)
• Lord Shri Krishna defines yoga as: Actions did with an expectation
of its reward bring bondage. If the action is done without any thirst
for reward, one get purification of heart and ultimately knowledge
of the Self. In Geeta Lord Krishna very well said that how we can
practice yoga while performing the action. Our actions i.e. karma
can also be done in a yogic way. Which is called Karma yoga.
• In today’s scenario, Karma yoga is the best way of practicing yoga
because when people are advised to practice yoga
asana and pranayama's etc the only reason they have to give is
lack of time. Ultimately yoga is practiced to give happiness and
satisfaction then why should not we get this by doing our routine
work?
• Lord Krishna says that skill in action is also yoga. If we
observe when we help someone for any reason then it
gives us happiness that cannot be explained we feel a
sort of satisfaction. But when we are said or ordered to
get some work done then after doing that we do not feel
that kind of satisfaction which we feel while serving
others because there is no expectation or thought of
reward or of praise in serving i.e. karma yoga.
• Whatever kind of work we are doing to earn our
livelihood we must do that with a sense of service. So
that we maintain promptness in our work because when
we think it is a service then a sense of responsibility
develops within us towards society and our egocentric
attitude slowly starts to diminish thereby developing
purity inside which leads us to the ultimate reality.
• Lord Shri Krishna says in Bhagavdgeeta that
Samatvam yoga uchyate
Here Lord Krishna tells Arjuna to perform an action with
the evenness of mind without bothering about victory
and defeat, and this evenness of mind is nothing but
yoga. And that is what all yoga is about. It is nothing but
to concentrate the mind having control over all your
senses.
Initiation
• Initiation is the sacred act in which an individual is given
their initial experience of a means to realizing some
Truth. That means is a kriya or “practical yogic
technique,” and the truth is a portal to the eternal and
infinite One.
Development of Yoga
• Yoga means the classical Yoga system as set forth by Patañjali in the Yoga
Sūtras. Patañjali taught an eightfold (aṣṭāṇga) system of Yoga emphasizing an
integral spiritual development including ethical disciplines (Yama and Niyama),
postures (Āsana), controlling and harmonizing the breath (Prāṇāyāma), control
of the senses (Pratyāhāra), concentration (Dhāraṇā), meditation (Dhyāna) and
absorption (Samādhi). This constitutes a complete and integral system of
spiritual training.
• However, classical Yoga was part of the Vedic tradition. Patañjali was only a
compiler of the teachings at a later period. Yogic teachings covering all aspects of
Patañjali Yoga are common in literature prior to Patañjali like in the Purāṇas, the
Mahābhārata and the Upaniṣads. The instigator of the Yoga system is said to be
Hiraṇyagarbha, who represent the creative and evolutionary force of the universe.
• Yoga can be traced back to the Ṛgveda itself, the oldest vedik text
which speaks about yoking our mind and insight to the light of Truth
or Reality. Great teachers of early Yoga include the names of many
famous Vedic sages like Vasiṣṭha, Yajñavalkya, and Jaigiśavya. The
greatest of the Yogis is always said to be Yogeśvara Krishna himself,
the propounder of Bhagavadgītā, which is called as Yoga Śāstra –
an authoritative work on Yoga.
Origin of Yoga and the Indus Valley
Civilization
• The stone seals excavated from the sites of the Indus Valley
Civilization (3000 B.C.) depicting figures in yogic postures indicate
that Yoga was being practiced even during 3000 B.C.
• The first indication of body-culture in Yoga is to be traced
through the word Āsana (posture) and Prāṇāyāma (the regulation,
conservation and control of bio-energy). But since, we are
concerned primarily with postures, let us go to its origin. This involves
not only how posture training came to be regarded as a physical
requisite for Yoga but also how its later development aided the most
comprehensive evolution of namely physical training, hygiene, social
medicine, and therapeutics
• In the evolution of Āsana and its synthesis, besides the original prayer and
meditative poses, certain other postures have also been included
which have been found to be definitely useful in the development of
the physical and meditative aspects of the individual’s personality. A
series of dynamic variations has been added to the static Āsanas to
enlarge the scope of application and meet the varied requirements.
• Yoga has been part of man's activities directed towards higher spiritual
achievements in India. The history of Yoga is divided into five categories:
• Vedic period
• Pre-classical period
• Classical period
• Yoga in Medieval Times
• Yoga in Modern Times
 Vedic period
• The ancient texts of Vedas are the oldest scriptures in the world. The Sanskrit
word Veda means “knowledge” and ṛk means “praise”. Thus the Ṛgveda is a
collection of hymns that are in praise of a higher power. Other three Vedas are
Yajur Veda (knowledge of Yajña), Sāma Veda (Knowledge of chants), and
Atharva Veda (knowledge of Atharva). In Vedic period the means to higher
attainment were through Knowledge or revelation from the Universe through
meditation. It comprises three Yogas – Mantra Yoga, where the power of
mantra, through which the mantra becomes active as a tool of
transformation in the mind, Prāṇa Yoga – through Prāṇāyāma which
energizes the vital force. Dhyāna Yoga – The word dhī’, which means Buddhi or
intellect is the root for the term ‘dhyāna’ or meditation. Dhī is the higher and
interior portion of the mind (manas), which enables us to perceive the eternal
truth. This cultivation of dhī or buddhi, the main faculty of discrimination, is the
main characteristic of Yoga, Vedanta and Buddhism.
• To keep the mind solely on one object is contemplation. "Contemplation is that
state in which the tendencies of the concentrated mind begin to flow around one
single notion like an uninterrupted stream of oil, and the mental faculties (manas)
remain without any outward object.” The five characteristics of Dhyāna are: single
thought, effortlessness, slowness, wakefulness, effortless expansion. Any state of
mind having these five characteristics can be said to be in Dhyāna.
• In the Maitrāyanī Upaniṣad; Yoga is spoken about as: Ṣaḍanga-Yoga – The
uniting discipline of the six limbs (ṣad-aṅga), as expounded in the Maitrāyanī-
Upaniṣad: (1) breath control (prāṇāyāma), (2) withdrawal of senses
(pratyāhāra), (3) meditation (dhyāna), (4) concentration (dharaṇā), (5) recalling
and examination (tarka), and (6) transcendental state (samādhi). Yoga is the
state in which all our Indriyas are beheld steadily i.e., a state of mastery over
senses and mind, as portrayed in Kaṭhopaniṣad (2.5.4).
Pre-classical period
• One of the most outstanding Yoga scriptures is the Bhagavad-Gītā.
According to the Bhagavadgītā, there are three important paths which
lead to establishing relationship with the Supreme. These have been
designated as the Yoga of perfect actions (Karma Yoga), the Yoga of
perfect devotion (Bhakti Yoga) the Yoga of perfect knowledge (Jñāna
Yoga).
• The Bhagavadgītā consists of 18 chapters. Each chapter is called a Yoga.
Each chapter is a highly specialized Yoga revealing the path of attaining
realization of the Ultimate Truth. Bhagavadgītā gives specific knowledge
regarding the purpose of human existence, the immortality of the soul
and our eternal relationship with the Supreme. This knowledge applies
to each and every one of us without exception.
 Classical period
• During the classical period which is around 2nd century BCE Patañjali, wrote Yoga Sūtra
which comprised 196 aphorisms which describes the eight limbs (Aṣṭāṅga) to reach the
goal of human life which is freedom from miseries of death and birth. This is known as the
Yoga of will power or Rāja Yoga or Aṣṭāṇga Yoga.
• Buddha was also contemporary to this period who taught us eight-fold path
āryaaṣṭāṅga-mārga emphasizing on meditation.
• Vipāsanā is one of India's most ancient meditation techniques. Long lost to humanity, it
was revived by Gautama, the Buddha more than 2500 years ago. The word
Vipāsanā means seeing things as they really are. It is the process of self-purification
by self observation. One begins by monitoring the natural breath to concentrate the
mind. With a sharpened attentiveness one proceeds to observe the changing nature of
body and mind and experiences the universal truths of mortal and miserable life.
• Ahiṁsā, Pratyāhāra and contemplation are important wings of Yoga in Jainism.
Yoga in medieval times
• Buddha (around 6th century A.D.) had popularized meditation on the entire subcontinent.
However, there was a point of disagreement that one cannot start the spiritual practices with
meditation immediately. One has to prepare oneself for meditation. During 6th century AD when
the influence of Buddhism had declined, some great yogis like Matseyendranātha and
Gorakṣanātha set out to purify the system. There were many treatises on Haṭha Yoga written
during this time.
• The main texts written during this period are Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā by Svātmarāma,
Gheraṇḍa Saṁhitā a conversational treatise, Haṭharatnāvalī by Śrinivāasa yogi which also
discusses Āyurveda along with Yoga, Śiva Saṁhita, Siddha siddhānta Paddhati by Nityanātha etc.
• Guru Gorakṣanātha is believed to be the founder of the Nātha Sampradāya and it is stated that the
nine Nathas and 84 Siddhas are all human forms created as Yogic manifestations to spread the
message of Yoga and meditation in the world. They were Yogis, who reveal samādhi to
mankind. Guru Gorakṣanātha is thought to have authored several books including: Gorakṣa
Saṁhitā, Gorakṣa Gītā and Yoga Cintāmaṇi
Yoga in modern times
• Integral Yoga or Pūrṇa Yoga by Śri Aurobindo emphasized surrendering to the Divine and an
opening to the Divine Force so that it may work to transform one's being.
• Sri Ramakrishna Paramahaṁsa, records for the path of Bhakti Yoga and Divine love. To Ramakrishna
all religions are revelations of God in His diverse aspects to satisfy the manifold demands of
the human mind. One of the greatest contributions of Śri Ramakrishna to the modern world is
his message of harmony of all religions.
Swami Vivekananda summarised the Vedānta's teachings as follows:
Each soul is potentially divine.
The goal is to manifest this Divinity within by controlling nature, both external and
internal.
Do this either by work (Karma Yoga) or worship (Bhakti Yoga), or psychic control (Rāja Yoga) or
philosophy (Jñāna Yoga)—by one, or more, or all of these—and be free.
This is the whole of religion. The doctrines, or dogmas, or rituals, or books, or temples, or
forms, are but secondary details.
The streams of Yoga
• The human personality can be divided broadly into four fundamental categories:
emotional, active, intuitive and volitional. Patañjali has clearly understood this fact
that each person has a different temperament and inclinations according to
predominance of one or more of these categories. He therefore knew that the
yogic path had to be designed to suit the specific characteristics of an individual.
Therefore, he suggests:
• Bhakti Yoga for those who are emotionally and devotionally inclined (refer to 1:23;
2:1;
• 2:23, 2:45; etc.).
• Jñāna Yoga for those who are intuitive by nature. He recommends reflection and
enquiry into the real meaning of AUM (1:27-29) and also explains much of Saṁkhya
philosophy (2:20, 21 etc.) as a means to higher realization. He also makes it clear that
all mental knowledge is limited.
Misconceptions about Yoga
• Religion – dogma, belief, cult or -ism
•  Magic, trick, mysticism
•  Physical culture – aerobics and anaerobics
•  Mental concentration
•  Self-mortification, self-torture
• It is a complete system or better a Science or a way of life. Yoga being a
way of life can be applied irrespective of age, gender, profession,
state, conditions, problems and sufferings. Yoga can be applied in
any/every human endeavor – personal, professional, social, family and
spiritual.