The Origins of Yoga

The word 'yoga' is taken from the Sanskrit word 'yuga' which means 'to join.'

Pantanjali, an Indian philosopher, wrote what is thought of as the "bible of yoga" approximately two thousand five hundred years ago. While certain aspects of yoga were being done well before Pantanjali, his writing "encouraged" the practice of yoga and it began widespread practice throughout India.

Written in Sanskrit it contained the eight sutras that are the basic principles of Yoga practice. Physical activity focuses on the body, meditation on the mind and emotions. Yoga combines the practices to give you an overall sense of physical and mental health. Let's look at the sutras and learn a little about each one.

Those eight are:

1. Yama

2. Niyama

3. Asana

4. Pranayama

5. Pratyahara

6. Dharana

7. Dhyana

8. Samadhi

The first two sutras, similar to the Ten Commandments of the Bible, deal with moral and ethical issues. They are basic laws to govern the actions of humanity.

Asana refers to the different postures, or poses, that can be used to strengthen the body physically. This sutra is the one most used by the Western civilization.

Pranayama is the control of our breathing during yoga exercise.

Pratyahara is reached when you withdraw all of your senses from the outside world. You are focusing, on what is going on within your body.

Dharana, this sutra centers on your concentration. It's to help you in developing a one-mindedness that, special concentration techniques to enable you to focus only on your inner world.

Dhyana is translated as contemplation. You merge with your inner self and your image of concentration. You use the time to reflect on your special qualities.

The last sutra is Samadhi. Reaching Samadhi is the goal of all who practice classical yoga. The word means. "Union with the Supreme."

For yoga enthusiasts, this is the supreme goal. It is the identification with unchanging reality. It takes dedicated practice to reach the perfect sutra.

It takes plenty of dedicated practice on concentration, contemplation, and meditation to move you toward the final sutra of Samadhi. With this sutra, you develop a tremendous amount of willpower.

Today most people turn to yoga for Asanas, the poses, and are looking for ways of relaxing, increase their flexibility and do exercise that isn't boring.

In Asana, the poses should be steady and pleasant. It may take a while for them to feel that way, as some of the postures are not easy or comfortable to do at first. If you're just starting out you can use props, aids, to help you feel steady and pleasant. That feeling can be achieved but meanwhile, use props, such as a pillow to allow more comfort. You should challenge yourself but don't move on until you are feeling comfortable with the first postures you learn. The same applies to your everyday life; you need to find a stable and comfortable place within you to find your true potential. The inner center is where all action should come from.

Eventually you are able to relax and meditate. While practicing Yoga and it's going smoothly, you're already half way there. The feeling of achievement makes you know that all things are possible. The secret is to take the feeling you get from your Yoga postures through the rest of the day. Challenge yourself today to find your quiet, peaceful inner peace.

Related Links:

What is Yoga?

Yoga comes from a Hindu philosophy used to attain spiritual insight and harmony, but generally refers in common use to a system of exercises that is practiced as part of this discipline. The word itself is derived from the Sanskrit "yeung", meaning to join. A yoke as used on oxen is closely related, but also the same root gives us "join", "junction", "junta", "adjust", "joust", and "juxapose" to name a few. The Mueller Center offers classes for both beginners and those more advanced. ...
Meaning union with the divine, yoga is a philosophy and discipline applied to the development of mind, body, and spirit. There are many disciplines of yoga emphasizing different aspects or combination of mind body spirit. Through practices of holding a variety of body positions or asanas, and the centering of the mind and breath in a meditative way, the practitioner increases body awareness, posture, flexibility of body and mind and calmness of spirit.
An ancient system of practices originating in India. It is aimed at integrating mind, body and spirit to enhance health and well-being. There are many different forms of yoga. Hatha yoga — the most widely practised form of yoga in the Western world — uses specific postures and breathing exercises.