Most of us will agree that the term Yoga will steer some ideas in our mind. But do we really know what is the meaning or essence of practicing Yoga?
In this article, we will tackle the origins of Yoga and how it is being practiced. Even so, is Yoga a religion?
The secret of yoga lies in a simple term: balance. Yoga is also regarded as a way of life, and in our lives, balanced moderation is essential. There are no exact definite accounts as to when Yoga practice started, but it is thought to be at least 5, ooo years old. The earliest evidence of practice can be traced back to 3,000 BC. Yoga came from the Sanskrit language and means to join, merge or unite.
Others also regard Yoga as a form of practical science because it can work for you and be applied in so many different ways that you are comfortable doing. Because of the many positions and the rhythmic breathing exercises involved, this practice is one of the several fitness routines geared towards losing and or maintaining weight, and balancing the energies in our body. In Yoga, we can be able to let go of our fears, inhibitions, and grow in ourselves- love, understanding, communicate properly, and develop a higher state of awareness.
In western parts of the world, Yoga is being practiced with the focus on the physical aspect. It is called Hatha yoga. Hatha is comprised of two words. Ha means the sun, and Tha means the moon. They are both joined together. Yoga is the union between them, suggesting that the healthy joining of opposites - in this case, the mind and body - leads to strength, vitality and peace of mind.
Yoga approaches our being as a whole- in body, in spirit, and in mind. It is a natural path to having qualities like discipline, intuitiveness, fitness, confidence, intelligence, and awareness. Practicing Yoga will help one to slowly become more grounded and satisfied with what he has.
Now going back to the question as to whether Yoga is a religion. Yoga is an independent tradition, even though it is closely associated with Hinduism. The practice does not conform with the traditional definitions of a religion. Rather it combines the physical, and psychological disciplines. What is embodied in Yoga, is the practice of non-violence, chastity, truthfulness, generosity, and non-stealing. It also involves purity, contentment, self study, self discipline, and focusing on the Divine.
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Yoga did great amazing things for me and I miss doing it again. I really agree that yoga achieves vitality,strength and peace of mind if we practice and do yoga everyday. and i do believe an article that says, you will look younger and smoother skin when you will practice yoga but of course combination of good and proper diet.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with you.
ReplyDeleteA Yoga "basic" is that the various Yogas (Karma Yoga, Bhakti Y. Hatha Y., etc. are the progressive religious/spiritual disciplines of Hinduism and sects. Hatha Yoga is worshipful postures within Hinduism. The Yogas are not 'A' religion anymore than Communion, Baptism, Mass, Bar Mitzvah, Briss, etc. are "A" religion. Practicing common sense, we recognize they are part of a specific religion(s)and not universal terms that one can choose to uproot, redefine, misrepresent, exploit, etc. Would it be logical for a Hindu to offer swimming class at the Health club, calling it Baptism class. He is also a Certified 200 hour Baptism instructor, and there is a $15. fee and assures everyone there is no Christian connection? That would be obviously preposterous...so are the phoney "yoga" classes out there...equally unethical and insulting. Here are proper definitions of Hindu, Sanskrit words misused within the spurious 'Yoga' scene, and then blindly accepted by a continued chain of the religiously naive.
ReplyDelete~Sanskrit: The ancient language of the Hindus [Webster's] Note: all subsequent terms are Sanskrit (Skr.) and thus Hindu
~Aum/Om: The most sacred syllable in Hinduism [Oxford World Religions]
~yoga: Skr. "Hinduism" [Webster's]
~yoga: Oneness of Atmana and Brahman [Dict. of Skr. Names]
~yogi/yogini: (male/female) Hindu Ascetic [Oxford World Rel.]
~Atmana: Skr. Self/Spirit; Hinduism [Webster's]
~Brahman: Skr. Hindu Religion [Webster's]
~yoga: Skr. A Hindu discipline [Oxford Am. Dict.]
~ yoga: Skr. A system of Hindu religious philosophy [Thorndike Barnhardt]
~yoga: Skr. general term for spiritual disciplines in Hinduism [Columbia Encyclopedia]
~Swami: Skr. Title of respect of a (Hindu) Holy man or teacher. [Oxford World Religions]
~Guru: Skr. A teacher of worldly skills...more often of religious knowledge...liberation (Moksa). [Oxford World religions]
~Moksa: Release/liberation - the fourth and ultimate goal of Hinduism. [Oxf. World Religion]
~Veda Skr. The most ancient sacred literature of the Hindus. [Webster's]
~The first recorded evidence of the Skr. word "yoga" is found in the Vedas."Seers of the vast illumined Seer yogically control their minds and intelligence." Rig Veda V.81.
~Upanishads: Text in Hinduism which ends or completes the Vedic corpus (body of [Hindu] laws)[Oxf. World Religions]
I like to do yoga but I don't know where to go. Is there any available fitness centers here in Iligan that teach yoga?
ReplyDeletetry the Abalos building. I know there is one Yoga class in that place. Good luck in your endeavors!
ReplyDeleteThank you for that interesting information yati.
ReplyDeleteRobert C., "interesting", in as you agree or disagree? If agree, then will article be corrected. If disagree, as the recomendation of a phoney Yoga class implies, what facts are incorrect and what is your factual argument?
ReplyDeleteRobert's attempt to define Yoga demonstrates not only the problem of the non-Hindu trying to define Hinduism/Yoga but also of one with seeminly little knowledege of religion.
ReplyDeleteThe statement "Yoga is an independent tradition..." is false. People come first; then language; terms; practices, etc. The Hindus created the Sanskrit language and the Sanskrit term "yoga."
The statement that yoga "does not conform with traditional definitions of religion" is false. True, there is no "God" in the Hindu/Yogic lifestyle but religion is about "linking" (religio) to the Spirit as well as "systems of worship." Robert's mistaken notion of religion would come as quite a surprise to all those scholars who have written texts on comparative religions. The Hindu/Yogic religion is well documented.
And, the notion that religion is not "physical and psychological" is extremely naive. All religions are ways of life to their adherents. The Hindu/Yogic religion is no exception. Please respect it.
Swami Param
Dharma Yoga Ashram (Classical Yoga Hindu Academy)
To Yati and Swami, I wrote this article for the purpose of entertaining and giving information up to the best of my knowledge. I did some research on the topic because I myself has but few ideas on the deeper meanings of yoga. I did not intend to criticize anyone's beliefs. If you would give me the chance to teach me more about this interesting topic, I would be honored to learn it from you guys.
ReplyDeleteYes, indeed, Robert let us all continue to learn. Of course, would it not be proper to have a basic understanding of the topic (in this case Yoga) before one seeks to teach it?
ReplyDeleteAgain, all one has to do is the least bit of research to uncover the Hindu/Yoga facts.
Swami Param
I am all ears Shindu or Swami or what do you want me to call you? I will wait for your comment then. For now, all the blessings to you.
ReplyDelete