A Detailed Definition of
Yoga - Part 2
In this regard, it is important to make two clarifications. On the one hand, that yoga is more than asana practice and this has been traditionally practiced as a broader system of spiritual realization; the positions may be minor compared to other forms of yoga. In the Bhagavad Gita, it speaks of four main paths of yoga, only one of which is the raja yoga which is taking control of body and mind and can refer to the positions. In the Yoga Sutras, Patanjali defines yoga as a method comprising eight components, hence the concept of Ashtanga, which means eight steps, and one of which are the asanas.
Moreover, even the hatha yoga, yoga asanas par excellence, is more than just posturing. Traditionally, it also includes pranayama, the breathing exercises and conscious breathing and meditation to control the mind, oxygenate cells and always enhance the flow of vital energy, techniques for cleaning the body since yoga seeks purification of body to facilitate spiritual development and goes hand in hand with science of health that emphasizes the elimination of toxins as requirement for disease prevention, bhandas and mudras.
Some people assume it as a way to work the body and the practitioner to transcend it who follow it like a rigorous and ascetic discipline and who live it as an expansive path towards love and joy. There is no one who comes to it to treat physical pain and who has discovered a wonderful way to consciousness and spiritual awakening. One could say that yoga is all this and much more, which has such a variety of schools and interpretations that any space to talk about it is limited, and that carries such profound benefits that can only be truly known through experience.
There are different views on what the main aspects of this philosophical and scientific system are. Some say that meditation, other than breathing, others who must begin to transcend the body. Traditional texts have several possible readings. Patanjali picked techniques in eight steps, all equally important. The Bhagavad Gita spoke of the control of the mind and body, active love, knowledge and selfless work. All carry the same way. There are different and complementary approaches to the same goal which is the evolution of being.
Yoga is suitable for everyone, regardless of age or physical condition. It is independent of the beliefs of everyone, because it is not a dogma or a religion, although it has common elements with some religious traditions. It could be said that is a psychological, philosophical and scientific system. Yoga helps us focus and strengthen the capacity of enjoyment and willpower to regulate metabolic processes, increase agility and elasticity, detoxify the body and revitalize each organ to be forever young. Health, happiness, joy and spiritual growth are in our hands with the practice of yoga.
Since the roots of yoga are in India, it gives a special place to India when it comes to learn yoga and in this regard yoga teacher training Rishikesh India is quite famous among beginner as well as experienced yogis.
