Yoga is a Sanskrit word, derived from another Sanskrit term, yug, which means “binding together”. Yoga is a broad term covering the idea of linking to unite the body (physical life) and mind into a single entity, so they follow a similar direction.
Some authors go so far as to give the meaning “unity of opposites”, approaching, thus, the Chinese principle of Yin and Yang. The word yoga also has the sense of physical and mental discipline.
The origins of yoga
Yoga is a technique dating back more than four thousand years and is deeply in the Indian tradition. Originally, it was primarily regarded as a spiritual discipline. But soon, fans will realize it is also a source of health and peace, where a mixture of exercises spiritual, intellectual and physical, which is based on a philosophy.
This is the eighth century AD that Indian sage, Patanjali, undertook a synthesis of all the knowledge acquired over the centuries by yogis. The result was a book: the Sutras of Patanjali, a sort of code of Yoga, where he established the Astanga Yoga, Yoga or eight steps.
The role of Patanjali
This is the eighth century AD that Indian sage, Patanjali, undertook a synthesis of all the knowledge acquired over the centuries by yogis. The result was a book: the Sutras of Patanjali, a sort of code of Yoga, where he established the Astanga Yoga, Yoga or eight steps:
- Yamas, control rules and discipline;
- Niyama, principles of observance of a certain lifestyle (physical and moral cleanliness, contentment, self-study);
- Asanas, postures of the body with beneficial actions on the health and mind. These are asanas that allow, first, breath control and mind;
- Pranayama, breathing techniques which, combined with asana, the Yogi can have a near-total control of his body (and his mind);
- Pratyahara, detachment of the mind, which frees itself from the domination of the senses and matter;
- Dharana, concentration;
- Dhyana, meditation;
- Samadhi, the ultimate step of the spiritual journey of yoga, rather difficult to explain in a rational context. The best approach (and translation) appears to be the word “liberation”, recalling the state of grace, Christians, Buddhists enlightenment, or satori zen.
These eight steps form the framework of different yogas. In the West, and particularly in Europe, only the Hatha Yoga is practiced and taught. Indeed, it is the most concrete way, the closest and most accessible to the Western mind.
