What is the meaning of Yoga?
Yoga, meaning "to yoke" / "Union“ in Sanskrit, is an ancient practice that unites the body, mind, and soul with universal consciousness. Through breathwork, postures, ethics, chanting, and meditation, it cultivates balance, inner peace, clarity, and self-discovery.
Beyond movement, yoga is a profound philosophy to freedom, peace, self-realization, and liberation. It guides us align with our highest truth, make mindful choices that serve our greatest good, and live with intention and purpose, deepening our connection to ourselves and the universe.
By quieting the mind and releasing what no longer serves us, yoga fosters humility, love, peace, and gratitude, empowering us to live with greater awareness and fulfillment.
The six main branches of traditional yoga
The six main branches of traditional yoga each offers a unique path toward self-realization and spiritual growth.
1. Raja: The "royal path" of meditation focuses on mental discipline and meditation practices.
2. Karma: The path of action and selfless service, emphasizes performing duties without attachment to outcomes, fostering humility and compassion.
3. Jnana: The path of wisdom and knowledge, using self-inquiry, self-reflection, study, and contemplation to attain spiritual realization and ultimate truth.
4. Bhakti: The path of devotion and love, surrendering to a higher power through prayers, chanting, and rituals, cultivating deep spiritual connection.
5. Tantra: A holistic path of transformation, integrating rituals, energy work to expand consciousness and awaken inner power.
6. Hatha: The path of physical practice, using postures (asanas), breath control (pranayama), and energy purification techniques to prepare the body and mind for higher states of awareness.
What is Ashtanga Yoga? The Eightfold path of yoga
Ashtanga means "Eightfold Path", serving as a guide to living a meaningful and purposeful life. Outlined by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras. It provides a structured path toward ethical living, self-discipline, mindfulness, spiritual growth, and overall well-being. Each limb of the eightfold path builds upon the next.
1. Yama: Moral guidelines or ethical principles for interactions with others.
- Ahimsa (Non-violence): Do no harm to any living being (including self), in action, speech, and thought.
- Satya (Truthfulness): Speak and live truthfully, with kindness.
- Asteya (non-stealing): Don’t take what isn’t freely given—material or otherwise.
- Brahmacharya (moderation): Use your energy wisely and purposefully.
- Aparigraha (non-possessiveness): Let go of greed, attachment, and the need to control.
2. Niyama: Personal observances and internal practices for inner growth.
- Shaucha (Purity): Cleanliness of body, mind, and environment—clears the path for clarity and focus.
- Santosha (Contentment): Finding peace and gratitude in the present moment, regardless of circumstances.
- Tapas (Discipline): Self-discipline, effort, and inner strength to stay committed to growth.
- Svadhyaya (Self-study): Self-study, self-reflection, introspection of self’s thoughts, speeches, and actions to cultivate awareness and understanding.
- Ishvarapranidhana (Surrender): Letting go of ego and trusting in true self, a supreme being or divine flow.
3. Asana: The physical practice, preparing the body for meditation and inner stillness. It teaches presence and concentration through movement.
4. Pranayama: The breathing techniques to regulate and expand vital energy (prana) through mindful, conscious breathing—connecting body, mind, and spirit.
5. Pratyahara: Turning inward by detaching senses from external distractions to cultivate inner awareness.
6. Dharana: The mental concentration and focusing of mind by developing focused attention on a single point, such as the breath, mantra, or object.
7. Dhyana: A deep, quiet, uninterrupted state of mindfulness leading to ultimate state of being keenly aware without focus.
8. Samadhi: The cessation of all mental activities to attain ultimate state of enlightenment, peace, and unity with the universe.
Hatha Yoga
Hatha Yoga, as described in ancient text “Hatha Yoga Pradipika”, is a physical disciplines and practices that prepare the body and mind for higher states of meditation (Raja Yoga).
It focuses on transforming the physical body through asana (postures), pranayama (breath control), shatkarma (cleansing techniques), mudras (gestures), and bandhas (energy locks) to purify the body, cultivate prana (life force), and attain samadhi (enlightenment and self-realization).
As self-control is easier to cultivate through the body and breath than the mind alone, Hatha Yoga serves as a foundation for Raja Yoga, leading to deeper meditation and spiritual awakening. Success in this practice requires a pure, honest, and balanced lifestyle.