Yoga
6 June 2025Yoga is a profound and ancient system of physical, mental, and spiritual discipline that originated in India over 5,000 years ago. The word “Yoga” comes from the Sanskrit root “Yuj”, which means “to join” or “to unite”.
➡️ Union of:
- Individual self (Jiva) with the Universal self (Brahman)
- Body, mind, and spirit
- Action, knowledge, and devotion
🌿 Core Definitions of Yoga:
🕉️ 1. Classical Definition (Patanjali Yoga Sutra):
“Yogah chitta-vritti-nirodhah”
(योगः चित्तवृत्तिनिरोधः)
➡ “Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind.”
– Patanjali, Yoga Sutra 1.2
📜 2. Bhagavad Gita Definition (By Lord Krishna):
- “Yoga is balance in life.” (Equanimity in pleasure and pain)
- “Yoga is skill in action.”
🛤️ Main Goals of Yoga:
- Self-realization
- Freedom (Moksha) from suffering
- Balance in body, breath, mind, and emotions
- Health, vitality, and peace
🔟 Types of Yoga (Paths):
| Type | Focus |
|---|---|
| Raja Yoga | Meditation and mental discipline |
| Hatha Yoga | Physical postures and breath control |
| Bhakti Yoga | Devotion and love for the Divine |
| Karma Yoga | Selfless action and service |
| Jnana Yoga | Knowledge and wisdom |
| Kundalini Yoga | Awakening inner energy |
| Mantra Yoga | Repetition of sacred sounds |
🌈 What Yoga Is Not:
- Not just exercise or stretching
- Not a religion, but a spiritual science
- Not limited to any age, gender, or belief system
🧘♂️ Benefits of Yoga:
- Increases flexibility, strength, and immunity
- Reduces stress, anxiety, and depression
- Improves focus, sleep, and emotional balance
- Awakens inner peace and joy