YOGA- A MISUSED TERM
What is Yoga ?
Why Is the Term Yoga Misused So Often?
.Believe it or not, the term "Yoga" has been widely misunderstood, misused, and overused, gaining universal acceptance as an activity when, in reality, it represents a lifestyle.
The term "yoga" literally translates to the "union" of body, mind, and spirit, signifying a comprehensive path. In the Western world, there's a tendency to reinterpret things, and over time, yoga has been reduced to a recreational activity, an excuse for pseudo-enlightenment, or simply a physical fitness program akin to Zumba or calisthenics. Various fragments have been marketed and sold to satisfy our materialistic desires—think of Yoga restaurants, dance fusion yoga, beer yoga, and even yoga machines—all labels on the shelf.
In truth, yoga is a lifestyle that was adopted thousands of years ago to attain complete control over one's mind, body, and spirit. It utilizes various techniques to strengthen one's mental fitness. The Yoga Sutra, the bible of yoga, starts with 'Yoga chitta vrithi Niradha,' which means , yoga is practiced to control thought processes and balance our minds.
The moment we are able to balance our thought process, control brings our mind into tranquility. We will be able to acquire mental fitness. In the process, we remain physically fit
Asana (physical movement), which in the Western world is considered yoga, is actually one part of yoga. Yoga consists of 8 parts (8 Angas), and asanas need to be practiced steadily, focused, and relaxed; that's why in the Yoga Sutra, Asana is explained as 'Sthira Sukham Asana.' Technically, we are twisting our body through asanas to straighten our minds, developing focus, and tranquility.
Steady and staying in asana for a long time is important to get Asana Siddhi, which also will help us reach a meditative mind,
The mind is the reason we get sick. According to Ayurveda (Indian traditional Medicine ), Adi (mental disturbance) is the reason we get vyadhi (sickness). That's the reason we practice yoga: to achieve tranquility.
Yoga focus on the central nervous system, balancing and activating the parasympathetic system. In the process, our endocrine system is balanced, which works in conjunction with pranayama, meditation,
These are all integral parts of yoga. Just as we clean our bodies externally with a bath, we cleanse internally with good oxygen and kriyas, balance our endocrine system (our hormones) through asanas, meditation, and mudras, along with mindful eating.We also cultivate mental discipline through Yama and Niyamas and sensory control through Pratyahara. All these aspects are fundamental parts of yoga. Many teachers mistakenly believe that if you twist your body quickly like an acrobatic or gymnastic person, that's yoga. However, it is not yoga; it is simply stretching exercise.
So, do not change yoga.
We have many other fitness programs for the physical body such as Pilates, aerobics, dance, gym, and playing sports. Enjoy those as they are—there's no need to change them. Why are we trying to transform yoga into another fitness program? Each program has its own advantages and disadvantages, so appreciate them for what they are. Yoga can also be practiced before or after many sports programs. It helps athletes achieve focus and mental balance in their sport, aids in recovery from sports-related wear and tear, and provides balance and rejuvenation to the body through specific breath control and stretches. These are specialized yoga programs tailored for specific sports, and teachers need knowledge to customize the yoga according to each sport, which is crucial. Standard yoga practices may not be effective for these specialized needs.
Yoga is not a religious practice.
I am referring to the oldest well-structured yoga book, prior to which we did not have any book exclusively explaining yoga—this is Patanjali's Yoga Sutra. All other books and schools refer to Patanjali's book and have improvised upon it. However, when yoga spread to the Western world, it transformed into a physical form, focusing on gymnastic exercises and incorporating Sanskrit words from the Yoga Sutra while diverging from its original intent. Therefore, we don't need to reinvent the wheel; the essence of yoga is already present. We just need to learn how to use it correctly..Keep practicing the right yoga—not just Asanas.
Currently, mental health issues and stress-related diseases are prevalent. Therefore, it's crucial to continue practicing yoga and learn from traditional teachers who truly understand yoga. I am not referring to yoga fashion models who pose in the most complicated Asanas and showcase their bodies for aesthetics—avoid getting caught up in this and remain focused on the true essence of yoga.
Yoga for Everyone"
To learn all these things, you need a really trained trainer who understands what yoga is.Listen to your body and have a conversation to increase flexibility.
As humans, we've created numerous disturbances and distractions for ourselves. Due to our materialistic lifestyles, we've lost the ability to listen to and understand our minds and bodies, not to mention nature and life itself. Initially, modern medicine dissociated the mind from the body, prioritizing physical ailments, to the extent that the Mental Health Act only came into effect in 1993.Over time, it became evident that there's a connection between mental and physical health, giving rise to a new label known as holistic medicine, essentially the yogic approach. This approach trains both the body and mind to endure physical and mental ailments to the best of their ability.Understand that yoga is a vast subject encompassing physiology, psychology, philosophy, and life science. It doesn't dismiss modern medicine but rather asserts, The longer you follow the yogic lifestyle, the more effective it becomes. This is why ancient yogis were considered men of God and saints—their focus and training allowed them to transcend the average person because of their resilience, mental balance, and mindfulness.Of course, not everyone can or wants to live like a saint. However, implementing these principles where you can balance your life.So, don't misunderstand yoga and reduce it to "mere physical movement." While most fitness centers teach variations of yoga poses, they often only scratch the surface, essentially providing regular exercise. To truly understand yoga requires years of practice and study, learning from reputable sources. It's a journey that can be undertaken gradually every day, but regular practice of yoga, every single day for one hour,
Some Yoga Facts
All the original texts of yogic science are written in Sanskrit. Historical evidence of yoga's existence dates back to the pre-Vedic period (2700 B.C.) and continued through Patanjali's time. Information about yoga practices and related literature can be found in the Vedas (4 collections), Upanishads (108 collections), Smritis, teachings of Buddhism, Jainism, Panini, epics (2), Puranas (18), and more.The period between 500 B.C. and 800 A.D. is considered the Classical period, marked by significant developments in the history of yoga. During this time, commentaries by Vyasa on Yoga Sutras and Bhagavad Gita emerged. It's a period associated with two great Indian religious teachers, Mahavir and Buddha. Buddha, in particular, took yoga to other parts of Asia, not as a religion but as a way of life to be practiced and followed by spiritual masters. It offers a healthier path of life, with techniques that allow us to maintain not only physical but also mental fitness, emphasizing the value of coexistence on this planet and in the universe as a whole.
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