Yoga is a Sanskrit word derived from the Sanskrit root “yuj” which means to connect, join or balance. The most important thing, however, is that Yoga — with its entire applications and implications - is a powerful means to an end. The ultimate end of all human pursuits is “Moksha.” Moksha is freedom from all bondage, freedom from insecurities, freedom from the clutches of desires, freedom from the sense of limitations and inadequacy, freedom from all that which thwarts us on our divine journey in life. In other words, the end of all human pursuits is everlasting peace, happiness and a sense of fulfillment. This is possible with steady and prolonged sincere practice of Yoga as it activates a process of cleansing and purification of mind, which, in turn prepares the ground for the dawning of Self-knowledge. Yoga means this connection, this Knowledge that introduces you to yourself by removing the impurities and the veil of ignorance that keeps you a stranger to yourself. Yoga should never be mistaken for aerobics or any other mode of exercise, which is operational only on a physical level.
Definition: Yoga is usually defined as Union: Union between the limited self and the real, divine Self. The aim of Yoga is not really to unite you with anything for you are already united. It is to help you realize your identity with the greater Self, to make you know and tune in with your intrinsic nature.
There are many definitions of yoga, which apply to all levels of existence and awareness. At the physical level most people have a body that is continually in a state of disruption. The functions of different organs, muscles and nerves no longer harmonize to assist each other. In fact they often hamper and oppose each other. Disharmony in various body parts and systems brings about inefficiency and lethargy or clumsiness. Moreover, it manifests in diseases in the body. In this context we can define Yoga as physical harmony and health. In this way Yoga also can be defined as mental balance and peace. It is the perfect coordination and harmony between body and mind
The Structure of yoga: The different paths of discipline of Yoga.
The various branches of Yoga could be classified into five basic groups. (this is strictly for practical purposes and clarity of the subject to practice yoga in life as a whole and as a discipline.)
- Jnana Yoga: the life committed to inquiry.
- Karma Yoga: the life style committed to selfless service and Dharma.
- Bhakti Yoga: the life devoted to love and devotion to God.
- Raja Yoga: the life committed to introspection and contemplation.
- Hatha Yoga: the life devoted to disciplining the body and balancing the mental, physical and subtle forces of the body through the practice of asanas and pranayama.
All these yogas are considered as Karma Yoga and not as separate paths. Even the path of Knowledge - Jnana Yoga can’t be followed without karma yoga. One has to take up this path to attain the supreme knowledge, the knowledge of the self and yoga prepares the aspirant for this journey.
On Yoga and Iyengar Yoga :
What is Yoga ?
Yoga is one of the six systems of Indian philosophy. It had been transmitted orally through the generations like most of Indian philosophy and culture. It was sometime between the fifth and second century B.C that a Sage by the name of Patanjali penned down this subject in his treatise the Yoga Darshana also known as the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. This forms the basic text of yoga. On the spiritual plane, it means union of the Individual Self with the Universal Self; while, for the man of this world, it is the union of the physical, physiological, mental, emotional and intellectual bodies leading one to live a integrated, purposeful, useful and noble life.
What are the different stages/aspects of Patanjali’s Yoga ?
Patanjali’s exposition which forms the Master text consists of just 196 terse aphorisms or sutras which cover all aspects of life, beginning with a code of conduct and ending with a man’s vision of his true self. The eight aspects (astanga) of yoga are yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana and samadhi. Yama and niyama are codes of moral and social conduct; asanas are delicately and advertently adjusting the body in various postures with the complete involvement of the mind, awareness and intelligence; pranayama the regulation and restraint of breath; pratyahara relaxation and internalization of the senses of perception; dharana concentration; dhyana meditation and samadhi the ultimate state of self realization.
Of these, the first four are categorized as external quests or studies (bahiranga sadhana) which can be taught; the next two pratyahara and dharana are internal quests (antaranga sadhana) which are experiential states which can never been taught but only experienced while dhyana and samadhi are antaratma sadhanas - studies concerning the innermost quests, where one reaches a Supreme state, an ultimate state of self realization when the subject and the object become one. Thus, of the eight aspects of astanga yoga, only the first four can be taught. Pratyahara, dharana, dhyana and samadhi are experiential states and can never be taught.
What is Iyengar Yoga ?
As mentioned earlier, Patanjali’s treatise on Yoga consists of just 196 terse aphorisms compiled in the 5th century B.C. Over the centuries, several translations and commentaries have been written on these yoga sutras. These commentaries possibly represent the understanding and interpretations of the commentator and the times in which they have been written.
Yogacharya B.K.S. Iyengar, a foremost authority on the subject in the current era, has made it possible for ordinary human beings from all walks of life to experience the wisdom of the yoga sutras. Unlike the scholars and academicians who articulate the meaning and syntax of the sutras in terms of speculative concepts, Yogacharya Iyengar finds the meaning of the sutras by practical search and regular practice, experimenting on himself before sharing his experiential knowledge amongst his students. His style of teaching yoga which is now being followed by teachers trained by him has led to it being called as “Iyengar Yoga”. Thus, yoga as taught by Yogacharya B.K.S. Iyengar and his students is “Iyengar Yoga”.
Why should one practice Yoga ?
Yogacharya B.K.S Iyengar has shown and taught how all the eight aspects of ashtanga yoga are integrated in the practice of asana and pranayama; How practicing asanas and pranayama teaches a man to concentrate on any subject of his choice; how a man can develop his discriminative faculty whereby he can differentiate the essential from the incidental and thereby attain not only physical poise but mental peace, intellectual clarity and emotional equanimity. Thus, by the practice of yoga, a dancer can become a better dancer, a scientist a better scientist, a doctor a better doctor; a manager a better manger; a musician a better musician. This can be best exemplified by Yogacharya’s B K. S Iyengar’s pupil, the violin maestro, Lord Yehudi Menuhin acknowledging his Guru not as his best yoga teacher but his best violin teacher !!
What are the unique features of “Iyengar Yoga” ?
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Iyengar yoga is meant for people of all ages, both the genders and cuts across geographical, lingual, social and economical barriers.
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Importance given to the practice of standing asanas.
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The emphasis given to precision and alignment in all postures be it the standing, sitting, twisting, inverted, forward bending, backward bending or supine postures.
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The aspect of “timing” where students are taught to stay for longer duration of time in each posture so as to experience it.
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The use of props such as wooden gadgets, belts, ropes so that the practitioner can strive to achieve perfection in the posture; the practitioner can then learn to perform the posture with the same precision without the props.
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The use of props to help the aged, the diseased and disabled to perform the classical postures and attain the benefits of the same something they would never have been able to do so independently.
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The aspect of “sequencing”. An “Iyengar Yoga” practitioner is aware of the sequence in which different groups of asanas have to be performed; and how the effect of an asana would vary and be dependent upon the sequence in which the asanas are being performed.
Why Practice Yoga?
Including Yoga in your exercise regime 2-3 times each week is reported to bring amazing results.
Students & Health Practitioners report relief from many conditions:
* Chronic & acute back pain
* Pinched nerves including sciatica
* Muscle aches, pains, and spasms
* Fibromyalgia symptoms including joint pain
* Neck pain
* Shoulder pain
* PMS symptoms
* Asthma symptoms
* Allergies
* Digestive disorders
* Headaches
* Anxiety
* Insomnia
Regular practice of yoga improves:
* Muscle strength & tone
* Balance
* The immune system
* Blood pressure
* Mood
* Lung capacity
* Spiritual awareness
* Flexibility
* Recovery from and the prevention of sports injuries
* Digestive system
* Circulation
