Essence of Yoga

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'Yoga,' which seems like a small four lettered word, holds within itself the whole cosmos and beyond. Yoga, which originated from Lord Shiva, (Indian diety) was first de-codified by the sage Pathanjali. Many know him as the father of Yoga. Yoga is neither a sect nor a religious community. Needless to say, Yoga finds its origin in India.

Bharat Thakur, the Himalayan Master and renowned yoga guru, says, "Yoga is the A to Z of a man's journey. It is the journey from Vikshipt Chith (weird state of mind) to Anandmayi Chith (Bliss)." Elaborating on yoga can run into volumes. It is more than just a physical treatment of the body. It is a path to spiritual ecstasy. It is a way to reach your true identity independent of religion and belief.

Yoga is a perfect practical system of self-culture. It is a science, which aims at the harmonious development of the body, the mind and the soul. Yoga aims at controlling the mind and its modifications. It is consists of ancient theories, observations and principles about the mind and body connection, which is now being proven by modern Science.

Today mostly what is known of yoga is Asana (Postures), Pranayam (breathing techniques), Kriya (cleansing activities) Bandha (nuero muscular locks), Mudra (hand movements)

Originally Yoga has eight ladders. Yam, Niyam, Asana, Pranayam, Prathyhar, Dharna, Dhyaan, Samadhi.

Yam: This consists of ethical guidelines regarding moral behavior towards others
Niyam: This consists of ethical guidelines regarding moral behavior towards oneself
Asana: Is the practise of yoga Postures
Pranayam: Is the practice of breathing exercises
Prathyahar: Withdrawal of senses from the body, meaning the exterior world is not a distraction to the interior world within oneself.
Dharna: Concentration, meaning the ability to focus on something uninterrupted
Dhyaan: Meditation
Samadhi: Is the highest know how in Yoga. This is a state of bliss

The first four ladders, namely, Yam, Niyam, Asana and Pranayam form what is called 'Bahiranga Yoga'(external yoga) and the other four ladders namely Prathyahaar, Dharna, Dhyaan and Samadhi form 'Antaranga Yoga' (internal yoga). To practise Antaranga Yoga one would need a Master, who has traveled well till Samadhi. Without this, practicing Antaranga yoga will not be possible.

Patanjali divided yoga postures into three:
Cultural Postures: This has 840,000 asanas
Relaxing Postures: Shavasana, Makarasana, Sithilasana
Meditative Postures: Siddhasana, Padmasana, Vajrasana, Sukhasana

Yoga regards the body as a vehicle for the soul on its journey towards perfection. It develops not only the body, but also broadens the mental faculties and spiritual capacities.

We will get into finer details of yoga in the coming series.