What is Yoga - Roots to Leaves & Flowers Explained
Yoga is an ancient practice that originated in India and has its roots in various philosophical and spiritual traditions, including Hinduism. While yoga's origins are deeply connected to Hindu philosophy, it is essential to recognize that yoga itself is not a religious practice. Yoga transcends religious boundaries and can be embraced and practiced by people of any faith or belief system. It is a practical discipline that focuses on personal growth, self-realization, and overall good health.
Origin of the Word ‘Yoga’
The word yoga was first mentioned in the oldest sacred Sanskrit text – the Rig Veda. The word yoga comes from the Sanskrit root ‘yuj’ which means ‘to yoke’ or ‘to unite’. In the spiritual sense, yoga means union of the mind with the divine intelligence of the universe.
Maharshi Patanjali, the founder of the formal yoga philosophy, stated: Yoga is concentration. He also defines yoga as yogas chitta vritti nirodhah which means yoga is the stoppage of the fluctuations of the mind. The scholars of the Yoga Sutra of Patanjali take this as the authentic meaning of yoga.
Maharshi Vyasa, the first commentator of yoga sutra has also given one more meaning as yuj samadhau. It means yoga is samadhi. Samadhi is the highest level of concentration where mind gets completely disassociated with external world and gets established in the highest reality.
Vedanta defines yoga as union of individual soul with the universal soul.
The Bhagavad Gita defines yoga in terms of karma by saying yoga karmasu kaushalam which means excellence in work is yoga. It also gives second meaning to yoga as samattvam yoga uchyate which means maintaining the state of mental equilibrium is yoga.
History and Development of Yoga
There is a historical, educational, and traditional background to the study of yoga. There were no written scriptures in those times, so only memory and a knowledgeable guru served as the main and authoritative sources of reference. Hence, the guru was expected to be a person of highest moral, mental, spiritual standards with inner awareness and necessary spiritual enlightenment to justify the meaning of the word guru. Guru means expeller of ignorance or darkness. The word comes from the Sanskrit root word ‘gu’ which means darkness and ‘ru’ which means light.
In olden times, the gurus experienced a higher state of consciousness and students also wanted to reach the same state. The passing of a guru’s spiritual mantle to a disciple designated to carry on the lineage to which that guru belongs is termed as Guru-shishya Parampara. Spiritual knowledge was passed down through the Guru Shishya Parampara. In this way, all classical schools of Yoga can trace their lineage by going backward into time. For example, Hatha Yoga traditions began with Guru Matsyendranath to various other Nath Yogis.
The history of yoga can be broadly categorized into several periods, each contributing to its development and transformation. It’s important to note that the following timeline is approximate, as the exact dating of many ancient texts and practices can be challenging. Here is a concise summary of the timeline:
Classical Yoga
Maharshi Patanjali’s Ashtanga Yoga, as mentioned in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali is known as classical yoga. It effectively provides a holistic approach to self-development, giving importance to all dimensions of human existence – mental, physical, and spiritual.
Ashtanga Yoga, also known as the Eight-Fold Path of Yoga, is a compilation of sutras by Maharshi Patanjali, serving as a guide for novice sadhaks on the path of self-realization. Divided into Bahiranga (external) and Antaranga (internal) aspects, these eight limbs elucidate the yogic philosophy of living life authentically and attaining spiritual enlightenment.
In the Bahiranga aspect, the first four limbs—Yama, Niyama, Asana, and Pranayama—emphasize ethical principles, personal observances, physical postures, and breath control.
Bahiranga:
Antaranga:
By sequentially integrating each limb into daily practice, sadhaks can lay a strong foundation on the path of yoga. Through consistent dedication and practice, one can experience peace and spiritual fulfillment that this path offers.
As the ages passed, several styles of Yoga developed from the classical Yoga traditions.
Systems of Yoga
A model of yoga can look like a wheel with many spokes. The centre is yoga and the spokes are the means to reach the centre. But some paths which became most popular are Karma yoga, Bhakti yoga, Raja yoga and Jnana yoga. Other forms of yoga that are also practised are Hatha yoga, Mantra yoga, Japa yoga, Laya yoga, etc. Usually, all these systems of yoga are practised in combination.
The ultimate objective of all systems of yoga is transformation in the complete human personality and leading to kaivalya, moksha or liberation. A positive attitude is necessary for the practitioner. Some of the most outstanding qualities needed are faith, energy, humility, patience, obedience, truthfulness, sincerity, surrender and diligent practice.
1. Raja yoga
Raja yoga is called the Royal Path of yoga. Patanjali’s yoga is known as Raja yoga, that in which ‘one attains liberation’. The goal is how to concentrate the mind. Techniques like abhyasa, vairagya, yama, niyama and tapa can be considered as common to all paths as they build up the appropriate attributes, awareness, discipline and strengths required for advanced practices.
2. Karma yoga
Karma means action. Karma is supposed to happen at all realms, i.e. physical, mental, and spiritual. Since life is a process, karma is an essential part of the life process. Life cannot be without karma. All karmas mental, physical or spiritual have their fruits. Actions performed with selfish motives create desires in our minds. These desires lead further to more karma to satisfy our desires and we enter an unbroken karmic cycle. However, when actions are performed selflessly, they don’t leave impressions. We escape the fruits of the karma and the karmic cycle is thus broken and we experience freedom.
The Bhagavad Gita states that if we perform actions with the sense of duty, we can overcome the play of gunas. In the Bhagavad Gita, we see that Arjuna is not only a warrior on the battlefield but also a seeker who has existential dilemmas. Against the background of war, Lord Krishna imparts the profound teachings of karma yoga, guiding Arjuna towards selflessness and detachment in action.
Karma yoga teaches us to perform our duties without attachment to the fruits of our actions. It is the art of working in such a way that we transcend the ego and recognize that the work is happening through us, guided by larger cosmic laws. Instead of claiming ownership or seeking recognition for our actions, we surrender to the flow of life, acknowledging our role as mere instruments in the grand symphony of existence.
Karma yoga invites us to fully engage in our duties while gradually reducing self-consciousness. Like learning to play a game, we begin with hesitation and self-awareness, but as we immerse ourselves in the task at hand, we lose ourselves in the joy of the process.
Karma yoga is not just a philosophy but a way of life—a path to freedom and self-realization. When we follow the principles of karma yoga, we transcend the limitations of the ego and awaken to the eternal truth of our interconnectedness with all of creation.
3. Bhakti yoga
Bhakti yoga is the devotional path which teaches techniques for the sublimation of desires by chanting, prayer, and repetition of mantras. Emotional energy is channelled into devotion. Bhakti yoga places sincere, heartfelt devotion to the divine ahead of all else. Bhakti yoga involves reverence, devotion, and perpetual remembrance of whatever divine presence is meaningful to you. Unsettled minds, intellectual concerns and the material world all fall away as love takes over and the heart is enveloped in thoughts of the divine. The heart is Bhakti yoga’s focus and is cultivated as the primary path to achieve unity with the divine.
4. Jnana yoga
Jnana yoga is an intellectual path or the path of knowledge and wisdom. Inquiring minds are what Jnana yoga is all about, and because all knowledge is hidden within us, Jnana yoga’s goal is to inquire deeply into ourselves through questioning, meditation and contemplation, until we find that knowledge.
5. Hatha yoga
Hatha Yoga is a system of yoga. It's noteworthy that through training exercises, Hatha yogis aim to refine not just muscles and the locomotor system, but also the entire human organism, encompassing the mind, nervous system, and vital inner organs.
Hatha Yoga utilizes physical postures and breath control to purify the body and cultivate mental clarity, leading practitioners towards the path of enlightenment. Hatha Yoga encourages stretching and holding poses, gradually increasing flexibility in muscles and joints. Asanas in Hatha Yoga engage various muscle groups, promoting strength and endurance. Hatha Yoga emphasizes proper alignment and balance, which translates into improved posture.
While Hatha Yoga offers numerous benefits but it needs endurance and the asanas can cause discomfort and strain if they are practiced incorrectly. Since the classical Hatha Yoga asanas need endurance, they are meant only for advanced practitioners and not for householders. Householders can practice the modified versions of these asanas as introduced at The Yoga Institute. The ideal time to practice Hatha Yoga is early morning as the time is conducive to setting a positive tone for the day and enhancing energy levels. However, others may prefer practicing in the evening to unwind from the day's stress.
In the pursuit of physical fitness, people often explore various exercise routines. Hatha Yoga stands out as a practice that not only tones the body but also calms the mind and uplifts the spirit.
Yoga – A Preventive Science
The approach of yoga to treating of a disease is different from the modern. Physical health is related to the mental health. Yoga would consider the way of life as important.
Yoga, in ancient times, was not conceived as a therapy. Disease, according to yoga, is ultimately always due to a mental imbalance. The person has to see where this imbalance lies and how it can be corrected. The root cause of all diseases lies in the mind. The importance in yoga is on education rather than on treatment. Health and physical strength are just as much a matter of the mind as of the body. Purely physical interest in yoga has its limitations. Loss of a balanced state of mind is really the origin of many disease processes. Diet, routines, exercises, breathing, recreation all are therapeutic practices. Yoga transforms one’s personality. Quietening oneself is the beginning of yoga therapy.
Benefits of Yogic Techniques
Asana
The purpose of asana practice is to create perfect health by developing the following characteristics:
Many people take up yoga for losing weight. The interesting fact about asana practice is that there is limited use of energy. Hence there is no excess food or nutrition intake in the case of a yoga practitioner. On the contrary, a person eating excessively may have to reduce the intake of food to maintain high energy levels and lightness. Yoga asana practice optimises the food and diet of the practitioner. Those who come to yoga for achieving their weight loss goals, naturally maintain a healthy weight because of the holistic approach of yoga.
Pranayama
Pranayama, the science of breath control, is a fundamental aspect of yoga practice. Here is how pranayama works on one’s mind and emotions:
Breathing often goes unnoticed in our daily lives because it is taken for granted by many. What typically occurs is mere surface-level engagement, lacking complete mindfulness. However, for a yogi, it holds great significance. Focussing on the breath does not require exceptional intellect. It demands a heightened awareness along with consistent conscious effort.
Pranayama provides one’s body with ample oxygen so it is similar to installing a turbo engine within. It also invigorates the brain due to increased air intake and relieves tension. This makes the mind peaceful thereby empowering it. Remarkably, systematic breathing has been known to resolve psychiatric disorders, hypertension, respiratory issues, headaches and spinal ailments. It is only by focussing on breath that the benefits gradually manifest.
Regular practice of focussing on one’s breath not only awakens the dormant energy within the body and mind but also ignites spiritual awakening. This leads to a harmony between the microcosm of our being with the vast macrocosm of the universe beyond.
Mudras
The five elements of nature - agni, vayu, akasha, prithvi and jala provide the fundamental basis for our bodily existence. Whenever there is a disturbance in these elements, it can lead to an imbalance which causes disease. The fingers of our hands have a great significance as the five elements are represented on the five fingers of hand.
Yoga Mudras, often performed with hands are special gestures which are practised for various therapeutic purposes. These gestures are included in meditation to cure diseases and to bring mental and physical harmony as they increase the flow of prana or bio-energy in the body. There is a connection between the nerve endings on the fingers during a mudra and this leads to creation of a connection with significant areas in the brain.
Yoga - The Foundation of Wellness
The betterment and wellness of a person is not a destination but an ongoing journey. A strong foundation of wellness requires consistent habits that support one’s body, mind, and emotions. Among the most effective lifelong practices are yoga and meditation. These disciplines are not just about fitness or relaxation—they form a reawakening wellness foundation, helping one maintain strength, flexibility, and mental balance through every stage of life. If you are a teenager building focus, a working professional managing stress, or a senior looking to maintain mobility, yoga and meditation provide the support needed to live with greater ease.
It is true that most people who take up yoga get lost in the practice of asana practice only. The total focus is on the complexities of different postures and the desire to master the difficult poses. However, the Yoga Sutras of Maharshi Patanjali talk of higher states which can be reached through the practice of yoga where a steady mind has the potential to achieve intuitive knowledge of the pure self. Therefore, this path is not for those who are slaves to physical comforts and content with being at that level. Only those who have a deep-rooted yearning for deeper truth can continue on this path lifelong.
Thus, yoga is more than a physical routine; it enhances flexibility, breath control, and self-awareness. Unlike high-impact workouts that may strain the body over time, yoga is gentle yet effective, making it a sustainable lifelong practice.
A strong wellness foundation is built on habits that sustain the body and mind. Unlike short-term fitness routines, yoga evolves with you, providing a path to lasting strength.
Yoga – From India to the World
It was only during the 19th century that yoga was introduced to the West. Swami Vivekananda, Paramhansa Yogananda, Maharshi Mahesh Yogi, Shri Yogendra ji, and other gurus travelled to advocate and disseminate the knowledge of yoga to the world.
In modern times, yoga has become popular simply as a form of physical exercise which works in coordination with breathing rhythms. Swami Kuvalyananda, Shri Krishnamacharya, Shri B.K.S. Iyengar, Shri Yogendra ji and other gurus founded schools of yoga in India and abroad in the 20th century.
Today, yoga has developed all over the world into a business which involves clothing, books, retreats, classes, etc. While Yoga essentially originated in India, it travelled far and wide, leading to the genesis of newer forms which have greatly departed from the traditional aspects of yoga. Some examples are:
These modern styles mostly emphasize the physical aspect of Yoga, sometimes at the expense of its meditative and spiritual components. While these variations can make Yoga more accessible to a broader audience, they may not always capture the essence of traditional Yoga practices.
Holistic Approach to Yoga
Yoga is perfectly aligned with the Indian way of life, which values balance, simplicity, and harmony with nature. Yoga has been found to be beneficial for a range of health conditions, such as stress, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, cardiovascular health, and musculoskeletal disorders. It can complement traditional medical treatments by promoting relaxation, improving physical fitness, and reducing inflammation. Yogic practices create harmony between a person and the natural elements. They can provide health benefits by creating a deeper connection to the world around us.
Over a century ago, Shri Yogendraji, a householder yogi, made Yoga accessible to people from all walks of life when he founded The Yoga Institute in 1918. His focus on spreading the benefits of Yoga to a wide audience, maintaining the integrity of Maharshi Patanjali’s teachings, emphasizing continuous research, and dedicating himself to serving the community through Yoga education, has definitely influenced contemporary Yoga practices. In recent times, we have also seen Yoga gurus such as Sri Sri Ravishankar, Baba Ramdev and others teach Yoga in various styles based on the original traditional methods.
Yoga is more than a series of physical postures. It is a complete system that harmonizes movement, breath, and awareness. Unlike high-intensity workouts that may strain the body over time, yoga adapts to different life stages and physical conditions. Whether you are a teenager, an adult managing daily responsibilities, or a senior focusing on graceful aging, a well-balanced practice of asana, pranayama, kriya, and meditation can bring immense benefits.
Overview
Yoga offers a comprehensive approach to leading a fulfilling life. It provides tools and techniques to develop physical, mental, emotional health and spiritual growth. Through the practice of asanas, pranayama, and meditation, a person can attain a state of physical and mental harmony. Yoga teaches us to listen to our bodies, respect our limitations, and make conscious choices that support our well-being. It promotes self-discipline, self-acceptance, and self-care. Yoga encourages mindfulness and being present in the moment. This helps a person to develop resilience and cope with the challenges of life more effectively.
Yoga can be used as an adjunct therapy for various medical treatments. The therapeutic benefits of yoga have been recognized by medical professionals and researchers worldwide. Yoga has been found to be beneficial for a range of health conditions, such as stress, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, cardiovascular health, and musculoskeletal disorders. It can complement traditional medical treatments by promoting relaxation, improving physical fitness, and reducing inflammation.
In December 2016, the United Nations General Assembly established June 21 as International Day of Yoga to highlight the universal benefits of yoga for physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Yoga can be practiced and enjoyed by people worldwide, regardless of their religious or cultural backgrounds, as it offers a path towards physical and mental harmony, peace, and self-discovery.