Yoga
The Science of Integration
In the modern world, "yoga" usually means physical postures practiced in a studio. This is a dramatic reduction of a complete system of psycho-spiritual development that addresses every aspect of human existence.
The word yoga comes from the root yuj - to yoke, to join, to unite. It is the science of integration: uniting body, breath, and mind; uniting the individual self with its source.
What Yoga Actually Is
Classical Yoga, as systematized by Patanjali, is a comprehensive path with eight limbs (ashtanga):
- Yama - Ethical restraints (non-violence, truthfulness, etc.)
- Niyama - Personal observances (purity, contentment, discipline, etc.)
- Asana - Physical postures
- Pranayama - Breath regulation
- Pratyahara - Sense withdrawal
- Dharana - Concentration
- Dhyana - Meditation
- Samadhi - Absorption
Notice that asana is only one of eight limbs - and not the first. The physical practice exists to prepare the body for the subtler practices of breath, concentration, and meditation.
Beyond Patanjali's Raja Yoga, the tradition includes:
- Jnana Yoga - The path of knowledge and discrimination
- Bhakti Yoga - The path of devotion
- Karma Yoga - The path of selfless action
- Hatha Yoga - The physical practices in detail
- Tantra - Working with energy, mantra, and visualization
Key Topics
Foundations
- The Eight Limbs - Patanjali's systematic path
- The Yoga Sutras - Key teachings from the primary text
- Yoga and Samkhya - The philosophical framework
Practice
- Asana Principles - Working with the body wisely
- Pranayama Foundations - The science of breath
- Pratyahara and Dharana - Turning inward
- Meditation Approaches - Different methods and their purposes
Integration
- Yoga and Ayurveda - Practicing according to constitution
- Yoga and Jyotish - Timing and practice
- Daily Practice - Building a sustainable sadhana
Philosophy
- The Kleshas - Afflictions that bind us
- The Gunas in Practice - Working with mental qualities
- Vairagya and Abhyasa - Detachment and practice
Approach to Practice
These articles emphasize:
Classical grounding. Understanding what the tradition actually teaches, not just modern adaptations.
Integration with Ayurveda. Practice should be appropriate for your constitution, current state, and circumstances. A vata-deranged person needs different practices than someone with kapha excess.
Safety and sustainability. Yoga is powerful. Practiced wrongly, it can harm. The goal is a practice you can maintain for life, not impressive performances that burn you out.
Purpose beyond the physical. Asana is valuable, but it is preparation for subtler practices. The goal of Yoga is freedom from suffering, not a flexible body.