Beyond Asana :: Rediscovering the Timeless meaning of Yoga
Author :: Jess Marie 🌻 CVC, CAHC, INHC, E-RYT
In an era where Yoga has become a global phenomenon, with studios, social media channels, and online platforms making it increasingly accessible, we find ourselves at a crucial juncture. While this widespread availability has opened doors for many to experience Yoga, it has simultaneously led to a dilution of its profound essence. As the respected Yoga Guru Shashi Khosla wisely stated, “Yoga is not to be done, but explored and realized.”
The Challenge of Modern Times
The Westernization of Yoga has brought both opportunities & challenges. While more people than ever have access to Yoga practices, there has been a gradual shift in how Yoga is perceived & practiced. The emphasis on physical fitness, flexibility, and achieving perfect postures has often overshadowed the profound spiritual & philosophical aspects that define true Yoga.
This commercialization makes the role of authentic Yoga teaching all the more crucial. The proliferation of quick certification programs, while making Yoga instruction more accessible, often lacks the depth & breadth of traditional teachings. True Yoga instruction requires not just technical knowledge, but a deep commitment to personal practice, Self-study, and ongoing learning.
the many Sacred Meanings
Throughout my studies, I've come across five fundamental interpretations of Yoga that gives light to its true essence ::
Yoga as Samadhi (Yogah Samadhi): In the Yogabhashya, Sage Vyasa's commentary on the Patanjali Yoga Sutras, Yoga is equated with Samadhi - a state of complete absorption and spiritual enlightenment. This interpretation elevates Yoga beyond practice to a state of ultimate consciousness.
Yoga as Skillful Action (Yogah Karmashu Kaushalam): The Bhagwad Gita (Chapter 2, Verse 50) presents Yoga as skillful action, where skill encompasses detachment, sincerity, dedication, and equanimity. This understanding transforms every action into a potential Yogic practice when performed with the right awareness.
Yoga as Discerning Compatibility: The Samayochita Padya Malika text reveals a profound truth: everything in existence holds potential, every word can become a mantra, every herb a medicine, every being a vessel for greatness. What's rare is the discerning mind (the Yogic state) that can recognize & actualize these possibilities.
Yoga as the Union of Dualities: The 14th-century text Yoga Bija (87a-90b) describes Yoga as the harmonious union of apparent opposites: sun & moon in Hatha Yoga, incoming & outgoing breath, and the individual Soul with The Divine (as expressed in the mantra “So-Hum”). This unity represents the transcendence of duality.
Yoga as Ultimate Strength: The Mahabharata declares that no power equals Yoga (“nāsti yoga samaṃ balam”). This strength isn't physical but refers to the wisdom of discernment: the ability to see clearly and act with perfect understanding.
Yoga as Self-Realization: Many Yogic texts & traditions emphasize that the ultimate goal of Yoga is realizing one's true Self or innermost Being. This Self-realization is equated with moksha (liberation) from the cycle of birth & death. Atma Jnana / Atma Bodha presents Yoga as a means for gaining direct experiential knowledge of one's Divine nature.
Yoga as Devotion and Surrender: The path of Bhakti Yoga, as elaborated in texts like the Bhagavad Gita & Narada Bhakti Sutras, presents Yoga as a means to cultivate pure love & devotion towards the Divine. From this perspective, Yoga is a process of surrendering the ego and uniting with the Beloved / The Divine.
Yoga as Service & Selflessness: Karma Yoga focuses on performing actions as an offering without attachment to their fruits. The Bhagavad Gita significantly elaborates on this meaning of Yoga as a path to purify the mind and realize the Divine through Selfless service.
Yoga as Withdrawal & Interiorization (Pratyahara): Patanjali's Yoga Sutras describe pratyahara as the fifth limb of Yoga, involving withdrawal of the senses from external objects to journey within. This turning inward is considered crucial for dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation) and samadhi (absorption). Patanjal presents Yoga as a means to explore one’s inner dimensions.
Yoga as Integration & Harmony: At its core, Yoga signifies integration of body, breath, mind, emotions and spirit to live in harmony with the universe. The Isha Upanishad states “Isha vasyam idam sarvam,” all this is permeated by the Divine. Yoga enables the realization of this oneness and innate wholeness.
Beyond Physical Practice :: Yoga is a Holistic Discipline
The essence of Yoga extends far beyond the physical postures we commonly associate it with today. It encompasses a comprehensive system including ::
Physical postures (asanas)
Breath control (pranayama)
Meditation (dhyana)
Ethical principles (yamas & niyamas)
Philosophical teachings
and so much more
This holistic approach aims not just at physical wellness, but at cultivating Self-awareness, compassion, and inner peace. It offers a path to Self-discovery, Self-transcendence, and a deep connection with universal consciousness.
In Yoga, seek Yoga itself. Don't settle for less than its complete essence. Let each practice, whether on or off the mat, be an exploration of these timeless meanings, allowing them to transform not just your body, but your entire Being.
The journey of Yoga is endless, and its depths are infinite. As we continue to explore & realize its true nature, we must strive to maintain its integrity while making its profound benefits accessible to all. Through dedicated practice, study of ancient texts, and commitment to Self-transformation, we can help preserve & transmit the authentic essence of Yoga for future generations.
This is not solely focused on maintaining respect & tradition, it's about protecting & sharing a transformative practice that offers solutions to many of modern life's challenges. As we move forward, let us remember that Yoga is not a workout or a trend, but a comprehensive path to holistic well-Being & Self-realization.
If you're interested in exploring Yoga for mental health support, be sure to seek care from a qualified Integral Yoga Teacher (like me! 🌻) to learn more about this ancient & effective approach to healing.
Jess Marie 🌻
CVC, CAHC, INHC, RYT
Jess is a multi-certified, multi-faceted Vedic professional & business consultant. She offers wellness offerings to support those seeking a more holistic & integrative approach to healing, as well as business support services for professionals in the health, wellness & spirituality fields.
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