“Yoga is the journey to the self through the self to the self.” ~ The Bhagavad Gita
Yoga is a group of physical, mental, and spiritual practices that helps in unveiling the layers of protection that one has built around one’s heart by creating a safe environment. Its purpose is to lend a hand in making one appreciate his/her body and making one aware of the mind and the noises it creates. It is one of the six orthodox philosophical schools of Hinduism. Its roots can be traced back the pre-Vedic Indian traditions. The practice of yoga dates back to 3000 BCE, and it has been mentioned in the Rigveda and Upanishads. However, its systematic study only began in the 5th and 6th century BCE.
When someone starts to practice yoga once a week, they see a change in their mind. Then when they move on to practice it twice a week, they notice a difference in their body. But when they finally start practicing it every day, they change their life. The body benefits from the movements, and the mind benefits from stillness. As a discipline, yoga has evolved much over the centuries. The traditional form of yoga includes breathing exercises, asanas or postures, chants, and meditation. On the other hand, the western form of yoga includes hatha yoga and yoga as an exercise. Both traditional and western forms of yoga are practiced worldwide.
There are 4 types of yoga:
- Karma Yoga
The Sanskrit term ‘karma’ means ‘action’ or ‘deeds’. The whole purpose of practicing karma yoga is to perform selfless actions for the good of others. For instance, she is volunteering one’s time and efforts. To leave one’s selfish desires behind, one has to fully accept his/her dharma. It provides a path towards spiritual development.
- Kriya Yoga
Kriya yoga is an ancient meditation technique wherein one controls his/her energy through pranayama and meditation. ‘Kriya’ here means ‘completed action’. With the path of kriya, one not only seeks realization but the mechanics of life-making as well. This, eventually, leads up to speeding the spiritual process of the individual who practices it.
- Bhakti Yoga
The term ‘bhakti’ is derived from the Sanskrit root ‘bhaj’, meaning ‘to serve God’. This sort of yoga involves one using his/her emotions and try to reach the ultimate. It entails a path towards devotion, surrendering to the divine, or uniting with the universal consciousness. It includes practices of chanting, singing, dancing, and performing selfless services within the community.
- Jnana Yoga
‘Jnana’ is Sanskrit for ‘knowledge or wisdom’, and Jnana yoga is an intellectual path one takes towards attaining knowledge. Its concept, as described in the Bhagavad Gita, focuses on liberation from suffering. This form of yoga involves the progressive study of the scriptures, meditation, contemplation, and self-inquiry.
True yoga is not about the shape of one’s body or in how many ways one can bend their body; it is about the shape of one’s life. It is more than just being able to touch your toes; it is about what one learns on the way down. It is a dance between control and surrender, pushing and letting go, to help one find the right balance, and balance, which all living creatures crave.
Work is Worship 