What is yoga practice? Why do we stretch, breathe, relax and introspect? Perhaps the question is better phrased as such: “What is yoga, practice for?” From this perspective, the question is best answered quite simply: for life.
Tag Archives: yoga philosophy
Embracing the True Purpose of Yoga
What is yoga for? It seems like a straightforward question. Everybody knows what yoga is for, right? Well, maybe not. For a moment, let’s forget about complicated arm balances, ongoing debates in the media about the safety of asana practice, and how tight you hamstrings still are after 8 years of dedicated practice and get to the real issue.
Defining Yoga Jargon
We’ve all heard jokes mocking the ‘unscientific’ and ‘vacuous’ new-age yogi. Jargon is a major factor influencing this fluffy yogi label, which often overshadows the solid and ancient wisdom of yoga. That’s why you need to be clear on what popular yoga terms mean.
What is Om?
Om has its origin in the ancient Indian Vedic system as an incantation to be recited at the beginning of ceremonies, rites or readings. It can be found in the traditions of Hinduism, Buddhism and Yoga.
How to Practice Yoga for Others
Have you ever dedicated your yoga practice to someone else? Have you ever practised yoga for the benefit of all beings? If so, you may have felt the levity of surrender, as you shifted your attention away from yourself, towards the bigger picture, seeing the interconnectedness of everyone and everything on this planet.
Tapas: The Original Hot Yoga
What comes to mind when you think of the words: yoga, fire and purification? Do you picture a sweltering hot yoga class jam packed with people dripping sweat all over their yoga mats, wiping their exhausted looking faces with yoga towels?
Saucha: The Yoga of Purity
The essential idea of saucha, or the yoga of purity, is to commit to practices that have a purifying effect on our bodies and minds. In addition to emphasizing the importance of a regular asana and pranayama practice, saucha is about paying attention to what we eat, how we eat, the state of our homes, and of our minds.
Swadhyaya: The Yoga of Study
Swadhyaya, being the second yogic practice of the Niyamas, means commitment to knowing the truth. If we study the teachings of wise beings (through reading yogic texts) and also study ourselves (through meditation and reflection), we can reach a greater understanding of what it means to be human. This is also called, in yogic terms, the science of liberation. Once we understand the truth of our existence, we can transcend so much unhappiness to live in joyful acceptance.
Santosha: The Yoga of Contentment
Santosha is the yoga of contentment — the first yogic practice of the second limb of yoga known as the niyamas, or external disciplines. Santosha is an invitation to practice contentment with yourself, and your life as it is.
Satya: The Yoga of Honesty
Satya, the yoga of honesty, is a tender topic, which cuts to the very core of our existence as social creatures. This yogic principle invites us to refrain from all acts of deception and dishonesty. Ultimately, in order to do this, we must own our decisions by taking responsibility for all of our actions and the possible impact they have on those around us.