Yoga is the journey of moving:
- From the gross to the subtle
- From the physical to the ethereal
- From the individual to the cosmos
Interestingly, only 3 out of 195/196 sutras in the Yoga Sutras talk about asanas (postures). The essence of yoga lies far beyond physical practice.
Definitions of Yoga
Definition 1: Yoga Chitta Vritti Nirodhah
“Yoga is the cessation of the modulations of the mind.”
- Yoga: Union
- Chitta: Mind or consciousness
- Vritti: Modulations or fluctuations of the mind (mind chatter)
- Nirodhah: To control
Example:
- A silent lake represents the chitta (mind).
- Ripples on the surface are the vritti (waves or fluctuations).
- A stone thrown into the lake symbolizes external factors that disturb the mind.
心如止水: Take care of your mind to maintain peace and clarity.
Both a strong body and a strong mind are essential.
Definition 2: Tada Drashtuh Svarupe Avasthanam
“Yoga is abiding in the nature of the seer.”
- Tada: Then, at that time
- Drashtuh: The seer or to see
- Svarupe: Own form or nature
- Avasthanam: To abide, reside, or dwell
Explanation:
- The core of your very existence is the seer.
- Yoga helps you remember the one who is experiencing all situations and fluctuations—the Self.
Goal: Self-realization is the ultimate aim of yoga.
Definition 3: Yoga Karmas Kaushalam
“Yoga is being skillful in your actions.”
- Yoga: Union
- Karmas: Actions
- Kaushalam: To be skilled
Insight:
- Focus on the process, and the journey becomes beautiful.
- Don’t worry about the results of your actions; instead, focus on performing the action skillfully.
Definition 4: Heyam Dukham Anagram
“The pain that has not yet come is avoidable.”
- Heyam: Avoidable
- Dukham: Pain or suffering
- Anagram: That which has not yet come
Takeaway: Yoga helps you avoid unnecessary suffering by managing your thoughts and actions wisely.
Definition 5: Samatwam Yoga Uchyate
“Yoga is being equanimous.”
- Samatwam: Equanimity (平静的)
- Yoga: Union
- Uchyate: Is called
Wisdom:
- Live above the dualities of life—joy and sorrow, success and failure, pleasure and pain.
- Equanimity is the hallmark of a true yogi.
The Essence of Yoga
Yoga teaches us to transcend the fluctuations of the mind, cultivate self-realization, act skillfully, avoid unnecessary suffering, and maintain equanimity in all situations. It is the union of body, mind, and spirit with the ultimate reality.