What is Yoga?

Wheel Yoga = Union The union of body and mind

Hatha Yoga is the general name for all physical forms of yoga.

Yoga is a system of physical, mental and spiritual development which originated in India at least 3,000 years ago. It is not a religion or creed and can be practiced by any one of any age and by either sex.

Yoga takes into consideration the entire man/woman, in every respect - nothing has been overlooked. The methods of physical discipline comprise everything that man/woman needs for the perfection of health - correct breathing, posture, exercise, diet, physical and mental relaxation and hygiene.

Yoga is said to have originated in the Indus Valley. Archaeologists working there have unearthed statuettes of men in Yoga postures. These are said to be at least 5,000 years old. There is also a wealth of ancient literature on the subject. Yoga philosophy is said to have reached Ancient Greece and the Holy Land two or three centuries before Christ. It had it followers in Britain two centuries ago.

Over 500,000 people in Britain now practice yoga.

Three definitions of yoga

TKV Desikachar (The Heart of Yoga), in his translation of sutra 1.2 from Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, defines Yoga

'Yoga is the ability to direct the mind exclusively toward an object and sustain that direction without any distractions.'

BKS Iyengar (Light on the Sutras) in his commentary on sutra 1.2 from Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, defines Yoga

'Yoga is defined as restraint of fluctuation in the consciousness. It is the art of studying the behavior of consciousness, which has three functions: cognition, conation or volition, and motion. Yoga shows ways of understanding the functioning's of the mind, and helps to quieten their movements, leading one towards the undisturbed state of silence, which dwells in the very seat of consciousness. Yoga is thus the art and science of mental discipline through which the mind becomes cultured and matured.'

Heather is currently working on a book 'What Ashtanga Practice has taught me about Patanjali' and based on sutra 1.2, defines Yoga

'Stilling the movements of the mind leads to yoga and yoga is stilling the movements of the mind. Yoga is the silence of the Buddha state: if we can calm the whirlpools and witness our deep stillness, our true nature is reflected back to us. Yoga is consciousness. Yoga is our natural way of being. Practice Yoga and the chattering mind is pacified. Breath by breath a thousand rushing thought streams merge and slow and become a deep calm river. We begin from where we are: we take our place on the mat with our minds in the midst of motion. Practice and all is coming; practice and all is peace. There is no-one to be; there is no-thing to do and there is no-where to go. The still pool reflects the full moon as the still mind reflects our true nature.'

Ashtanga Yoga

Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is a system of Hatha Yoga dating back to around 500 CE, which is attributed to the seer Vamana Rishi. It advocates the use of integrated breath and movement as a means of incorporating the eight limbs of Patanjali's Yoga into daily life. Sri T Krishnamacharya discovered an ancient manuscript (the Yoga Korunta) in the National Library at Calcutta and set his student, Sri K Patthabi Jois, the task of deciphering and collating it. Patthabi Jois has taught and practiced this form of yoga ever since.

Satsang in Mysore
Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute Shala students gathering for Satsang 19/11/06
Patthabi Jois holds 'Satsang' (conference) with his Mysore Shala students every Sunday afternoon. He was asked about the relevance of the Ashtanga Vinyasa system in modern society; to the best of my recollection his explanation was:

'The system is as relevant today as it has always been, especially for modern people with a house, a job and a family. Sannnyassins (monks) are able to spend all day practicing, studying and meditating. But if everyone stopped their work and became sannyassins, the world would be ruined. Your time is precious so how you practice is important. Ashtanga yoga requires only two hours of practice a day. It is a concentrated practice. Nothing is missing.

Surya Nsamaskars are Bhakti (devotional) practice. Standing Series gives strength and builds concentration. Primary series is of primary importance; most people should take benefit from it. Primary series is cleansing and purifying - it gives great flexibility and it increases Prana Shakti (life force energy). The practice of ujjayi Pranayama extends the breath and sharpens the mind. Second series is for teachers and advanced series is just for demonstration. When you have learned the Ashtanga system then all Asana practice becomes meditation. Never practice Asana without Vinyasa (connection to breath). You modern busy people should practice every day; abstain from greed; eat satvic (pure) food, and be in harmony with your community.'
(AYRI, Mysore, 19/11/ 06)

Echo in Body and Spire

Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is a dynamic practice. The foundation is the synchronization of breath with flowing movement to create a moving meditation. As the breath and body flow together as one, internal heat is created which begins a process of purification. Through regular practice, deep-rooted patterns are transformed liberating body, mind and spirit. The elements of the practice are ujjayi breath, bandhas, (energetic locks) and gaze points (drishti). The practice begins with centering in samasthitti, - it then flows through two sun salutes (Surya Namaskar) each repeated five times. In the Primary Series, the practice moves through standing postures, sitting postures, then into a finishing sequence. Ashtanga Yoga is undertaken in a sequential flow of focused and synchronized breath and movement

This powerful and practice balances strength, flexibility and stamina as well as leading to a focused and concentrated mind.

'Yoga is 99% practice, 1% theory.' Sri K Patthabi Jois

With appropriate modifications, most people can learn and benefit from Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. Take your time, enjoy the journey and don't be in a hurry to get to the end. Be present and listen to your body. There are days when practice seems light and easy and days when just getting onto the mat is a challenge. When you practice yoga you come home to where you belong. If you practice little and often and always leave your mat hungry for more, then returning to your mat will be like returning home.