What is Yoga?

Introduction

I could ramble on for an age about Yoga! What ive tried to do below is to condense the many many essays ive written for my teaching diploma in the hope of giving you a flavour for what its about. Ive added in some links to pages of interest if you want to investigate a bit more.

The word Yoga itself means to unite or to yoke. In my opinion any practice or activity which captivates and holds your attention and which you do in a disciplined manner could be described as Yoga. For some it may be bike riding, for others it could be something as simple as washing the dishes. However what I am attempting to describe is the Yoga which was first systematised by the sage Patanjali. Although Patanjali systematised Raja yoga, Hatha yoga is based on the same principles.

Hatha Yoga

The word Hatha (Pronounced Hata) is made up of two halves. Ha symbolising the sun, and Tha symbolising the moon. Therefore Hatha yoga concerns itself with the union between these two opposing energies. The idea behind Hatha yoga is to control the processes of the body in a structured method in an effort to control the mind. So in effect through controlling the body the mind is controlled.

Hatha Yoga is made up of 5 main aspects, Asana, Mudra, Bandha, Pranayama and Kriya.

Asana

Asana is a Sanskrit word meaning posture, or 'comfortable seat'. Modern usage of the word asana in reference to the practice of "Yoga" yoga generally refers to a physical posture or pose. For many Asana is the very first step on their journey as it is the most physical or gross limb (of the 8 limbs) and so is an excellent place to begin. The purpose of Asana is said to be to prepare the body and mind for Dharana (concentration) and Dhyana (meditation).

Pranayama

Pranayama is breath control practices designed to work with energy or Prana in the body. The principle aim is to channel energy through Sushumna central energy channel. Pranayama is said to be so powerful that it is best learned from an experienced teacher!

Mudra

Mudra are a combination of subtle physical movements, either the whole body or just the hands, which alter or enhance mood, attitude and perception and which deepen awareness and concentration

Bandha

Bandha is generally considered to mean lock as it literally means to bind, to hold captive or to contract. The bandhas help to channel Prana (energy) up the central channel or Sushumna, but they can also help to stabilise postures. There are three bandhas Mula, Uddiyana, and Jalandhara bandha. When all three are engaged this is called Maha Bbndha

Kriya

Kriya or shatkarma are cleansing techniques designed to purify the body. If the body is functioning well and is free of toxins, prana or energy can flow more freely.