What is Yoga?
Yoga is an ancient Indian practice that has been developed for five millennia. It combines physical, mental, and spiritual pursuits to achieve harmony of the body and mind.
There are many different styles and approaches to yoga, each with its unique focus and benefits.
The word "yoga" comes from the Sanskrit language and has several meanings. The most common translation of yoga is "union" or "to yoke," which refers to the idea of bringing together the mind, body, and spirit to achieve a state of harmony and balance.
Other Sanskrit meanings of yoga include "to concentrate," "to meditate," or "to unite with the divine." The practice of yoga is designed to help you attain a state of inner peace and tranquility through physical, mental, and spiritual practices.
“The success of Yoga does not lie in the ability to perform postures but in how it positively changes the way we live our life and our relationships”
- T.K.V. Desikachar
Is asana (body posture) a physical or a spiritual practice?
"To practice yoga you must have a physical body. Your intention, while you are practicing asana, will determine the result of the practice, and your thoughts are the most powerful force working upon you. For an asana practice to be a spiritual practice the practitioner has to intend it to be.
Many people choose to practice yoga asanas only to improve their level of physical fitness, and there is nothing wrong with that. But for those who want more, asana has more to offer. The practice can bring you to enlightenment. How? By helping to shift your perception of yourself and others. Asana can be a therapeutic practice that improves our relationships.”
- Gannon, S. (2018). The Magic Ten and Beyond:
Daily Spiritual Practice for Greater Peace and Well-Being