Yoga – An Introduction

Yoga – An Introduction

The word “yoga” is derived from the Sanskrit root “yuj” meaning to bind, join, attach and yoke, to direct and concentrate one’s attention on, to use and apply. It also means union or communion. In the sense in which it was meant, yoga means the identification or bonding of the human spirit (jivatma) with the Universal spirit (paramatma).

Yoga is one of the six orthodox systems of Hindu philosophy. It was collated, coordinated and systematized by Patanjali in his Yoga-sutras, which consist of 185 aphorisms. References to Yoga can be found right from the earliest texts. Conceptions of ecstasy and hypnosis are in the Rig-Veda. In the Atharva Veda supernatural powers are apparently possible through meditation. The Upanishads talk of Yoga in the sense of a conscious inward search. The Buddhist Suttas have similarities, and are familiar with the system of Yoga. In the Mahabharata, the Samkhya and the Yoga are complementary parts of one whole, being respectively theory and practice, philosophy and religion.

The contribution of Patanjali was thus to collate earlier references into a single system which could be used as a practical manual. Numerous later commentaries expound on the principles of the yoga-sutras, notably those of Vyasa, Bhoja, Vacaspati and Vigyanbhikshu.

The yoga-sutra is thus the oldest systematic textbook on the art and science of yoga. It is divided into four parts:

1. Samadhipada which deals with the nature and aim of yoga as a vehicle to samadhi,

2. Sadhanapada, the second part, expounds the means to be used to attain this end,

3. Vibhutipada lists out the supernatural powers that may be gained from the practice of yoga and

4. Kaivalyapada the fourth and last part defines the nature of final liberation.

The question of liberation is interesting. The jivatma or spirit is, because of its involvement in the material world or prakriti, ignorant of its true divine nature and the essential unity of all creation. Liberation thus refers to liberation from ignorance. Ignorance of the true nature of the world causes desires, which in turn are the cause of pain and suffering.

Yoga claims to offer a way out of ignorance and a renewed appreciation of the jivatma with the paramatma. It has thus a common goal with the Samkhya system, the difference being that while the Samkhya emphasizes knowledge as the route to salvation, the Yoga system stresses on practice and concentration.