Introduction to Yoga – Yoga for wellness

Namaste! It is a pleasure to connect with all of you in this online course on Yoga for Wellness. I am Dr. Meena Ramanathan, representing the School of Yoga Therapy at the Institute of Salutogenesis and Complementary Medicine, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth.

Exploring the Basics of Yoga

Today, we will delve into the foundational concepts of yoga, beginning with the question: “What is yoga?” This term has become widely recognized in our culture. The word “yoga” is derived from the Sanskrit term “yuj,” which means to combine, unite, or join together. So, what exactly are we uniting? As human beings, we encompass several dimensions: the physical, the subtle (mental), and the subtlest (emotional and spiritual), which relates to our soul (Atma).

In our daily lives, we experience stress and conflicts that can create a rift between our body and mind, causing fragmentation. For instance, when the alarm rings at 5 AM, many of us are tempted to snooze it, reflecting a struggle between our desire for rest and our mind’s list of tasks. Such conflicts accumulate over time, leading to further fragmentation of our being.

The Role of Yoga in Uniting Our Dimensions

Yoga’s purpose is to bring all these fragmented components together, fostering holistic health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), health transcends mere absence of disease; it encompasses wellness in all areas of human existence: physical, mental, social, and spiritual. For an individual to be truly holistic, all these aspects must be unified, which can be illustrated through the traditional concepts of Andam (the infinite expanse) and Pindam (the individual). When the microcosm (individual) recognizes that what exists in the macrocosm (universe) also resides within, true unity occurs.

Yoga provides various techniques and tools to achieve this unity, functioning as both an experimental practice and a means of experiential learning, making it a holistic science known as Anuboothi Shastra.

Yoga in Indian Philosophy

Yoga is one of the six Shat-Darshanas in Indian philosophy, which includes Nyaya, Vaishesika, Samkhya, Raja Yoga, and the Mimamsas (Purva and Uttara), also referred to as Vedanta. We all carry within us two distinct, yet equally powerful energies: the positive energy of the sun (Surya) associated with the left brain and the negative energy of the moon connected to the right brain. Balancing these energies is essential.

Thus, yoga assists in balancing these opposing energies as balance (Samatvam) is fundamental to its practice. When balanced, individuals regulate their minds effectively and can perform tasks more proficiently. Yoga can be viewed as both preventive and curative, unlocking the many different potentials masked in an individual by personal inhibitions.

The Journey of Self-Realization

Yoga uncovers these hidden potentials, empowering individuals to express their talents and enhance their sense of inner wellness, known as Sukha Sthanam — the state of ease and comfort we all strive for. When we lose this sense of ease, we enter a state of dis-ease (Dukha). The journey of yoga guides us from Dukha towards Sukkah, emphasizing conscious awareness throughout this process. It leads us from a primal, reactive nature to a more human and ultimately divine state of being (Sama-Adhi).

Various Paths of Yoga

There are more than 40 different streams of yoga, all leading to the same goal: becoming one with the Divine. Each individual has unique needs and paths, and the diversity of yoga allows individuals to choose what resonates with them. The four primary paths are:

1. Karma Yoga : The practice of selfless action without expectation of results.
2. Bhakti Yoga : The path of devotion and surrender to a higher power.
3. Raja Yoga : A continuum of Hatha Yoga, emphasizing self-control and discipline.
4. Jnana Yoga : The analytical path that encourages individuals to discern what is beneficial and to act accordingly.

Definitions of Yoga

We can explore several definitions of yoga to deepen our understanding. Maharishi Patanjali defines yoga as “Yogah chittavritti nirodhah,” meaning it is the control of the fluctuations of the mind (Chitta). This control allows individuals to regulate their minds rather than being dominated by their subconscious.

In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna states, “Samatvam yoga uchyate,” suggesting that equanimity is essential to yoga. Equanimity involves achieving balance both physically (homeostasis) and psychologically (equipoise).

Another definition, “Yogah Karmesu Kaushalam,” translates to “yoga is skill in action.” This implies that yoga enhances our abilities in various tasks, making us more proficient in what we do.

Swami Gitananda Giri, a notable figure in yoga, emphasizes that yoga is about awareness at all levels of human existence. Cultivating awareness helps us address challenges before they escalate, allowing us to maintain clarity in our thinking and actions. Swamiji also highlights the importance of recognizing our own ignorance.

Yoga as a Way of Life

Yoga is not confined to a one-hour practice; it embodies a holistic lifestyle. It encompasses philosophies, principles, and ethics that influence how we live every moment of our lives. This journey requires a 24/7 commitment to refining our thoughts (Vichar), actions (Ahar), and behaviors (Vihar) while fostering healthy relationships (Vyavahar).

To truly embody yoga, we must consider how responsible we are, aligning our actions with our Dharma — our duties and responsibilities that contribute to our well-being and that of our community. It is not merely about instinctual reactions but about thoughtful responses to various situations.

Emphasizing the Right Attitude

Yoga highlights the importance of the right attitude and way of living through the principles of ACHAR, VICHAR, AHAR, and VYAVAHAR.

• ACHAR entails the healthy activities we engage in daily.
• VICHAR focuses on our thoughts and attitudes, ensuring they are clear and constructive.
• AHAR pertains to our dietary choices, encouraging a balanced (Sattvic) diet that supports our wellbeing.
• VYAVAHAR involves the quality of our relationships with others and our ability to understand diverse perspectives.

Achieving a state of true relaxation is as essential as engaging in vigorous practices. The yogic approach to relaxation requires a conscious effort to harmonize the body, mind, and emotions.

Conclusion: The Collective Journey Towards Wellness

Ultimately, yoga promotes a healthier society by redirecting our focus toward overall wellness. Recognizing that health is a dynamic state, we must remain vigilant and aware of our sense of ease — our Sukha Sthanam. Each individual’s journey is their own responsibility, as is the pursuit of awareness and health. Remember, we do not exist in isolation; our actions affect those around us and our environment.

Let us strive to create a community that embodies responsibility and wellness, fostering an environment where health can thrive. Thank you for your attentive listening, and I appreciate your engagement with this vital topic.