Definitions of Yoga

Yoga, a timeless practice rooted in ancient wisdom, transcends mere physical exercise to encompass a profound journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening. At its core, yoga means ‘union’ or ‘connection,’ a concept that is richly explored through various traditions and practices.

This article delves into the myriad definitions of yoga, illustrating its multifaceted nature and transformative potential. From the classical Sanskrit interpretation to the practical day-to-day applications, yoga presents a tapestry of techniques designed to connect us with our innermost selves and the world around us. Whether through the disciplined path of Hatha yoga, the spiritual awakening of Kundalini yoga, or the philosophical teachings of Patanjali, each definition of yoga offers a unique perspective on achieving balance, health, and higher consciousness.

In this article, we cover yoga's diverse paths and profound meanings, uncovering how this ancient science guides us toward greater awareness, self-mastery, and the ultimate realization of our true nature.

Multiple definitions of yoga

There is no single definition of yoga. In order to experience truth through yoga, we must study its classical definitions and reflect on our own understanding of it. If we wish to connect to the intuitive, creative part of us and realize the eternal Self at our core, we need to consider what yoga really is. Each definition of yoga reveals part of the ocean of knowledge and experience that forms the yogic path.

Sanskrit Yoga Definition

Yoga means ‘union’ or ‘connection’. In Sanskrit, the word ‘yoga’ is used to signify any form of connection. Yoga is both a state of connection and a body of techniques that allow us to connect to anything. A conscious connection to something allows us to feel and experience that thing, person, or experience. The experience of connection is a state of yoga, a joyful, blissful, fulfilling experience. Awareness is the secret of yoga.

Bhakti Yoga Definition

Bhakti Yoga is the path of devotion and love towards a personal god or the divine. It emphasizes cultivating a deep, personal relationship with the divine through practices such as prayer, chanting, and ritual worship. The definition of yoga in Bhakti Yoga is the union of the individual soul with the divine through the power of love and devotion.

Jnana Yoga Definition

Jnana Yoga is the path of knowledge and wisdom. It involves the pursuit of spiritual knowledge through study, self-inquiry, and meditation. The definition of yoga in Jnana Yoga is the union of the individual self with the higher Self through the realization of one’s true nature as pure consciousness.

Karma Yoga Definition

Karma Yoga is the path of selfless action and service. It teaches that by performing actions without attachment to the outcomes, one can purify the mind and achieve spiritual growth. The definition of yoga in Karma Yoga is the union achieved through dedicated and selfless service, leading to the dissolution of the ego and realization of the Self.

Raja Yoga Definition

Raja Yoga, often referred to as the "royal path," is a comprehensive method that encompasses yoga's physical, mental, and spiritual aspects. It includes practices such as meditation, ethical discipline, and control of the mind. Patanjali’s system of Raja Yoga provides a detailed framework for achieving this union.

Tantra Yoga Definition

Tantra Yoga is a path that embraces all aspects of existence, including the material and the spiritual. It involves rituals, meditation, and specific practices to awaken and harness the divine energy within. The definition of yoga in Tantra Yoga is the union of the individual with the cosmic energy through the integration of body, mind, and spirit.

Integral Yoga Definition

Integral Yoga, developed by Sri Aurobindo, is a synthesis of various yoga paths. It aims to transform all aspects of the being—physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual—leading to the realization of the divine in everyday life. The definition of yoga in Integral Yoga is the complete harmonization and integration of all parts of the being with the divine consciousness.

Hatha Yoga Definition

Hatha yoga includes postures (asana), breathing techniques (pranayama), purification techniques (shat karmas) energy regulation techniques (mudra and bandha). The definition of yoga in the Hatha Yoga texts is the union of the upward force (prana) and the downward force (apana) at the navel center (manipura chakra). Hatha yoga teaches us to master the totality of our life force, prana. By learning how to feel and manipulate the life force, we access the source of our being.

Kundalini Yoga Definition

Kundalini yoga is the science of liberating the dormant potential energy in the base of the spine (kundalini). The definition of yoga in kundalini yoga is the union of the mental current (ida) and the pranic current (pingala) in the third eye (ajna chakra) or at the base chakra (muladhara chakra). This unifies duality in us by connecting body and mind and leads to the awakening of spiritual consciousness.

Vinyasa Yoga Definition

Vinyasa Yoga is a dynamic and flowing style of yoga that links breath with movement. It emphasizes the coordination of breath and movement to create a continuous flow of postures. Vinyasa yoga's definition of yoga is the harmonious connection of breath, movement, and mindfulness, fostering a state of flow and presence.

Patanjali's definition of yoga

The great sage Patanjali, in the system of Raja Yoga, gave one of the best definitions of yoga. He said, ‘Yoga is the blocking (nirodha) of mental modifications (chitta vritti) so that the seer (drashta) re-identifies with the (higher) Self. Patanjali's system has come to be the epitome of Classical Yoga Philosophy and is one of India's 6 or 7 major philosophies.

Highest philosophical definition of yoga

In Sanskrit, the word ‘yoga’ is used to signify any form of connection. In a philosophical sense, however, yoga means the conscious connection of the limited little egoic self with the unlimited, eternal, higher Self.

Day-to-day meaning of yoga

At its most practical level, yoga is a process of becoming more aware of who we are. Yoga techniques facilitate balance and health and unfold our dormant potential. Yoga allows us to be more aware of ourselves and feel connected. As such, yoga is a process of self-discovery, which leads to self-mastery and self-realization.

Many paths to yoga

Yoga has its roots in ancient India, with references found in texts such as the Vedas and Upanishads. Over millennia, yoga evolved through different schools of thought, including the classical yoga of Patanjali, the tantric traditions, and the various modern interpretations that we see today.

Yoga offers numerous benefits, including improved physical health, mental clarity, emotional stability, and spiritual growth. Regular practice can enhance flexibility, strength, and endurance while also reducing stress and anxiety and fostering inner peace and well-being.

There are many traditional yogic paths that facilitate connection to the highest truth and awaken our own consciousness, including tantra, mantra, laya, kundalini, bhakti, jnana, karma yoga, and so on. Each path specializes in its own techniques and methods to awaken greater awareness and connection to self and life.

Yoga practices include:

• posture (asana)
• breathing (pranayama)
• control of subtle forces (mudra and bandha)
• cleansing the body-mind (shat karma)
• visualizations
• chanting of mantras
• many forms of meditation.

Yoga as a science

Yoga is a science; that is, it is a body of techniques that lead us to consciously connect with ourselves and with life through the experience of yoga. As yoga is a science, no dogma or belief system is attached to it. Yoga simply tells us to do a certain practice and then to feel the effect of that practice, e.g., if we breathe slowly in a relaxed manner, we will slow our heart rate; if we focus the mind, we will develop mental peace and deep insight.

Recent studies have shown that yoga can positively impact various aspects of health. Research indicates that yoga can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve cardiovascular health, and enhance cognitive function. These findings support the ancient wisdom that yoga is a holistic practice benefiting the mind, body, and spirit.

Awakening of self is yoga

Big Shakti's favourite definition of yoga is that it is any method that allows us to wake up to who or what we really are and to what life is all about. Anything that allows us to be more aware of ourselves and to feel connected to ourselves and life is a form of yoga.

Yoga is a timeless practice that offers a path to self-discovery, healing, and spiritual awakening. Whether you seek physical health, mental clarity, or a deeper connection with your true self, yoga provides the tools to achieve these goals. Embrace the journey of yoga and discover its transformative power.

Everything we do can become yoga if it is done with awareness. Awareness is the key to discovering all the mysteries of who we truly are. Yoga reveals the luminous intelligence and the beauty that lies within us.