The Meaning of Yoga
Through understanding, I now know that great things can be accomplished when given a well-intentioned, tangible meaning. The definition of meaning is a necessary or worthwhile quality. In other words, it is your purpose.
So what in the world does the term Yoga mean? The meaning of this term here in the West consists of only the tip of the iceberg that is Yoga. The yoga tradition is a profound and vast science. The broader science of Yoga has the power to unlock the immense potentials of an individual’s body, mind, and spirit. Understanding Yoga in its totality becomes a way of living- away to embody abundance, joy, and purpose. The practice of Yoga then becomes a practice of life itself.
Yoga has one of the most extended entries in the entire Sanskrit dictionary. The word Yoga spans a couple of pages in length and consists of several hundred semantic entries of meaning for the one-word Yoga. Some of these meanings include union, discipline, cure, remedy, practical means, etc. The word Yoga comes from the Sanskrit root “Yuj,” which means to bind, harness, connect, or to concentrate. It’s cognate with our English word “Yoke,” which is this idea of bringing, fixing, uniting, or joining two things together. It is also the idea of concentrating or setting your attention to one particular object.
There is great diversity, malleability, and richness in the term and the practice of Yoga. The meaning of Yoga depends significantly on the context.
When we are talking about Yoga in the context of early yoga traditions, we can begin to narrow the range of its semantic meaning. The meaning of Yoga is also highly dependent on the Yoga practitioner’s knowledge, beliefs, and experiences surrounding Yoga.
Some of the MANY meanings of Yoga include:
1) Sequenced stretching and breathing
2) Mind-body regimen to improve mental and physical health
3) Spiritual discipline or practice
4) Path to enlightenment
5) A technique for transcending the world
6) Discipline way of acting and being in the world
7) A commercial product and professional industry
8) State of being, free from all of suffering
I have found it is immensely helpful to study Yoga’s classical definitions to reflect on my understanding of it.
Early Definitions of Yoga in Sanskrit Texts:
– Yoga is the stilling of the fluctuations of the mind.
– Yoga is the union of the self and the Lord
– Yoga is a skill in action
– Yoga is the direct means to perceive reality as it is
Although these definitions have different meanings, Yoga can broadly conceive them within two ways:
1. Yoga is a STATE or goal of spiritual practice.
2. Yoga is discipline, PRACTICE, and action.
“Through Yoga (i.e., practice), Yoga (i.e., state) is to be known.
Yoga (i.e., state) arises from Yoga (i.e., practice).
He who is undistracted by means of Yoga (i.e., practice),
Delights in Yoga (i.e., state) for a long time.” – Yogasutra 3.6
It appears that there are two meanings of Yoga. Yoga is the practice that lets you experience the state of Yoga. The course eventually leads you to Yoga’s definition, which means living with a heightened state where you realize your full potential while appreciating and fully present with life’s magnificence.
There is still so much about the meaning of Yoga that I do not understand. The system of Yoga is like a vast kingdom, and I feel like I have just arrived at the gates. For me, the term yoga encompasses a whole system of various methodologies, practices, and techniques that help me to cultivate more of what I do want in my life and less of what I don’t want. It helps me practice the art of moving beyond my limitations and closer to the life I envision. Yoga is a state where I can experience a sense of wonder, beauty, and deep appreciation for this life. Those moments of petting my dog, preparing food, or sitting with my husband when I see life as a gift is Yoga. It is a state of viewing this life as a blessing despite the challenges, changes, or complications. Yoga is a system designed to inspire more of these moments, no matter the current circumstance. It is a practice- a daily routine- of moving through life with a sense of purpose rather than becoming distracted by things that dim my experience.
Now, I am not perfect at any of this, but this is why it is called a “practice.” But I choose to continue to practice Yoga daily because I have experienced firsthand what this profoundly meaningful practice has helped me to achieve. My own experience of Yoga is why I am so inspired to share this love of Yoga with others because I know what these ancient and modern teachings can also do for you.
Contemplation Point:
What does the term yoga mean to you?
Give meaning to this term so you can remember why you choose to engage in the practice of this ancient tradition. Remember, great things can be accomplished when assigned significant meaning.
