Asana practice is not Yoga

Brief Introduction to Yoga

What is Yoga?

Yoga is a practice that encompasses the physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions of our being. It was introduced to the world by Maharishi Patanjali through his profound work, the Yoga Sutras. Dating back to 200-500 BCE, these sutras provide guidance for a Yogic way of life. In the second verse of the Yoga sutras, Patanjali captures the essence of Yoga with the words Yogas chitta vritti nirodha, which means the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind. 

Maharishi Patanjali, regarded as the father of Yoga, was a great spiritual leader of ancient times. He was well known for his Sanskrit work, mainly the compilation of 196 Yoga sutras, in other words, 196 verses that offer a comprehensive framework to live a Yogic life.

Let’s explore the significance of the second verse: Yogas chitta vritti nirodha

Yogas — To yoke, join, unite and harmonise

Chitta — Mind, consciousness

Vritti — Modifications, fluctuations, constant waves

Nirodha — Controlling, quieting of

Yoga serves as a means to calm or tame the continuous fluctuations in our minds. This doesn’t mean to exert control over the thoughts passing through our minds but rather to quiet them, soothing their restlessness and allowing them to flow gently.

What usually happens is, in our daily lives, every action we take carries consequences, giving rise to “vrittis”- thoughts, fluctuations – within our minds. These vrittis, in turn, generate a ripple effect, leading to further fluctuations, more vrittis. As a result, an incessant & uncontrollable stream of thoughts pervades our daily life, often becoming the root cause of suffering in the human mind.

With Yoga practice, we take care of our actions, in turn, take care of our thoughts, gently slowing their pace. This cultivates a sense of tranquillity and inner harmony in our minds. This helps us to stay in the present moment, filled with a deep sense of ease and joy.

What’s the objective?

The objective of quieting those vrittis is to foster a deeper awareness of oneself and to facilitate self-discovery. However, the ultimate goal of Yoga reaches beyond self-discovery. It is the state of Samadhi—an independent and liberated state. A state where one transcends the cycle of pains and pleasures that characterize human existence.

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8 limbs of Yoga

To make the practice of Yoga accessible, Patanjali devised a framework called the “8 limbs of Yoga”. In this article, we will focus on the first three limbs, which are relatively easier to incorporate into our daily lives. By exploring these limbs, we aim to address the main question of this article: “Is the practice of asana alone considered Yoga?”

Yama

The first limb of Yoga focuses on practising certain principles that concern our environment, as follows:

1. Ahimsa (non-violence): Ahimsa is the practice of non-violence in all aspects of our lives, including physical, mental, and emotional. It extends to our thoughts, ensuring that we cultivate a mindset free from harm or violence.
2. Satya (truthfulness): The practice of living and speaking the truth at all times. It encourages us to align our thoughts, words, and actions with honesty and integrity.
3. Asteya (non-stealing): Asteya guides us to refrain from taking anything that is not freely given. This principle applies not only to material possessions but also to words and actions that violate the rights of others.
4. Brahmacharya (right use of energy): The practice invites us to utilize our energy in moderation and with discernment. It calls for cultivating control over our physical impulses to develop strength, health, wisdom, and ultimately, to achieve balance in our lives.
5. Aparigraha (no possession, no greed): This practice teaches us to possess only what is necessary and to avoid attachment to material possessions. It encourages us to let go of excessive desire and greed, finding contentment and freedom in simplicity.

Niyama

Niyama (Ni + Yama) – The second limb of Yoga focuses on codes of conduct at a personal level, encompassing our duties towards ourselves, which in turn affect not only our individual well-being but also our actions that impact the world around us.

1. Sauca (cleanliness): In Yoga, purification and cleanliness are vital. It’s essential to take care of what we consume, including food, relationships, and entertainment. We also need to ensure cleanliness in our environment, such as our home and personal space.
2. Santosa (contentment): Santosa is the practice of being content with what we have and what life offers us. It involves recognizing that true happiness does not lie in possessing material objects or goods. Santosa teaches us that the pursuit of more is often short-term, and lasting contentment comes from within.
3. Tapa (discipline): Tapa refers to discipline, the ability to cultivate the habit of doing something even when our mind may resist. It is the practice of perseverance and self-discipline, serving a higher purpose or goal.
4. Svadhaya (self-study): Svadhyaya is the practice of self-study and self-reflection. It involves introspection, examining our motives, thoughts, and desires. It also includes studying spiritual texts and teachings to gain wisdom and guidance.
5. Isvara pranidhana (surrender to a higher power): Isvara pranidhana is the practice of surrendering to a higher power. It involves acknowledging that there is something greater than ourselves.

Asana

This simply means, “seat”. The practice in order to be able to sit comfortably, & still without any uneasiness for the practice of meditation.

Pranayama

“Prana” + “Yama”, to gain control over our minds by regulating our breath. 

Pratyahara

It’s the practice of withdrawal of the senses in order to focus inwards and gain inner awareness.

Dharana

Concentration – Practice controlling your mind by binding it to a single object to develop mental clarity and focus.

Dhyana

Meditation, where the mind remains focused for a long period of time. 

Samadhi

A liberated state where one detaches oneself from the pains and pleasures of life.

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Asana.s

Asana practice involves physical postures that aim to develop strength, flexibility, and balance in the body. Beyond its physical benefits, asana practice also prepares the mind and body for meditation. It is the most commonly known aspect of Yoga due to its nature. However, it is important to recognize that solely practising asanas for physical health do not encompass the entire philosophy of Yoga. Nonetheless, asana practice itself is a valuable tool, even if other aspects of Yoga are not actively pursued.

Besides, the existence of different styles of Yoga can be attributed to the evolution of the practice over time and its adaptation and influence by various teachers, traditions, and cultures. Each style of Yoga possesses a unique approach, philosophy, and emphasis, reflecting the diverse range of approaches that have emerged over the centuries. For instance, Hatha Yoga, emphasize relaxation, deep breathing, and the cultivation of inner awareness and stillness. Whereas, Ashtanga Yoga, focus more on physical strength, endurance, and dynamic and challenging practice.

Despite the distinct characteristics of each style, the ultimate objective remains the same: Samadhi, liberation.”

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Misconceptions around Yoga ❌ 

Despite its longstanding presence, there are all kinds of misunderstandings about Yoga. Let’s talk about some of these misconceptions.

One should be FLEXIBLE to practice Yoga “Asanas”

This is perhaps the most widespread misconception. In reality, being flexible is not a prerequisite for practising Yoga. Comparing it to saying, “You are too dirty to take a shower” highlights the absurdity of this notion. Even if our bodies are not inherently flexible, as long as they are functional, we can engage in the practice of Yoga (Asana). 

Yoga is not about touching your toes, it is what you learn on the way down” 

– Jigor gor

Yoga is just another physical exercise

If you’ve reached this point in the article, you likely already understand that Yoga is much more than a mere physical exercise. While Asana practice can be considered a form of physical exercise, it goes beyond that. Unlike other exercises, Asana practice integrates the element of conscious breathing. Furthermore, Asana practice represents only a small part of the comprehensive Yoga philosophy.

Yoga is the solution to everything

Yoga certainly promotes a healthy lifestyle and serves as a preventive measure for overall well-being. However, it is not a panacea for all challenges and difficulties we may encounter.

In addition to these, there are a few more misconceptions worth mentioning:

1. You cannot build strength with Yoga
2. Yoga is only for girls or lazy people
3. Yoga is too slow or boring

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Benefits of Yoga ✅

There are several benefits to incorporating Yoga into our lives. Here are some simple yet impactful benefits that we can easily relate to in our daily lives:

Improve Physical Health

Practising Yoga can help improve physical health by increasing strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination. Regular practice can also help improve cardiovascular health, respiratory function, and immune system function.

Helps you manage stress & reduce anxiety

Our modern lifestyle and daily challenges often lead to accumulated tension in our bodies. Sedentary work habits only exacerbate this issue. These tensions also referred to as knots, are the major contributors to stress and anxiety. However, through the regular practice of Asana and Pranayama, we can effectively release these knots, reducing stress and anxiety.

Improve your work life (high focus and concentration)

Asana practice is a form of concentration exercise, especially when we direct our full attention to our breath and body. Combined with Pranayama practice, it can help improve focus and concentration by promoting mindfulness and awareness of the present moment. This can translate to improved performance in work, school, or other areas of life.

And here are some advantages of Yoga practice:

• Self-awareness
• Improve & strengthen your mental health
• Help you relax and sleep better
• Makes you feel more energetic
• Boost immunity & improve balance, both physically & mentally
• Enhanced Spiritual Growth

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Conclusion

In conclusion, to answer whether Asana practice is Yoga? 

The answer is Yes and No. If we simply engage in Asanas as physical exercise without understanding their deeper meaning, it becomes nothing but a stretching exercise. However, if we understand the philosophy and purpose of Yoga and approach Asanas practice, then yes, our practice becomes a true embodiment of Yoga.

I hope this article has provided you with valuable insights into Yoga and clarified misconceptions surrounding it. If you’re interested in delving deeper or embarking on your own Yoga journey, feel free to reach out.

Let’s embrace a more accurate understanding of Yoga and its multifaceted nature.

Keep calm and do Yoga!
Namaste!

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References

Yoga Sutra 1.2: Yogas Chitta Vritti Nirodha