The Art of Yoga and Relaxation; The Philosophy and Definition of Yoga

The place to start when looking at yoga and relaxation is the definition of yoga. Yoga is most easily described as an act used to find a mental and physical balance, but yoga is a far more meditative and complex act. Yoga originates from India, "Yoga is one of the six fundamental systems of Indian thought collectively known as darsana"(Desikachar 5). The actual meaning of the word yoga has changed as it has been passed down through the centuries; to come together and to unite. There exists another meaning of the word yoga: to tie the strands of the mind together. Desikachar elaborates the definition to mean "to attain what was previously unattainable." Desikachar states that one of the classical definitions of yoga is "to be one with the divine." Yoga is more than just exercise or relaxation it’s a combination of the two and a way of thought. In the Yoga Sutra there is a term to describe what is causing struggle, avidya. Avidya literally means “incorrect comprehension” there exists an opposite to avidya in order to show balance, vidya. Avidya represents all that is causing struggle in your life, as such it has branches representing the different areas that may be causing strife. Avidya is symbolically a tree with avidya as the roots and the branches being the separate areas that can cloud judgement. The branches of the tree are raga (attachment), dvesa (refusal), asmita (ego), and abhinivesa (fear). When following the teachings presented in the Yoga Sutra when we notice that we have allowed one of the branches of Avidya to cloud our judgment we should admit to our error and apologize. In everyday life this does not happen we instead sink deeper into the branches of avidya. Yoga is supposed to be a way of combating avidya as it forces a new perspective and reconciles the mistakes made due to avidya. In short yoga is a philosophy, exercise, and form of meditation.

Desikachar, T. K. V. The Heart of Yoga: Developing a Personal Practice. Rochester, VT: Inner Traditions International, 1999. Print.