We generally associate Yoga with a set of poses which people do one by one to improve their physical fitness. But, Yoga is much more than that. This post goes into detail about what Yoga is in the truest sense and how meditation is a part of that practice.
What is Yoga?
The word ‘Yoga’ is derived from the Sanskrit root ‘Yuj’, meaning ‘to join’ or ‘to unite’. According to ancient scriptures, the goal of yoga is to combine our consciousness with the universal consciousness. In order to do that, one needs to prepare one’s body, mind and soul.
The yogic practice consists of a number of sadhanas that need to be performed. Different scriptures list out different sadhanas. A popular scripture which is regularly referenced is the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. It lists out 196 sutras and talks about 8 elements of the yoga practice(see image above). The asanas or poses are a part of those practices. So, is meditation or dhyana.
What is meditation?
Meditation is a practice in which an individual tries to calm his mind and focus on one singular thing. It could be one’s heart beat or breathe. Sometimes, a *mantra *is used to focus one’s mind. The goal is to become aware of your thoughts and reduce reactiveness by viewing your surroundings without any judgement.
Misconceptions about yoga
Yoga is considered to be a form of exercise by the general public. People join yoga classes to stay fit and healthy. But, it is much more than that. There is spirituality involved which can be hard to describe in words and imagine as a normal human being. It’s about going beyond our normal life and connecting with something greater.
As stated earlier, meditation is a part of that yoga. The goal is to prepare one’s body and mind so that it connects with the universe. Meditation helps prepare our mind for that. It clears out the noise in our head and helps us focus on something greater.
Yoga Guru Near Me
Guru Near Me is on a mission to connect people with good teachers. Our “Yoga Classes” page lists out classes that can help you learn yoga. Select “Near Me” or a city of your choice to see yoga classes and yoga studios in your area. We can’t promise you connection with the universe, but we can help you find the right teacher who can guide you on that journey.
