Meaning of yoga (what is it, concept and definition)

What is Yoga:

As yoga is called the set of disciplines and practices of physical and mental type which aims to achieve balance between body and mind, as a way to reach enlightenment and union with the Absolute. As such, the word comes from the Sanskrit "yoga", which means 'union', 'effort'.

The origin of yoga is located in India, in the Indus Valley. Its age, however, is difficult to determine, but it is speculated that it could be between three and five thousand years old.

As such, it is one of the classical doctrines of Hinduism, in which an important influence of the ancient philosophy of the samkhya is recognized. Its main theorizer was Patanyali, author of Yoga-sutra , a text composed mainly of aphorisms about yoga.

As such, the essential objective of yoga is the reunification of the being with the Absolute, and the access to the supreme consciousness that leads us to enlightenment.

Currently, yoga has become enormously popular in the West, leading to a discipline based on Hindu theories, but fundamentally focused on the practice of a set of techniques aimed at achieving greater control of the body and mind.

In this sense, modern yoga is more of an exercise system that seeks for the person to achieve spiritual balance and harmony, all through meditation and a series of postural and respiratory exercises.

The most widespread and practiced type of yoga today is hatha yoga, which comprises a sequence of postures and breathing exercises that strengthen the body and promote states of relaxation. Also, in yoga the practice of pranayama, a set of exercises to control breathing, which is the vital energy, and achieve peace of mind is considered of great importance.

Among its many benefits, yoga helps the individual to have a more harmonious relationship with his body, to control his mind and emotions, as well as to release stress, all of which contribute to reaching a state of greater well-being.

See also the meaning of Meditation.