Yoga: definition & info at a glance
Yoga is very trendy, but the exact definition is less known. Original yoga is more than just fitness and flexibility - at least in India. Find out exactly what yoga means here.
Yoga - a definition and further information
The term yoga comes from Sanskrit and means something like "tie" or "tense". The origin of yoga goes back to 700 BC. It is a philosophical lesson from ancient India. The central point of the teaching is the unification of body, mind and soul with the aim of redemption. A path with eight steps leads to this redemption. I am concerned with the eight levels according to the Yogi "Patanjali". The rules can be found in classic Ashtanga Yoga. There are also other yoga schools, some of which differ.
- The path begins with taming (yama), in which it is to be learned how to deal with nature and its fellow human beings correctly.
- Self-breeding (Niyama) follows. Here you should learn how to deal with yourself.
- The third stage is physical exercises, also called asanas.
- The asanas are followed by the stage of breathing exercises, which are also known as pranayama.
- The fifth stage on the path of redemption is the Pratyahara, in which you should learn the sensory perception. This should make you more aware of your senses.
- The sixth level in yoga is concentration exercises (Dharana).
- The seventh stage means concentrated immersion (dhyana), i.e. meditation.
- The eighth and highest level is the inner sinking. With this level (Samadhi) inner freedom is to be achieved.
In western countries, yoga is mostly limited to asanas and pranayama, i.e. body and breathing exercises.
In the next post, you will learn what health benefits yoga has for body and soul.