The meaning of yoga.
Yoga has become a household word since its introduction to the West a little more than 100 years ago. Since then, the general public’s understanding of yoga and its primary purpose has taken an unintended turn. We’re accustomed to seeing the word yoga alongside an image of slim and fit people. They might be performing a physical posture or sitting in the lotus pose, hands in a yogic position. Rarely does a newcomer to yoga think of it as a philosophy, spiritual path, or way of life.
Read on to acquire a deeper understanding of the true meaning of yoga.
Here’s how traditional yogic literature and yoga masters define yoga and its purpose:
“Yoga is the control of thought waves in the mind.”
— Patañjali’s Yoga Sutras
“Yoga is skill in action. Evenness of mind is skill in action.”
— Bhagavad Gita
“The state of yoga is like the candle flame in a windless place.”
— Śri Ramakrishna
“The purpose of practicing yoga is to eliminate the agitations that constantly arise in the mind. The main purpose of yoga is to obtain profound peace, to put an end to all sorrow, and to enjoy permanent happiness and bliss.”
— Baba Muktananda
“Yoga is a method for restraining the natural turbulence of thoughts, which otherwise impartially prevent all men, of all lands, from glimpsing their true nature of Spirit.”
— Paramahansa Yogananda
The Meaning of Yoga
Affiliate Link
Many terms used in the context of yoga are in Sanskrit, the traditional language of yoga. Just like any other language, a word or term in Sanskrit often requires deeper understanding. A single-word translation is not enough. Yoga is a philosophical system. Some terms might take years of study and contemplation to truly grasp.
Yoga literally translated from Sanskrit means union or joining. Simply put, yoga means the union of the universal Soul (God, etc.) with the separate individual soul (each of us). Some examples of the terms used to describe this perfected state are: enlightenment, God-realization, Self-realization, liberation, and nirvana. Yoga philosophy teaches that spiritual enlightenment is the goal of life.
Yoga also refers to the path, the practices, or techniques used to achieve that goal. To “do yoga” means that we’re practicing a yogic technique—one that helps us feel or experience our oneness with the universal Soul, or Atman. Yoga is a process, a journey. At journey’s end, we experience unbroken peace and joy while living our daily lives.
Common Misconceptions About Yoga
As a student and teacher of yoga, I’ve encountered two areas of confusion regarding the meaning of yoga:
First, yoga is not Hinduism or any other religion. The meaning of yoga implies one of many Indian philosophical systems. Yoga and Hinduism are often confused because of their origin, India. But they are only related, like cousins. Hinduism is a religion; yoga is a set of techniques and practices. Anyone, from any religion, can study and practice yoga without jeopardizing their faith. A Hindu, for example, may be a practicing yogi; but not all yogis are Hindus.
Second, hatha yoga is a branch of yoga that emphasizes physical postures and breathing techniques. This type of yoga is familiar to most of us in the West. It was developed long ago to help strengthen the body and quiet the mind. These are preliminary steps to the higher practices along the spiritual path. Indeed, hatha yoga is not an absolute requirement on the path to enlightenment. A strong and healthy body is preferable and helpful, but health may be achieved in any number of ways.
Spiritual Enlightenment: The Goal of Yoga
The true meaning of yoga is deeper than its definition. Let’s return to the quotes mentioned earlier. You’ll notice a common theme in all of them: mind, thought, peace. The greatest teachers and authoritative yogic texts all declare that the mind is the secret to enlightenment. Why do they say this? Because they know that when the mind is quiet, inner joy is revealed. Peace of mind equals the experience of bliss. All yogic practices are directed to this end.
Daily meditation is the most important yoga practice. Meditation helps to still the mind; it also strengthens the mind so we can control and guide it. Every day, for some period of time, sit and meditate. You may practice any kind of meditation with which you are familiar. Or, you might prefer the simple technique here: An Introduction to Meditation. Continue your practice daily, and you will notice results very soon.
Read the next article in this series:
Chityānanda has been a disciple of Svāmī Gurupremānanda Sarasvatī since 1975. She teaches meditation and yoga as a spiritual path in Santa Cruz, California.
Thank you for this inspiring article! I will refer to it again and again. This comment is very insightful, “Yoga and Hinduism are often confused because of their origin, India. But they are only related, like cousins.”
Thank you, Elizabeth. I took me a long time to realize the subtle difference between yoga and Hinduism. Hopefully, I’ll be able to shorten that time and clear up that misunderstanding for others. I should also go on record saying that I actually enjoy the Hindu traditions. I enjoy reading the stories of the gods and their meanings. Often, within the stories like the Mahabharata and Ramayana, there are spiritual lessons–not at all apart from yoga!
Lovely article. Thank you for explaining things so well. Because of the general misconceptions of yoga, I tend to not even try to explain what I do anymore unless people are truly interested. Perhaps more people are interested in the philosophy than we think 🙂
Hi Roxie, Thank you for your comments. I know what you mean about not bothering to explain yoga to people, especially family. After all these years, I’ve come to the conclusion that if I live my path, and someone is curious about why I seem so peaceful and happy, that they can ask. Also, please feel free to forward this article to anyone you know who might find appreciate the clarification about yoga.
Hi. The distinction you draw between yoga and hinduism is excellent. It is encouraging to know that yoga’s tools are universally compatible with all spiritual paths. Thank you.
Thank you, Rob. I truly believe there’s some aspect of yoga for everyone, of any religion, philosophy or belief system. The old saying, “Take what you like and leave the rest” is perfectly adaptable to yoga. It’s not an all-or-nothing philosophy.
When I saw the topic of this blog, I was excited to see what you had to say. It is exactly what I would’ve hoped, especially how you led in with the quotes from Great Masters .
Thank you for your comment, Richard. Whatever anyone might think about yoga, they can’t deny the ancient texts and the Masters. However, what I see in the comments on this post are quite encouraging. Perhaps more people are interested in the philosophy than we think–‘hope so!
This blog is very enlightening! My yoga teacher never ever mentioned this. All we know of yoga is exercises from India. I am very interested in the philosophical aspect of yoga. I love the way you write.
Thank you for your kind words, Sam. Yoga has so much more to offer us than exercises. You’ll be quite satisfied with Quiet Karma’s content. My generous Guru has shared yoga’s philosophical teachings with us for more than four decades, and I am privileged to pass on those teachings here. Namaste.
Simple, but not simplistic, explanation of yoga fundamentals. Well done, Swamiji.
Dear Ramaji! Thank you for your comments. More on the way, hopefully still simple but not simplistic!
Thank you for the meaning of Yoga. Your explanation is clear and informative.
Peace, Moe
Thank you for your comment, Moe. I appreciate the feedback.