There are many interpretations of what yoga is and I’d like to share with you the meaning of yoga that resonates with me. It is the second sutra from Patanjali’s Sutras.
Patanjali’s Sutras are a collection of around 200 Sanskrit aphorisms on the theory and practice of yoga. The sutras date back to around 500 BC to 400 AD, the exact date is unknown. The second of these sutras state that “yoga is the restraint of mind modifications”.
“Patanjali Sutra 1.2 yoga città vrtti nirodha”
I like to interpret this as the stilling of mind thoughts (chitta vrtti) to unite with our true-self, our peace and contentment.
What is the purpose of stilling these mind thoughts?
The experience of yoga is quietening these thoughts so that we can know who we truly are. We can imagine a lake and that our true-self lies at the bottom of the lake. Our mind thoughts disturb the lake so that we are unable to see the bottom. These disturbances, ripples or waves, come in various forms of mind thoughts that we will look at over the next few weeks. We will also look at causes of suffering to the mind.
By understanding our thoughts, we can improve our reactions and bring clarity to our “lake”. In turn, allowing ourselves to connect with our peaceful selves and keeping that connection whilst we go about our daily lives.
Our yoga practise of Yama & Niyama(moral codes), Asana (postures), Pranayama (breathing), Pratyahara (sense withdrawal), Dharana (concentration) and Dhyana (meditation) all help us to come from a place of peace and contentment. It helps us to unite and yoke with the divine energy of the universe, Samadhi. To me this is yoga.
I’d love to hear what yoga means to you 🙂
