What is Yoga?

When the word “yoga” comes to mind, often people think about fitness classes in urban, hip cities with lots of leggings and downward facing dogs. However, this is very, very far from what yoga actually is.

Yoga translates to yoke, or the yoking/joining of things. It means union. It is the union of the mind, body, and soul of the Self, and the union of all things, the Universal Self. It is both macro and micro at the exact same time. As above, so below. As one thing is done, all things are done. This is the idea of yoga itself. And this is why it is so important to yogis to be in harmony, balance, and peace; because if they create that within themselves, then they will experience that in their outer world/universal field.

This is where Yoga is a philosophy, or a lifestyle, and not necessarily an exercise or religion. It is a way to view all things, actions, events, happenings, you name it, yoga is simply a way of doing things. It’s moving in harmony, it’s noticing the breath, it’s taking care of the spine, it’s observing the observed, it’s moving with intention, it’s understanding your power, it’s understanding the divine, it’s being in tune with your Self. It’s everything and no-thing. It is all pervading.

Perhaps the best way to understand a yogi’s mind, or yoga itself, is to know the Yogic Code. Yes, there is a code that we yogi’s live by, and it’s kind of a big deal. It’s like being in the Jedi force; we all know the rules, but don’t speak of the rules. It’s a peaceful Fight Club if you will. Anyway, in all seriousness, there is an ancient Yogic Code and it is as follows:

There are Yamas (Social Code) and Niyamas (Self Code). Historically speaking, asanas (yoga poses) were only taught after the Yamas and Niyamas were fully taught and understood.

Yamas:

1. Ahimsa: Non-Violence toward our own self or others. Non-violence in our thoughts, deeds, or words. Act from a loving state
2. Satya: Truth. Always tell the truth how it works, not how it hurts. Aka, tell the truth, but try to be kind in your words.
3. Asteya: Non-Stealing. A peaceful existence is found in a peaceful coexistence.
4. Brahmacharya: “Consciousness Behavior.” This means to act in a balanced way, in a conscious way. Brahma is the Ultimate Creator/Consciousness, so this means to act in a way that pure consciousness acts. This means non-judgmental, open, loving, etc.
5. Aparigraha: Non-Accumulation of things; non-possession. Ancient yogis were very often possessionless and roamed the streets, knowing and trusting they will always find exactly what they need exactly when they need it.

Niyamas:

1. Sauch: Cleanliness of ones body, thoughts, words, and deeds.
2. Santosh: Contentment; now and moving ahead. Being content with what one has, and having a hopeful and content view of the future
3. Tapa: Austerity; Fire of Discipline. Discipline creates will power.
4. Swadhyay: Self-Study; this is an always on-going process in life. Always being aware of one’s Self. Being the Observer, not the observed.
5. Ishwar Parnidhana: Ishwar means “God/Cosmic Intelligence” and Parnidhana means “surrender”. This means to surrender your Self to cosmic intelligence by acting out of the larger Self. This translates to giving your best in every single thing that you do. By acting out of Pure Consciousness you see that every single moment is a beautiful gift unfolding into the next ever-present moment. It’s a beautiful dance if you can just hear the music. So why wouldn’t you want to make everything you do and touch the absolute best and most beautiful it could be?

So, as you can see, Yoga is much more than poses. It’s actually an entire way of being, and then you can learn the poses, breathing practices, and meditations to help you deepen your practice of becoming one with your Self and the Universe. To be in flow. To surrender to what is. To be here now. To recognize the One Love. That, is what yoga is.

My light sees yours, star shine.

One love,

Kelsea