Yoga Philosophy
Yoga is merely the practice of restraining the mind from taking any sort of form.
—Pantanjali
Although many of us practice yoga very often, when it comes to the core value and nature of yoga, most of us have a misunderstanding of it. Yoga is not simply the posture of our body, it is just only part of it. Yoga is more than a physical practice.
Yoga is not only a way to shape our body, more importantly, but it is also a method to help us realize the oneness of reality. It helps us to find the real one of ourselves. Our minds and body get closer because of it.
The core philosophy of yoga is not so complicated: the integration of mind, body, and spirit, not separation. Having a better understanding of yoga philosophy is the way to right our view to reaching a unitive state. Yoga philosophy to some degree just like Buddhism believes that people will suffer a lot due to spiritual ignorance. Spiritual ignorance will be a shackle for us in the cycle of rebirth. There are many ways and techniques in yoga to remove ignorance. Yoga philosophy refers to the practice of self-awareness, mental discernment, detachment, and spiritual knowledge. Sankhya dualism and Upanishadic non-dualism are utilized in yoga philosophy. Tantra and Bhakti take Hinduism’s gods and goddesses for reference. Patanjali’s yoga sutras contain the ideas of Ishvara- a personal god. Therefore, practitioners should make it clear about the connection of the atman and brahman, Prakriti and Purusha, and the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. The law of Karma is the core of the philosophy of yoga. Karma builds the strong connection of samsara between us, which makes our suffering and delusion of Maya long-lasting. Maya means ignorance and illusion.
Some westerners might feel very confused about the basic world views, but it will help to reexamine our thoughts to explore the connection of all things. Yoga philosophy integrates the meaning of the subtle body and spiritual strength of prana and kundalini. Hatha yoga deepens the idea of this energy anatomy.
The final destination of yoga is to be in the state of pure awareness called Moksha or Samadhi. Yoga is a path to lead you to the “real self” or “highest self”. Pure consciousness helps us to find our real nature. Yogic philosophy leads us to a higher level in the yoga practice.
Yoga Philosophy – Why it matters?
Yoga philosophy can be considered as the blueprint for us to follow, leading us to a happy, healthy, and peaceful state. Health provides us a vital, clear, and vibrant mind. Peace not only exist in our body but the surroundings around us. With yoga philosophy, we get the harmony of the body, spirit, and emotion.
