Yoga, a practice that has been around for centuries, has become a popular trend in modern society. However, the true meaning and purpose of yoga have been lost in translation. Today, yoga is often reduced to just physical exercise (Asanas) or breathing techniques (Pranayama), which is a narrow and incomplete understanding of this ancient practice.

In fact, yoga is much more than that. It is a path to self-discovery, a journey of the mind and spirit towards a higher state of consciousness. The roots of yoga go deep into ancient Indian traditions and scriptures such as the Valmiki’s Ramayana and Vyasa’s Mahabharata.

According to Valmiki’s Ramayana, in the first chapter named Bala Kanda – the first known text on yoga, Rama, the protagonist, was in a state of deep emotional distress. It was his mentor, the Raja Guru (Royal Mentor), Vashistha, who taught him the art of keeping a calm mind and brought him out of his depression. This chapter is also known as Yoga Vashistha, which is considered the oldest known text on yoga.

The Bhagavad-Gita, a small part of Vyasa’s Mahabharata chapter called Bhishma Parva, speaks of yoga as the path of continuous pursuit of excellence. Krishna explains the meaning of yoga to Arjuna, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery and understanding one’s true self.

It is important to note that most physical exercises sold as “yoga” today are either Pilates or some other manipulated form. True yoga goes beyond physical exercise and focuses on the mind and consciousness.

If you think a “yogi” or “yogini” is someone who can bend their body or make them flexible, think again. Gymnasts can bend their bodies more, but that doesn’t make them yogis or yoginis. A true yogi or yogini is someone who has a perpetually calm mind, seeks excellence in their deserving pursuits, is untouched by greed, and has the ability to calm a distressed mind and empower seekers from the abyss of confusion in this world towards the light of wisdom.

The word “yoga” comes from the root word “yuj,” which means the path. As yoga is part of Vedic teachings, which comes from the root word “vid,” meaning wisdom, we can better understand yoga as the path of wisdom.

It is also essential to understand that yoga is not a religious practice. In the Vedas, there is no concept of God, at least not in the traditional sense. Instead, yoga emphasizes self-discovery and understanding one’s true self.

To conclude, the yoga is more than just physical exercise or breathing techniques. It is a journey of self-discovery, a path towards wisdom and enlightenment. Let us embrace the true essence of yoga and use it to transform our lives and empower our minds and spirits.