In Vedic Sanskrit, the more commonly used, literal meaning of the Sanskrit word yoga which is to add, to join, to unite, or to attach from the root yuj, already had a much more figurative sense, where the yoking or harnessing of oxen or horses takes on broader meanings such as employment, use, application, performance (compare the figurative uses of to harness as in to put something to some use). All further developments of the sense of this word are post-Vedic. More prosaic moods such as exertion, endeavour, zeal, and diligence are also found in Epic Sanskrit. There are very many compound words containing yog in Sanskrit. Yoga can take on meanings such as connection, contact, method, application, addition, and performance. In simpler words, Yoga also means combined. For example, guṇá-yoga means contact with a cord; chakrá-yoga has a medical sense of applying a splint or similar instrument by means of pulleys (in case of dislocation of the thigh); chandrá-yoga has the astronomical sense of conjunction of the moon with a constellation; puṃ-yoga is a grammatical term expressing connection or relation with a man, etc. Thus, bhakti-yoga means devoted attachment in the monotheistic Bhakti movement. The term kriyā-yoga has a grammatical sense, meaning connection with a verb. But the same compound is also given a technical meaning in the Yoga Sutras (2.1), designating the practical aspects of the philosophy, i.e. the union with the Supreme due to performance of duties in everyday life In Hindu philosophy, the word yoga is used to refer to one of the six orthodox (āstika) schools of Hindu philosophy. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali are often labelled as Rāja yoga. According to Pāṇini, a 6th-century BCE Sanskrit grammarian, the term yoga can be derived from either of two roots, yujir yoga (to yoke) or yuj samādhau (to concentrate). In the context of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, the root yuj samādhau (to concentrate) is considered by traditional commentators as the correct etymology. In accordance with Pāṇini, Vyasa (c. 4th or 5th century CE), who wrote the first commentary on the Yoga Sutras, states that yoga means samādhi (concentration). In other texts and contexts, such as the Bhagavad Gītā and the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, the word yoga has been used in conformity with yujir yoge (to yoke). Someone who practices yoga or follows the yoga philosophy with a high level of commitment is called a yogi (may be applied to a male or a female) or yogini (traditionally denoting a female). Purpose[edit] The ultimate goal of Yoga is moksha (liberation) though the exact definition of what form this takes depends on the philosophical or theological system with which it is conjugated. In Shaiva theology, yoga is used to unite kundalini with Shiva. Mahabharata defines the purpose of yoga as the experience of uniting the individual Ātman with the universal Brahman that pervades all things. In the specific sense of Patanjalis Yoga Sutras, yoga is defined as citta-vṛtti-nirodhaḥ (the cessation of the perturbations of the mind). This is described by Patanjali as the necessary condition for transcending discursive knowledge and to be one with the divinely understood spirit (purusha): Absolute freedom occurs when the lucidity of material nature and spirit are in pure equilibrium. In the Yoga Sutras, Patanjali indicates that the ultimate goal of yoga is a state of permanent peace or Kaivalya in order to experience ones true self. Apart from the spiritual goals, the physical postures of yoga are used to alleviate health problems, reduce stress and make the spine supple in contemporary times. Yoga is also used as a complete exercise program and physical therapy routine. History[edit] The origins of yoga are a matter of debate. It may have pre-Vedic origins.Several seals discovered at Indus Valley Civilization sites depict figures in positions resembling a common yoga or meditation pose. Ascetic practices, concentration and bodily postures used by Vedic priests to conduct Vedic ritual of fire sacrifice may have been precursors to yoga. Pre-philosophical speculations of yoga begin to emerge in the texts of c. 500–200 BCE. Between 200 BCE–500 CE philosophical schools of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism were taking form and a coherent philosophical system of yoga began to emerge. The Middle Ages saw the development of many satellite traditions of yoga. Yoga came to the attention of an educated western public in the mid 19th century along with other topics of Indian philosophy. Origins[edit] The origins of yoga are a matter of debate. According to Crangle, Indian researchers have generally favoured a linear theory, which attempts to interpret the origin and early development of Indian contemplative practices as a sequential growth from an Aryan genesis, just like traditional Hinduism regards the Vedas to be the source of all spiritual knowledge. Other scholars acknowledge the possibility of non-Aryan components. Some argue that yoga originates in the Indus Valley Civilization. According to Zimmer, Yoga is part of the pre-Vedic heritage, which also includes Jainism, Samkhya and Buddhism. Samuel argues that yoga derives from the Śramana tradition. Gavin Flood notes that such dichotomization is too simplistic: [T]his dichotomization is too simplistic, for continuities can undoubtedly be found between renunciation and vedic Brahmanism, while elements from non-Brahmanical, Sramana traditions also played an important part in the formation of the renunciate ideal.
Posted on: Sun, 09 Mar 2014 13:25:14 +0000
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