What is Yoga Philosophy?

On understanding yoga philosophy

Yoga is the Sanskrit word that signifies yoking. Originally, it is a Hindu theistic philosophy that teaches the suppression of all activity of the body, mind and will. This is done in an attempt to liberate the soul, as the self distinguishes itself from them. In terms of health and fitness, yoga is a system of exercises for attaining bodily, mental control and well being. (1)

In the western world, our understanding of yoga has more to do with the health and fitness exercises of yoga, than the earlier Sanskrit interpretation or understanding of yoga.

What is yoga philosophy?

The sage Patanjali is regarded as the founder of formal, Yoga philosophy or the philosophical system called yoga. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali are understood to be a foundational text of yoga. (2)

Max Muller suggests that Patanjali may not be the author of the Sutra texts, although he does appear to be the author and founder of the Yoga philosophy. (3)

There are other thinkers who would argue against this, but ancient writings can be difficult to date.

Patanjali's Yoga Sutras consist of four distinct parts:

Samadhi Pada - the blissful state where the yoga is absorbed into the One.

Sadhana Pada - the yoga of selfless action and service

Vibhuti Pada - supra-normal powers are acquired in the practice of yoga

Kaivalya Pada - emancipation and liberation, or moksha, the goal of yoga (4)

The Yoga Sutras are divided into eight limbs or eight steps used to quiet one's mind and achieve kaivalya or the ultimate goal of yoga, ie. solitarinees, or detachment. (5) 

It is the yogi who attains kaivalya and gains independence from all bondages associated with the endless cycles of rebirth, as he achieves true consciousness. (6)

Note that this is a simplified overview of formal, Yoga philosophy, but it is important to understand what is considered to be the goal of the yogi and the role that yoga plays in health and fitness.

The word yoga has been used in many different contexts throughout the course of history, but with respect to the western world it is Hatha yoga, as a system of bodily exercises and postures (asana) that prepares the body for meditation. It is practiced as a fitness exercise. (7)

(1)Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, Inc., Springfield, MA, 1983

(2) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoga_Sutras_of_Patanjali

(3) Ibid.

(4) Ibid.

(5) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaivalya

(6) Ibid. 

(7) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Yoga