The word 'Yoga' is derived from Sanskrit 'Yuj', meaning 'to join' or 'to unite'. According to the Yogic scriptures, the practice of Yoga leads to the union of individual consciousness with that of Universal Consciousness, creating a perfect harmony between the mind and body, and Man and Nature.
While many people choose to take up yoga for its physical benefits (of which there are many), the practice is deeply rooted in spirituality and many of the poses have objectives that go beyond simple stretching and the strengthening of your muscles. As a uniquely holistic practice, yoga offers those who practice it an improvement in their physical strength and flexibility, but also a balancing and calming of their emotions, while enhancing their mentality and concentration. Practicing yoga has been shown to improve mindfulness, self-discipline and spiritual practices, withdrawal from the senses, and meditation, resulting in a total immersion into calmness. This ancient practice helps yogis achieve oneness with the Universal Consciousness, and it all begins with the body and the asanas (poses).
The Asanas
In yoga, nature and the environment is essential for life. This is indicated by the many Sanskrit and English terms used for the asanas (poses) which are derived from animals and plants. Apart from these, some asanas receive their inspiration from the Earth and others have their roots in ancient spirituality. However, each name has a deeper, hidden meaning.
Padmasana – Lotus Pose
In the ancient traditions of Asia, the lotus flower is often a symbol of purity and spontaneous generation, representing divine birth, spiritual development and creation itself. A lotus flower is on a journey from its roots embedded in the muddy waters, stemming upward, emerging into the light and blooming into a strikingly beautiful flower. Symbolically it represents the perfection of a human, who is "rooted" in the physical world through their body (like the roots of the lotus in the mud of the lake), but with their mind dwelling in the Divine, such as the lotus blooming above the surface of the water.
The Lotus Pose is the regular seated meditation posture yogis assume for meditation and pranayama (breathing exercises). Breath is an energizing and purifying aspect for the human body, and deep, slow breathing energizes and purifies our bodies.
Viirabhadrasana – Warrior Pose
Yogic philosophy explains that our biggest enemy is self-ignorance. Being ignorant or not fully aware of yourself can cause intense suffering for you and for others. The Warrior Pose allows you to embody the idea of courage, bravery and the strength necessary to face your own inner demons: overcoming ego and ignorance.
The three primary Warrior Poses in yoga all involve strong extended legs pressing into the ground, powerfully extended arms and an active, engaged core. This pose helps your body develop not only physical strength, but also the spiritual readiness for the inner battles that the mind and heart will most certainly encounter here on Earth.
Balasana – Child’s Pose
It seems to be one of the simpler poses, yet there is more to the Child’s Pose than meets the eye. In this pose, you kneel on the ground with your legs tucked underneath, your torso resting on your thighs, arms by your side or stretched forward and palms resting on the floor. This pose symbolises and intensifies your connection to childlike surrender.
The goal of this exercise is to be in a state of non-doing, which is especially important if you are tense, highly-strung or stressed out. This pose is about creating a shell of quiet tranquility, allowing your spirit to rest and nurture itself, removed from external pressures. The emphasis on proper breathing in this pose further strengthens the connection between your mind and body, inducing a state of calm awareness that helps you to fully relax. You allow yourself some quiet time for your mind, heart and body to integrate, resulting in a state of deeply satisfying wholeness.
Vrkshasana – Tree Pose
The objective of the popular Tree Pose is to achieve balance. However, in this instance balance is not achieved in a rigid manner, but more like a tree. Your foot stays rooted on the ground while your body may gently sway, like a tree does in the wind. The freedom of movement coupled with balance and being rooted develops the spiritual acceptance of your body’s firm, yet transient position in this world.
Shavasana – Corpse Pose
Most yoga sessions end with Shavasana. It’s a relaxation pose, performed while lying on your back with your eyes closed and your arms extended alongside your body. This asana requires your body to be completely still so that your mind can be drawn inward, allowing you to indulge your inner self without any distractions.
The spiritual aspect of the pose invokes surrender, giving up your intentions, goals and worldly pursuits in acknowledgement of the fact that there is a sense of completion and peace to be found in mere stillness and tranquility.
Final Thoughts
A good yoga practice is one that allows you to achieve peace – with yourself and with the external world. As the practice has become more popular and "trendy", it is easy to forget that the spiritual aspect of yoga emphasises the attainment of peace and clarity of mind, while perfecting the poses is of secondary importance.
When we practice yoga with a spiritual outlook, we acknowledge that the end purpose is the transformation and awakening of our true Inner Self. Awakening of Self means realising our highest and hidden potential, which allows us to express the fullness of our divine essence and to make the greatest possible contribution to the world. Practicing yoga with this ultimate objective will eventually lead to spiritual fulfillment and a state of great bliss. However it is important to remember that in order to achieve this state, the practice of yoga includes a certain lifestyle, and the practice of compassion and kindness, towards yourself and towards others, always.