The Essence of Yoga

From a western point of view, in attempting to understand and embrace the qualities and traditions of worth from other cultures, there are certain limitations. If we are to be sincere in our motivation and respectful in our application of any traditions of other cultures we must also be accurate in our understanding of their meaning.

Western students of Yoga are at present happily embracing much of the philosophies and ideologies attributed to Hindu and Buddhist faiths. Many are enriched by their extended knowledge and understanding that will help them in striving for excellence in their lives, their actions and their behaviour.

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The principle followed in the study of Hatha Yoga is that of balancing the two complementary energies that affect all life on earth including human. Perfect health is seen as a result of this balance. A similar principle is seen to be contained in the Chinese symbolism of Yang /Yin,by which the harmony of natural forces in the universe is maintained. A simple study of the characteristics confirms the validity of this principle regarding human nature.

Regarding the philosophy behind Hatha Yoga, it is understood that ideally, in perfect health, a male predominantly expresses the qualities attributed to the Sun and a female predominantly expresses the Moon qualities. So the male develops his body for outward expression of strength and power as the female exercises for flexibility and grace in her natural physical expression.

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The eight steps of Patanjali’s method are universally employed in all classical yogic practice.

Yamas/Niyamas These begin with physical and mental purification and observance of the Yamas and Niyamas that correspond with moral and ethical restraints and practices common to all cultures and spiritual training. It is well known that in human culture we must pay attention to the two powerful tools in our servicing of free will…..and in Yoga, the Yamas represent the Do nots and the Niyamas, the positive health  practices and character virtues.

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When we begin to seriously study Yoga we should, at the outset understand that it is best that we have an innate love and respect for Nature and for all natural kingdoms and life forms. It will signify that we are ready to depart from our modern and often artificial habits to the extent that allows us to re-evaluate our lives and seek to live more in harmony with nature and its laws.

There is much to know and to discover yet about nature.  But aside from any intellectual study we are faced with our immediate exercise to come to terms with our own human nature. In Yoga  this begins with our physical body. We learn to care for it, feed it, and exercise it. We enjoy the benefits when we are rewarded with physical health, lots of energy, and an enthusiastic attitude to life.  It is Hatha Yoga that focuses upon physical health and well being.

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