Ask five people ‘What is yoga?’ and you will probably get five different answers. First mention of yoga is in the ancient Indian text Rigveda, dating back to 1200 – 1500 BC. Although it is a generally accepted that the teachings of yoga have been passed on orally for much longer.

The traditional focus of yoga has been on meditative practices and detachment from earthly aspects. Over the past few decades, yoga has undergone a rebirth as a modern lifestyle phenomenon. In this Western concept, the emphasis is on physical fitness, stress reduction and relaxation techniques based on the practice of Asana.

What is yoga

The word ‘yoga’ itself can be translated as ‘connection, union’ or ‘fusion’. Union between body, spirit and mind, but also everything around us. The goal of yoga is to achieve natural balance and harmony, to realize one’s inner purpose, and finally, to reach enlightenment. To this end, yoga defines a system of physical, mental an spiritual practices and procedures.

The most common yoga terms

The number of yoga terms, often taken from Sanskrit, can be confusing not just for total beginners. During a yoga lesson, you will hear words like Mudra, Asana, Pranayama, Om, Namaste and many other, that to those uninitiated might not make much sense. For a better orientation and understanding of this ancient teaching, we have put together the 10 common yoga terms and their meaning.

8 limbs of yoga

Modern yoga is based on the philosophical foundations defined by Patanjali in Yoga Sutras. Patanjali’s sutras were written in the 3rd century AD.  Amongst other things, they contain 8 limbs, or levels, which form the basis of yoga. Here too, physical exercise is only a small fraction of one limb (Asana). The 8 levels focus on achieving a full and harmonious life, and each limb builds on the one before it.

1. Yama – ‘external’ disciplines – moral principles and practices of behaviour towards our environment
2. Niyama – ‘inner’ disciplines – principles of how to approach oneself
3. Asana – physical yoga practice
4. Pranayama – breathing exercises
5. Pratyahara – suppression of senses to prevent distraction by the outside world
6. Dharana – concentration of mind
7. Dhyana – meditation
8. Samadhi – unity with the universe, enlightenment

6 branches of yoga 

There are several branches of yoga, each following different path to achieve the same goal. Although each path has a different focus, they complement and intertwine with each other. The 6 main branches of yoga are:

1. Raja Yoga – the royal path of self-discipline and cultivation of higher consciousness focused on meditation practices
2. Karma Yoga – path of selfless actions and helping behaviours in everyday life
3. Bhakti yoga – path of love and spiritual devotion to the divine creator of the universe, developing acceptance and tolerance
4. Hatha yoga – path of energy and movement of the body, focused on cleansing and strengthening
5. Jnana Yoga – path of wisdom and knowledge through study and self-inquiry
6. Tantra Yoga – path of ecstasy through ritual and initiation

Given the holistic focus of this ancient discipline, it is not surprising there are many types of yoga. In recent decades, the Western world has churned out a yoga style for everyone.  Meditative roots have given way to more physical focus, yet the essence of yoga remains unchanged.  Yoga is a philosophy of life.

Yoga is a detailed methodology to connect with our inner purpose, living with intent and making conscious decisions for the greater good. Through yoga, we repeatedly return to our core, as we peel away layers of pre-programmed habits and behaviours. It gives us the opportunity to discover who we really are and begin to understand the true nature of the universe.