Western yoga is often criticized for missing the point of classical yoga. Looking at Western yoga, you might think that yoga is for fitness and social media likes. Weight loss, increased flexibility, and beautiful photos appear to be the aspiration. Although I feel there is still an awareness of a search for inner peace, it often feels like an afterthought. In many cases, Western yoga has veered so far from the classical that it has been accused of cultural appropriation. In order to truly appreciate yoga, we should stay true to it's classical purpose.
What is the true purpose of yoga? Patanjali, a yogi who provided organization and clarity to classical yoga, says the goal of yoga is to reach samadhi. Samadhi can be difficult to explain. Arguably, it might be one of those 'you just had to be there' things. However, attempts have been made to define it so for those of us on the journey still, it has been described as a state of oneness, joyful calm, utterly absorbed contemplation, or connection with the infinite and divine universe.
Patanjali has gifted us with a classification of classical yoga. A clear path of seven limbs to achieving the final one: samadhi. Asanas, the physical poses, are only one of those steps. The first two steps involve ethics and lifestyle recommendations: the yama and niyama (restraints and observances). Asanas (postures) are the third step, and what follows is pranayama (breathing), pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses), dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation), and samadhi (pure contemplation).
Despite the apparent disconnect between Western yoga and the classical practices, many of us find this physical excerpt to be a gateway into a deeper understanding and appreciation for the full spectrum of yoga. Even the asanas on their own provide connections into the other limbs of yoga, regardless of their physical focus.
Achievement of an advanced asana is a popular aspect of Western yoga. We love challenges and goals, and so we often test our limits and push ourselves further. Achieving and holding a advanced asana, especially a balancing pose, involves a tremendous level of mental focus. It involves deep concentration and requires ignoring physical and mental distractions. This is a gateway into dharana and pratyahara.
An asana practice often incorporates breathing into an asana flow. In hatha, we breathe out as we fold or bend and we breathe in as we straighten up. In other styles of yoga, we move specifically with the breath, combining breath and movement in vinyasa flows. Deep breathing pranayama techniques are taught in order to fully appreciate these flows. This is a gateway into pranayama.
An asana practice involves a combination of physical exertion and mental focus that helps relieve stress. Stress relief is not an explicit goal in yoga, but it is definitely a valuable side effect. Stress relief allows us to spend more time in a parasympathetic state and that gives us mental capacity to appreciate and understand the yamas and niyamas as well as improve our concentration from a calm approach instead of an adrenaline-laden approach. This is a gateway into the discussion and appreciation of yamas and niyamas and pratyahara.
Although Western yoga definitely has a physical slant to it and sometimes goes too far in what it still labels yoga, an asana practice is not totally isolated from the other limbs of yoga. The benefits of an asana practice go beyond the obvious physical ones and a taste of yoga through asanas is not only valuable on its own, it may pique your curiosity into learning more about the other limbs of yoga.
Did you start yoga through a physical only practice? Have you since delved in deeper? Let me know in the comments below.
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