Hello Yogis welcome to Aatm Yogashala in this blog, we will discuss Why Should We Study Yoga Philosophy about of yoga is an important philosophical ideology of Indian culture. Its main theme is self-realization. Its discussion is found in all the scriptures like Vedas, Upanishads, Smritis, Puranas, etc. It has one of its own characteristics as compared to other philosophies: that it is not only theoretical but also practical.
Both a healthy body and a strong soul are their propounded subjects. The originator of this philosophy is Maharishi Patanjali. His philosophy is called Patanjali Darshan. The first book of Yoga-philosophy is ‘Yogasutra’ or ‘Patanjali Yogasutra’. This book is considered to be the most authentic text of yoga philosophy. Basically, yoga is the practice of philosophy. Different meaning of yoga is
mentioned as –
“दुःख संयोगवियोगं योग संज्ञितम् (Dukkha Sanyogaviyog Yoga Sangyatam)” i.e. the
connection-disconnection of sorrow is called yoga.
“योगः कर्मसु कौशलम् (Yogah Karmasu Kaushalam)” i.e. In Karma, Yoga is known
as skills.
“समत्वं योग उच्यते (Samatvam Yoga Uchyate)” i.e. Yoga is to keep the intellect at
par with the accomplishment and imperfection of the actions performed
without craving for the fruits.
“योगश्चित्तवृत्तिनिरोधः (Yogashchittavritti Nirodha)” i.e. The cessation of
mindfulness is called yoga (Patanjali Yoga Darshana, Sutra 2).
Maharishi Patanjali has used the word yoga in the sense of samadhi. A detailed description of the path to be followed and the sadhanas to be done in order to attain Kaivalya or Moksha is found in Yoga-darshan only.
Yoga philosophy has a very close relationship with ‘Samkhya’. If there is a theoretical side in Sankhya, then its practical side is found in Yoga. In a way, these two can be said to be complementary to each other.
Yoga is mentioned for the first time in the Upanishads. The movements of the mind are controlled by the activities of yoga, the mind is stabilized, the heart is fixed, the soul is elevated from the material life and it is easy to understand the Brahman.
Yoga has great importance in the religious and spiritual traditions of Indian culture. Knowledge of religious and spiritual esoteric facts of Indian culture can be possible only when the mind and heart of man are pure and calm. Yoga is the best means for self-purification and self-knowledge.
Benefits of Learning Yoga Philosophy
In yoga philosophy, eight means are recognized i.e. Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi. By applying them in life, the body, mind and senses teach self-control, physical and spiritual radiance and strength increase in it. A yogi can become trikaldarshi (omniscient) on the strength of his spiritual practice.
The real benefit of learning Yoga Philosophy is the attainment of salvation. At present, the usefulness of yoga for mental, and physical health is being put before the world day by day.
Yog Darshan or Yoga Philosophy connects us with our true inside nature.
Yoga Philosophy is still relevant in present times. We are able to practice yoga in the most authentic way only because of the clues, ideas or techniques that ancient yogis have left for us. We are able to find it in spiritual ancient texts. And when it comes to yoga, the most ancient text is Yoga Philosophy. It helps
us in practicing yoga in its true form.
