Yoga here in the west loves to focus on one very specific part of yoga. Asana - physical poses. While asana is a wonderful aspect of yoga there are some often ignored aspects that may be overwhelming or confusing to those encountering them for the first time.
With over 5000 years of history, philosophy and practice trying to figure out where to start in yoga philosophy is a bit like trying to find the best droplet of water in an ocean. I don't want to pretend I am an expert on yoga philosophy as I am far from it, I am in the very first stages of learning and exploring beyond asana and meditation. So let's learn and explore together.
One of the key aspects in beginning to consider and understand yogic philosophy is by understanding the metaphysical basis. By that I mean how does the philosophy consider the mind and body as entities, possible afterlife, and deities. Depending on where you look for research will give you the answer. Some argue that yoga is considered as a dualistic philosophy - regarding the body/self as a separate entity from consciousness. Other argue that the mind, body and spirit are wholly interconnected and cannot be separated. Like I said, it's an old philosophy - many cooks in the kitchen.
Let's start by asking what accompanies asana in yoga and where this idea came from. Asana is one of the Eight Limbs of Yoga as stated in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. This ancient text, estimated to have been written between 4-5CE, is one of the foundational texts of yoga philosophy and still taught in yoga teacher training courses around the world. The Eight Limbs of Yoga exist as a sort of guideline on how to live. Consisting of ethical considerations, the Yamas and Niyamas - this aspect of yoga encourages the individual to act with ethical intent in order to eventually reach enlightenment (Moksha). These two limbs alone however would not allow an individual to reach liberation. Acting ethically, practicing asana to strengthen the body, and Dhyana (meditation) to quieten the mind, are joined by the remaining four limbs. Including Pranayama (breathing techniques), Pratyahara (sense withdrawal), Dharana (focused concentration) and Samadhi (enlightenment).
By living in accordance with these ancient guidelines an individual can hope to broaden their mind, connect with their body and the world around them, as well as other people. If spiritual, the yogi can hope to reach enlightenment. The Eight Limbs of Yoga provides a how to guide on ethical and practical ways to live your life in accordance with the core values of yoga.
Beyond Patanjali's Yoga Sutras there is the Bhagavad Gita an allegorical tale depicting the journey of one man questioning how to live in accordance with Krishna. Written within the epic Marhabharata it is likely thought to date back to 2nd century BCE. The man, named Arjuna, speaks to Krishna ahead of a battle in which he must confront the likely possibility of fighting his own family. Plagued by guilt and unease Krishna and Arjuna discuss all of human life and nature through the lens of yoga. From knowing the self and understanding selfless action, to the nature of God and eventual liberation. The Bhagavad Gita is an important religious text within hinduism and greatly influential within the modern western yoga sphere. For westerners Jack Hawley's The Bhagavad Gita: A Walkthrough for Westerners is a wonderful and accessible read to introduce you to the Gita.
Within the modern philosophical context there are a great many essays; books, and thesis' on philosophy within yoga. A quick internet search will show you countless philosophers, academics and theories. From the purely philosophical to the phenomenological aspect there is a great amount of information to explore. A great place to start is yogaphilosophy.com
By Laura Carey
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