Yoga

Religious Studies: KS3, topic 2.2.22

‘Yoga’ means ‘union’.
Yoga is a spiritual discipline that seeks to unite the physical and the mental in harmony.
Yoga focuses on meditation.
Calming of the mind to find inner peace and balance and bring wisdom and understanding.

Yoga is something that has spread throughout the world.
Many people practice yoga even though they do not follow Hindu religions.
They wish to achieve harmony between their thoughts and their actions. Or simply to reduce stress.
Yoga is practiced through breathing exercises, postures, and meditation.

The idea of Karma Yoga is taught by Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita.
It is sometimes called the yoga of action.
Not only is it important to perform the right actions, but it is also essential that we do so with the correct emotions and attitudes.
Good actions done out of fear, or reluctantly, will not produce good karma.
What is essential is that our good actions are a reflection of who we are, of our atman.
Krishna teaches that such actions are a form of worship.

Creating harmony between the mind and the body can lead right-thinking into the right action.
This is not something a person can achieve instantly.
They have to let go of any expectation, not to act for reward but simply for the joy of the action.
This can be achieved by starting with small acts of kindness and letting go of expectation gradually.
Then growing into a state where good intentions and actions become part of one’s very self.

Another form of yoga is Jnana yoga. This involves the pursuit of knowledge and an effort to understand the nature of the self.
Jnana yoga is the pursuit of moksha through knowledge and understanding and suits those who are drawn to philosophy and study.
It involves having a guru, or teacher. Then spending long periods in meditation and reflecting on the great questions of life. Such as the nature of the self and of Brahman.

Test yourself on Yoga