Originating in ancient India, Yoga is the science of complete wellness, including physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional. The science of yoga can’t be limited to just one set of exercises. It is a complete package of wellness that carries our various exercises and therapies so that a person can have a well-structured and disciplined lifestyle. More than just breath control techniques and asanas, Yoga is also renowned as a spiritual science.
Yoga is done mainly for self-realization, inner transformation, and spiritual awakening. However, modern yoga sometimes overshadows the spiritual aspects of yoga and focuses only on the physical exercises. But the authentic art or the actual yoga learning is incomplete without the spiritual amalgam. The spiritual learning acts as one of the foundations for the traditional path of yoga.
Physical exercises, along with mental and spiritual activities, help you to delve into the ocean of yoga learning. It also provides the utmost calmness and stability in your life. One can connect oneself to the utmost power of the world and attain the state of consciousness. Spirituality helps in aligning your soul with the mind and body, which is the prime goal of every yoga class. It changes your yoga from a workout to a new and happier way of living life to its fullest. Yoga with spiritual practices is an unmatchable combination that includes overall transformation.
Importance of Spirituality in Authentic Yoga Learning
Yoga is a word that has its roots in the dictionary of Sanskrit as the word “Yuj”. This word means to unite, and the major aim of yoga is to integrate the mind, body, and soul. Yoga helps in connecting the Aatma or self to Parmatma or Universal consciousness. As per the ancient Indian spiritual texts, this journey is often termed as the journey towards ultimate salvation or Moksha.
The ancient Indian texts, such as the Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads, Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, etc, emphasize the spiritual aspects of yoga. These texts teach us how we relate yoga to spirituality. According to ancient Indian texts, Yoga helps in attaining a stable state of mind, which is beneficial in knowing about the true nature of a person. It is like knowing the truth about yourself with the art of yoga, which is the prime aim of spiritual practices. Without spiritual essence, the factual form of yoga learning can’t be attained.
Transform Yourself with Yoga & Spirituality
The art of yoga is not only about physical postures or exercise to keep a person physically fit. But yoga is the perfect amalgam of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual practices that lead towards the journey of inner transformation. The discipline, routine, and awareness brought by yoga have a profound effect on overall personal health. Yoga with spiritual practices also removes ego, illusions, and attachments. Moreover, a complete yoga session also emphasizes mental and emotional workouts. This, in turn, is beneficial for cultivating qualities like humanity, patience, and kindness.
Spiritual practices, along with yoga, are known for harnessing the power of the universe and living with more consciousness. The transformation done by yoga is through study, surrendering to a higher realm, meditation, dhyana, and contemplation. Yoga practices, along with spirituality, help in awakening the senses.
A Holistic Approach with the 8 Limbs of Yoga
Yoga asana practice covers only a specific portion of yoga; the world of yoga is far beyond it. It includes Niyamas and Yamas. These are based on certain principles such as Santosha, Satya, Ahimsa, etc. Living life on these principles helps in attaining the superior state of spiritual sanctification. It prepares your mind and soul for the profound spiritual practices. These principles play a major role in taking a person to the goal that he or she wants to achieve through yoga. The 8 limbs help in creating a blueprint for the spiritual development of a person. These are:
Yama (ethical restraints)
Niyama (personal observances)
Asana (postures)
Pranayama (breath control)
Pratyahara (withdrawal of senses)
Dharana (concentration)
Dhyana (meditation)
Samadhi (absorption or spiritual enlightenment)
The Importance of Spirituality in Yoga Learning
Keeps the Authenticity of Yoga
Yoga without spirituality is nothing, just a set of exercises or postures to improve your physical health. To keep the authentic yoga practice intact, one must combine yoga learning with spiritual practices. Passed to us from ancient sages, yoga is the best way to achieve physical and mental fitness, along with spiritual orientation. Without spiritual essence, learning yoga is a superficial thing. Spiritual practices are a means of preservation of the true form of yoga and its traditions.
Increasing the Yoga Practice
The power of yoga is multiplied by adding spiritual practices to it. Spiritual awareness added to yoga creates a bridge between yourself and the universe that promotes inner stillness and consciousness. It is the gateway to a healthier and happier life. The approach that combines yoga with spirituality helps in bringing physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual healing. It adds sincerity to the practice that keeps yoga practitioners aiming towards the real purpose of life.
Fostering The Theory of Oneness
The combination of spirituality and yoga helps in developing a sense of oneness, empathy, connection, and compassion. It helps in connecting the yoga practitioner to the whole world as a family, which helps in promoting sustainability and peace. This is also useful in promoting the feeling of service to others.
Enhancing Mindfulness
The yoga and spiritual combination helps in making you live the moment and stay present at that particular point in time. In simple words, we can say that it increases awareness by reducing stress and promoting mental clarity. Regular practice helps in getting a new and energetic way of life.
The Role of a Spiritual Environment
Yoga learning depends mainly on the environment in which it is practiced. This is the reason people use to choose a calm, natural, and spiritual atmosphere for yoga learning. Also, the sacred presence with the spiritual vibes multiplies the yoga learning process. The presence of spiritually important temples, yoga ashrams, and the sacred Ganga river creates a mesmerizing environment for yoga learning. This helps in understanding the factual form of yoga and the theory of oneness. Yoga is not only considered a skill, but it is a journey of the soul. Yoga creates unification that helps in getting attached to the soul and mind. Yoga Gurus in the spiritual ambiance help in authentic and proper learning.
Misconceptions About Spirituality in Yoga
– Spirituality in yoga is not limited to specific religions. It is about exploring themselves and bringing awareness.
– Spirituality is not limited only to advanced practitioners. Beginner-level yoga enthusiasts can start their journey of yoga along with spirituality.
– Spiritual practices of yoga are transformative and much more grounded, resulting in overall growth
