Significance of Yoga
Synonyms: Meditation, Wellness, Exercise, Mindfulness, Physical fitness, Yogic exercise
In Dutch: Yoga; In German: Yoga; In Spanish: Yoga; In Swedish: Yoga; In Malay: Yoga; In French: Yoga; In Finnish: Jooga
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Yoga'
Yoga in Buddhism encompasses a spiritual and physical discipline aimed at harmonizing body, mind, and spirit, and is classified within the three yanas: maha, anu, and ati, highlighting its comprehensive approach to enlightenment.
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) A spiritual and physical discipline listed among the eighteen great fields of knowledge, aimed at uniting body, mind, and spirit.[1]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) The three yanas within the context, known as maha, anu, and ati.[2]
Hindu concept of 'Yoga'
In Hinduism, Yoga encompasses spiritual practices aimed at unifying the individual self with the supreme cosmic spirit, promoting self-discipline, meditation, and the pursuit of enlightenment through harmony of mind, body, and spirit.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) One of the eternal systems of knowledge or practice described in the text, important in achieving spiritual goals.[3] (2) A discipline that involves devotion and action, regarded as a means to reach spiritual truth and unity.[4] (3) A spiritual and philosophical discipline in Hinduism, representing union with the divine and realization of the self.[5] (4) A spiritual practice aimed at achieving union with the divine, involving physical and mental disciplines.[6] (5) A spiritual discipline of meditation and self-realization that leads to personal insight and connection with the soul, which Alarka eventually discovers.[7]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) The Brahma Purana details the mode of performing Yoga, aimed at contemplative devotion to Lord Vishnu.[8] (2) A spiritual practice mentioned in the context of Krishna instructing Uddhava on its performance, emphasizing the significance of spiritual discipline.[9] (3) In the context of the Matsya Purana, it refers to the spiritual power by which Manu was said to gather all seeds in an ark.[10] (4) A spiritual practice mentioned in the context of Hindu belief, aimed at connecting the individual with the divine.[11]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) A spiritual practice aimed at union with the divine or achieving tranquility in the face of suffering.[12] (2) The path of discrimination and spiritual practice that Priyavrata adopted after distributing the earth among his sons and marrying his daughter.[13] (3) A state of deep meditation that Narayana enters, reflecting the spiritual practices of renunciation and introspection.[14]
From: Bhagavad-gita-rahasya (or Karma-yoga Shastra)
(1) A practice that seeks to unify the individual self with the supreme spirit, often requiring action, control, and meditation.[15] (2) Literally means Union; refers to the harmonious connection of one's self with the Divine Life through moderation and balance.[16] (3) 'Yoga' is derived from the root 'yuj' meaning 'to join' and signifies the means, skill, or method used to perform actions, emphasizing a state of union or equability.[17]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) The practice through which Lord Madhusudana resolves to intervene in the affairs of the human world.[18] (2) A spiritual discipline that empowers mastery over the senses and leads to union with the divine.[19]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The joining of any two things or numbers together; has multiple meanings across different branches of art or science and various life contexts.[20]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) A practice that encompasses the spiritual discipline of Shri Vasishtha, which contributes to his power.[21]
From: Anugita (English translation)
(1) A philosophical school referenced in the discussions of the Anugita that contributes to its spiritual themes.[22]
From: Bhagavadgita
(1) Translating to 'devotion,' it references various forms of spiritual practice and discipline present in the Bhagavadgita.[23]
From: Laghu-yoga-vasistha
(1) The discipline or practice that leads to the union of the individual self with the universal self or Brahman.[24]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) A spiritual discipline associated with two races descended from Janaka.[25]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) Yoga is one of the two, alongside Sankhya, considered as mere Smriti, lacking scriptural character, and therefore having a different sphere of application based on a special kind of authority.[26] (2) Yoga, also known as Yoga-smriti, is a practice that is considered by some to be a means of obtaining perfect knowledge, as suggested by passages within the Veda and other texts.[27] (3) The practice or discipline that facilitates the union of the individual Self with the ultimate reality, Brahman.[28]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) A practice that may refer to Hathayoga, which is aimed at strengthening the body.[29]
From: Mandukya Upanishad
(1) A discipline or system of practices aimed at achieving mental and physical control, highlighted as essential for the control of the mind.[30]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) The practice and discipline aimed at attaining higher states of consciousness and realization of the Self or Brahman.[31]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) The discipline that integrates body, mind, and spirit, crucial for reaching liberation.[32]
From: Kathopanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) Described as the firm restraint of the senses leading one to the highest path toward experiencing the divine.[33]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) This school posits that a divine being (God or Purusha) connects with Prakriti to facilitate the world's evolution.[34]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) An orthodox school of philosophy focusing on the practices necessary for spiritual enlightenment.[35]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The practice of physical, mental, and spiritual disciplines that can lead individuals to higher awareness, but may not necessarily emphasize devotional service.[36] (2) A spiritual practice that aims for union with the Divine; however, it is indicated that it may not lead to the comprehension of devotional service.[37] (3) The practice of restraining the mind from sense objects and remaining indifferent to them.[38] (4) A disciplined practice aimed at achieving harmony of the mind, body, and spirit, often involving physical postures and meditation.[39]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) A spiritual practice or discipline that Krsna mentions as a means to achieve freedom from illusions.[40] (2) Spiritual practices that include physical, mental, and meditative exercises aimed at achieving union with the divine.[41] (3) A spiritual practice or discipline aimed at uniting the individual with the divine, identified as an aspect of 'You.'[42]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) union, meeting, or connection; spiritual discipline to link with the Supreme.[43]
From: Hayanaratna: The Jewel of Annual Astrology
(1) This is a predefined combination of astrological factors.[44] (2) In the context of the Hayanaratna's completion date, it represents the sum of the ecliptical longitudes of the sun and moon, counted from 0掳 sidereal Aries and arranged in a series of 27 divisions, which is also the square of the month.[45] (3) The yoga is one of the components considered when noting the commencement of the year, forming part of the procedure of creating an annual horoscope, along with other factors.[46] (4) This is an astrological calculation, equal to the square of the month, which is then used in subsequent calculations for the lunar date and other elements.[47] (5) A combination of the moon's longitude and the sun's longitude, used in the calculation of the revolution of the year, and it is determined by adding the elapsed years multiplied by ten, less a two hundred and fortieth part of themselves.[48]
From: Brihat Samhita
(1) A planetary combination that affects the outcomes and characteristics associated with a marriage.[49]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja鈥檚 Rajamartanda)
(1) A discipline with roots in ancient Indian philosophy, aiming for spiritual, mental, and physical well-being, often involving practices of meditation and self-control.[50] (2) A spiritual and physical discipline involving various postures, breath control, and meditation techniques.[51] (3) A spiritual and philosophical discipline from which the concepts of contemplation and meditation are derived, leading to higher states of awareness.[52]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) A state of engagement that involves discipline and self-control in the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment and understanding.[53] (2) A term derived from Sanskrit, meaning 'to go to trance or meditate,' often interpreted as the science of joining the human soul with God.[54] (3) Different spiritual paths or methods practiced in achieving union or completeness.[55]
From: Shat-cakra-nirupana (the six bodily centres)
(1) A practice aimed at achieving unity with the Paramatma, encompassing various forms of self-realization and meditation.[56]
From: Shakti and Shakta
(1) The practice through which one aims to merge limited experience with the Perfect Experience.[57] (2) A spiritual discipline in the Tantric context that includes body practices aimed at aligning the practitioner with divine energies.[58] (3) The means whereby Siddhi, in the form of Samadhi, may be attained. It encompasses various spiritual practices.[59] (4) Yoga refers to a discipline and practice aimed at realization of the unity of the self with the supreme consciousness or Brahman.[60]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) Another philosophical system in Hinduism that interacts with the teachings of the Gita and other texts.[61]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Meditation, a technique used in conjunction with Dhyana to reach an understanding of the Inner Soul.[62]
Jain concept of 'Yoga'
In Jainism, Yoga signifies a spiritual discipline proposed by Haribhadrasuri, emphasizing paths to salvation, the impact of good practices on karma, and spiritual practices relevant to aerial beings.
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) Spiritual practices or disciplines that may pertain to the aerial beings.[63]
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A source of karma.[64]
The concept of Yoga in local and regional sources
Yoga is a holistic practice from ancient India, intertwining physical, mental, and spiritual disciplines aimed at achieving unity with the divine. It fosters deeper consciousness, personal transformation, and ethical considerations essential for spiritual growth.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) Yoga is a practice and philosophy that helps one in the path of self-realization, and Buddha betook himself to many Yogis in his search for peace.[65] (2) A system of practices that teaches the existence of the soul and the power within it, which, by mastering the body, all power will be unfolded, and that all knowledge is in the soul.[66] (3) Yoga is mentioned in contrast to Bhoga, representing the choice to give up this life and be a Yogi, as an alternative to enjoying life.[67] (4) Yoga is the study of restraining the Chitta, or mind, from its modifications, essentially acting as a science for controlling the mental state and its fluctuations.[68] (5) If you learn it scientifically, it is this, and it can be practiced to become rational and spiritual, and claims of claims are failures, where the individual must stand up and be bold.[69]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A concept that, when coupled with action, facilitates victory in the context of the Gita's final verse, especially when combined with the mind and supermind.[70] (2) A spiritual practice recommended for developing deeper consciousness and overcoming obstacles.[71] (3) An intense concentration and identification with an object, used by the artist as a means to realize inner truths.[72] (4) A discipline in Indian philosophy typically associated with the practice of meditation, which emphasizes balance and detachment from the fruits of action.[73] (5) The practical aspect of Sri Aurobindo's philosophy involving the integration of works, knowledge, and devotion into a holy union.[74]
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) The interaction between medicine and ascetic circles is also a feature of the assimilation of these materials into the Persianate and Muslim culture of South Asia.[75] (2) Yogas are a component of the calendar, used in chapter five of the Jagadbhushana, and are included in the rules for determining aspects of the calendar.[76] (3) Yoga is a concept used in the text to describe the time in the horoscope and the relationship between the sun and the moon.[77] (4) Yoga is combined with Ayurveda in the contemporary global market for wellness, and the practice of Yoga is the chief means to liberation, with the Yoga traditions in question aiming at liberation from transmigration by means of the practice.[78] (5) Yoga is closely related to Siddha medicine and alchemy, suggested by the synergy of methods of both disciplines stated by the medico-alchemical Tamil Siddha literature.[79]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) A spiritual and physical practice aimed at achieving union with the divine, yet unable to attain Sri Sanga.[80]
The concept of Yoga in scientific sources
Yoga is a holistic practice integrating physical, mental, and spiritual components, promoting well-being through exercises, meditation, and breathing techniques. It is effective for managing health conditions and enhancing overall health, balance, and self-discipline.
From: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
(1) This is another type of physical activity, and it can be used to help with weight management after childbirth, along with Pilates and walking.[81]