Definition: Yoga

Yoga is a group of ancient spiritual practices originating in India. According to Gavin Flood, Academic Director of the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies it has been defined as referring to "technologies or disciplines of asceticism and meditation which are thought to lead to spiritual experience and profound understanding or insight into the nature of existence." Yoga is also intimately connected to the religious beliefs and practices of the other Indian religions.

Outside India, Yoga is mostly associated with the practice of asanas (postures) of Hatha Yoga or as a form of exercise, although it has influenced the entire Indian religions family and other spiritual practices throughout the world.

Hindu texts discussing different aspects of yoga include the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, the Shiva Samhita, and many others.

Major branches of Yoga include: Hatha Yoga, Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, and Raja Yoga. Raja Yoga, established by the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, and known simply as Yoga in the context of Hindu philosophy, is one of the six orthodox (âstika) schools of thought.

Author's Bio:

This definition is part of a series that covers the topic of Yoga. The Official Guide to Yoga is Bhakti-Bheka.

Bhakti-Bheka has been in business since 1996. The principal persons here practice yoga and use the products we distribute. Some of us have been doing yoga since the late 70’s. We develop and control specifications for many of our products. This means we do more than distribute or import; we set standards. We pay attention to “senior”, experienced and independent teachers when writing specs for products. We have meaningful relationships with teachers, studios and teacher trainers.

Additional Resources covering Yoga can be found at:

Website Directory for Yoga
Articles on Yoga
Products for Yoga
Discussion Board
Bhakti-Bheka, the Official Guide To Yoga