Philosophy - Yoga: Meaning & History

Question 1

In Sanskrit, the term Yoga comes from the verbal root ‘Yuj’. What does ‘Yuj’ mean?

Answer 1

To join or connect.

Question 2

Philosophically, what does yoga join/connect?

Answer 2

The separate individual (the self) with the rest of reality (the Universal Self).

Question 3

What are the two schools of thought on the nature of reality?

Answer 3

Dualism and non-dualism.

Question 4

What is Purusha?

Answer 4

It is the never changing intangible/immaterial pure consciousness or soul of the cosmos and of every living being.

Question 5

What is Prakriti?

Answer 5

It is the ever-changing tangible/material part of the cosmos - in all its shapes and forms.

Question 6

What does dualism say about Prakriti and Purusha?

Answer 6

To understand Purusha (pure consciousness) you must liberate yourself/see beyond Prakriti.

Question 7

What is nondualism?

Answer 7

Nondualism is based on the belief that there is only one eternal force. This is pure consciousness and includes the substance of the cosmos. That Brahman and Atman are, were and always will be joined.

Question 8

What is Brahman?

Answer 8

The Universal soul.

Question 9

What is Atman?

Answer 9

The individual soul.

Question 10

What is Shiva?

Answer 10

Consciousness.

Question 11

What is Shakti?

Answer 11

Nature/energy.

Question 12

What is one benefit of breath control?

Answer 12

We calm and strengthen our nervous system and balance the flow of energy within us. We can then achieve Union of the body, mind and higher self.

Question 13

Our training is based on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. What did Patanjali define Yoga as?

Answer 13

The process of gaining control over the mind/fluctuations of the mind (thoughts).

Question 14

In what period do we find the oldest spiritual texts in the world?

Answer 14

The Vedic period.

Question 15

What are the Vedas?

Answer 15

The oldest scriptures in the world.

Question 16

What does the Sanskrit word Veda mean?

Answer 16

Knowledge.

Question 17

There are four Vedas:
1. Rigveda (the oldest collection of hymns that are in praise of higher power
2. Yajurveda (knowledge of Yajna/fire ceremonies/rituals)
3. Samaveda (knowledge of chants)
4. Atharvaveda (knowledge of worldly affairs given by the sage Atharva).

How are each of these subclassified?

Answer 17

By major text types. These are:
1. Samhitas (mantras and benedictions)
2. Aranyakas (text on rituals, ceremonies, sacrifices and symbolic sacrifices)
3. Brahmanas (commentaries on rituals, ceremonies and sacrifices)
4. Upanishads (later texts compiled by brahmans and Rishis)

Question 18

What marks the beginning of the Pre-classical age?

Answer 18

The creation of the Upanishads.

Question 19

What defines the Pre-classical age?

Answer 19

The spread of yoga to other religions and the transition from the idea of ‘ritual sacrifice’ to the idea of ‘sacrifice of the ego’ through self-knowledge, action and wisdom.

Question 20

What are the Upanishads?

Answer 20

They consist of 200 scriptures that continue to explain and develop the thoughts and teachings found in the Vedas. They give birth to the concepts of karma, reincarnation and moksha. Most notably is the Bhagavad-Gita which marks the formation of the practice of yoga.

Question 21

The Gita emphasises how to fulfil one’s duty. How is this done?

Answer 21

With equanimity of mind (a balanced mind, not swayed by attachment (to pleasure) or aversion (to pain).

Question 22

The Gita defines four paths that lead to establishing a relationship with the Supreme. What are these paths?

Answer 22

1. Karma Yoga (selfless work)
2. Bhakti Yoga (love and devotion)
3. Jnana Yoga (knowledge)
4. Raja Yoga (meditation)

Question 23

Who defined the Classical Age of Yoga?

Answer 23

Patanjali.

Question 23

What are the Yoga Sutras?

Answer 23

They organise the practice of yoga into an 8 limbed path which practically guides the student to samadhi.

Question 24

What is this 8 limb path?

Answer 24

Raja Yoga/ Ashtanga Yoga.

Question 25

What marks the Post-classical age of yoga?

Answer 25

The emergence of Tantra

Question 26

Ideologically, what defines Tantra?

Answer 26

It is non-dual. The belief that the two forces of Shakti (pure energy), the creator, sustainer and dissolver of the Universe, and Shiva (pure consciousness) are intertwined.

Question 27

What type of yoga emerged from the post classical era?

Answer 27

Hatha yoga.

Question 28

What does the word ‘Hatha’ signify?

Answer 28

‘Ha’ refers to the sun (male energy) and ‘Tha’ to the moon (female energy)

Question 29

What is the broad definition of Hatha?

Answer 29

“The balancing and unification of opposites to merge with unified consciousness”.

Question 30

When is the beginning of the Modern Age of yoga?

Answer 30

The 19th century, as Yoga became popular in India and later the West.

Question 31

Samkhya philosophy is another term for what?

Answer 31

Dualism.

Question 32

Advaita Vendanta is another term for what philosophy?

Answer 32

Non-dualism.