Yoga History & Philosophy

Question 1

What is the Bhagavad Gita also called?

Answer 1

Song of God

Question 2

What does “Upanishad” mean?

Answer 2

To sit down beside

Question 3

What does “Vedas” mean?

Answer 3

Knowledge

Question 4

What are the 8 Limbs of Yoga?

Answer 4

Yama - Moral Code
Niyama - Positive Observance
Asana - Postures
Pranayama - Breathe Control
Pratyahara - Sense Withdrawal
Dharana - Concentration
Dhyana - Meditation
Samadhi - Enlightenment

Question 5

What are the 5 Yamas?

Answer 5

(ethics toward others)

Ahimsa - non-harming, non-violence
Satya - truth
Asteya - non-stealing
Aparigraha - non-attachment
Brahmacharya - celibacy, non-indulgence

Question 6

What are the 5 Niyamas?

Answer 6

Saucha - purity, cleanliness
Santosha - contentment
Tapas - self-discipline
Svadhyaya - self-study
Ishvara Pranidhana - surrender to a higher power

Question 7

What are the Sutras?

Answer 7

196 aphorisms composed by Patanjali considered by many to be the basic text on yoga. It includes the 8 limbs of yoga.

Question 8

What are the 3 yogic paths as explained in the Bhagavad Gita?

Answer 8

Karma - the yoga of service
Jnana - the yoga of knowledge
Bhakti - the yoga of devotion

Question 9

What is the principle yogic tool of the Vedas?

Answer 9

Meditation (through mantra) as found in the Rig Veda

Question 10

What belief do the Upanishads hold forth?

Answer 10

The universal spirit – Brahman

The individual soul – Atman

Question 11

Where are the earliest known yoga writings found?

Answer 11

The Vedas, 1700-1100 BC

Question 12

What does “yoga” mean?

Answer 12

“to yoke” – literally

to make one, the mind with the divine

Question 13

What religions does yoga arise from?

Answer 13

Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and others