What is Yoga?
- Nov 16, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 7, 2025
If you prefer audio version, here is a link to a BBC lecture about Yoga.
Here, I am stating the definition given by Yoga Alliance: "Yoga is a polythetic system of physical, mental, and spiritual practices and disciplines which originated in ancient India and South Asia. Throughout history, various groups in India, and in other cultures, geographies, and religious and secular contexts, have defined and redefined yoga according to the differing circumstances, passions, and goals of diverse individual and cultural traditions. The colonization of India by Great Britain, the globalization of yogic understandings, and a combination of other worldwide cultural exchanges, appropriations, and natural evolutions have also influenced what is defined today as yoga. While acknowledging the limitations of any single definition of yoga—and wholly rejecting the idea that yoga can be reduced to any single framework or understanding—for the purpose of Yoga Alliance standards, the Sanskrit word “yoga” includes and additionally describes both an optimal unitive state of consciousness as well as the techniques, philosophies, practices, and lifestyles that bring one to such a state"*
Even thou Yoga was born in todays geographically India, and contains Hinduism elements, it is not religion itself therefore all citizens of our planet Earth can practice it regardless their ethnicity, beliefs, gender, occupation and any other background.
The datings shows beginnings of yoga for about 1500 BCE where the first artifacts and texts (Vedas) could be found.**
However in my opinion Yoga it is nothing else than a lifestyle. It is your every day action, your habits, rituals, your values, priorities; it is what you read, what you eat, even what you think. It is all your life as a philosophy and art.
Therefore there is no correct or wrong way to do it as long as you follow the path of 8 limbs of Yoga.
Meaning of the word itself
Yoga in sanscrit has 3 meanings
Union of the Mind, Body and Spirit
There is no difference between those 3 as they are simultaneously connected and impact each other all the time. One does not exist without another.
Connection with the divine/ your higher self
being deeply connected to your inner world as well as the ultimate source of live in this universe if you believe in such
Samadhi
Stillness of mind
However as many types of yoga exist, each one of them has their own definition as well as the person who practice it.
Goal of yoga
There are many different goals while you practice it: physical, mental and/or spiritual goals, especially in this modern world. You can give it your own goal as well.
Some of the goals are here:
Self awareness, compassion & inner peace : Connecting with yourself deeper. To see, to hear and to understand yourself. To know yourself better.
Realisation of one's true nature : To find out who you truly are.
Liberations and end of suffering : Developing discipline through practise, exploring other perspectives, widening your own world that leads to decreasing your internal suffering.
Even if you set a goal for yourself, remember that Yoga it is a timeless practice. So it is not to be done to reach a goal, but the goal is ultimate side effect of the practise itself.
Conclusion
Yoga is not what the stereotypes are telling you nor the shamanic believes systems. It is an ancient wisdom, a practice of living that provides a complete philosophy to live a healthy and happy life to its full potential.
It is a science - it tells you what to do to feel the certain effect in your life. For example it contains specific breathing techniques either to relax or energise your body if you need so.
Recent studies have shown that yoga can positively impact various aspects of health. Research indicates that yoga can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression*, improve cardiovascular health** and enhance cognitive function. Therefore findings support the ancient wisdom that yoga is a holistic practice benefiting the mind, body and spirit.
As modern world is shaping our reality, it has impact on image of Yoga in your head as well. Therefore I encourage you to explore the meaning behind this world as well as the world itself. You can be surprised how much more you can discover and grow.
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