The Importance of Yoga and Meditation in Hinduism; Goal of Achieving Moksha (Liberation)

The Importance of Yoga and Meditation in Hinduism; Goal of Achieving Moksha (Liberation)

Yoga is an ancient spiritual practice that originated in India and has been a strong tradition there for centuries.

Vedic Tradition

Vedic Tradition

The classical system of yoga described in the Vedic tradition is known as ashtanga yoga and was developed by the ancient sage Patanjali.

Patanjali

Patanjali

The Yoga Sutras, a text compiled by Patanjali, contain the basic teachings of yoga practice in Hinduism.

Patanjali

Patanjali

According to Patanjali, yoga is essentially non-theistic, meaning that it does not involve the worship of any particular deity.

Origin of Word Yoga

Origin of Word Yoga

The word “yoga” is derived from the Sanskrit root yuj, which means “to yoke” or “to join.”

Today’s Yoga

Today’s Yoga

Today, on the other hand, yoga is widely misinterpreted as primarily a physical activity focusing on the different postures or asana.

Today’s Yoga

Today’s Yoga

In Hinduism, older and more traditional forms of yoga have persisted to the present day.

Conclusion

Conclusion

In summary, yoga is a spiritual concept that originated in Hinduism and is not simply a set of doctrines or theories.