Original image ©JinYoung Lee

Yoga: A brief Introduction

What is Yoga ?

Some reckon Yoga can be construed as both "recreation" and as "exercise". Others are attracted to pursuing a formal, academic study of its principles within mainstream education - for example in subjects such as psychology, philosophy or religious studies.

Many argue that Yoga is therapeutic, even going as far as setting up a textual framework for it in the UK. Some practice Yoga as an integral part of their cultural and religious heritage, whilst others undertake postures in a competitive, sporting context.

However, Yoga itself is all - and none of these things and, indeed, practices with no physical content whatsoever can still be legitimately called Yoga.

Even the canonical text on the physical aspects of Yoga , the 15th century Hatha Yoga Pradipika devotes only one of its four chapters to asana, the now popular physical "Yoga exercises", and only describes fourteen such postures, the majority being postures suitable for sitting meditation.

To say that "Yoga is exercise" because some yogis use physical practices to aid contemplation and meditation is just bad logic. It's rather like saying that because elephants are animals that all animals are elephants.

What the "Yoga is exercise/philosophy/religion/etc." formulations all disastrously miss is that the field of Yoga is vast and its practices myriad and highly varied and by no means confined to the any particular approach. This is inevitably so given that it is the result of millennia of investigation, through the means of individual contemplation, into the possibility of a most profound human flourishing. This vastness has at least two important consequences: it means that Yoga eludes definition in the strict sense, (though it can be described). This in turn means that it cannot be governed without some severe constriction of what it actually is.

Other articles related to yoga:, brief, introduction etc.

Getting started with Yoga: reducing the risks

Disclaimer: All exercise activity contains an element of risk. The information provided in this article is intended to augment, rather than replace professional guidance from a qualified instructor as may be necessary. The information is provided as is, without any claim, representation or warranty as to its suitability in any circumstances. Specifically, the information provided shall not constitute personal advice or recommendation, and in any case may not necessarily reflect an authoritative or the official view of YOGA NETWORK C.I.C. The entire risk as to the accuracy, completeness and suitability, or otherwise of any of the information provided is accepted by you. YOGA NETWORK C.I.C. does not assert any legal responsibility for accuracy, errors, or omissions etc. in this article.