As part of my continuing study, I am currently working my way through Indu Aurora’s book, “Yoga: Ancient Heritage, Tomorrow’s Vision” and thought that I would share with you one of the many definitions of yoga that are found in various ancient texts. As we explore what has been said, as we explore our own understanding, we gain a deeper understanding of the meaning of yoga.

I am not sharing in the order that the definitions are presented in Indu’s book but rather in the order that I have become aware of them. Today I am sharing from the Bhagavad Gita, I have fond memories of family members reading from the Gita, I also have fond memories of an illustrated version of the Bhagavad Gita that my mother gifted my brother and I with when we were children.

Bhagavad Gita: the song of God

2.48 yoga-sthaḥ kuru karmāṇi saṅgaṁ tyaktvā dhanañjaya

siddhy-asiddhyoḥ samo bhūtvā samatvaṁ yoga uchyate

Be steadfast in the performance of your duty, O Arjun, abandoning attachment to success and failure. Such equanimity is called Yog.

2.50 buddhi-yukto jahātīha ubhe sukṛita-duṣhkṛite

tasmād yogāya yujyasva yogaḥ karmasu kauśhalam

One who prudently practices the science of work without attachment can get rid of both good and bad reactions in this life itself. Therefore, strive for Yog, which is the art of working skillfully (in proper consciousness).

Samatvaṁ yoga uchyate

This verse follows from one that offers insight into our approach to work/duty. When we are able to perform our duties while remaining centred in our space, and without any attachments to our success or failure then that equanimity is yoga.

Yogaḥ karmasu kauśhalam

Skill in action is yoga. When we can perform our duties with complete devotion and surrender, that is yoga.

I offer this for you to contemplate. How does this definition resonate with you? Do you have fond memories of Bhagavad Gita readings?

peace,