Today I share with you yet another definition of yoga. This will be the fifth definition shared and, it is my I hope that, as we go through them we will observe which strikes a chord within us. I have not been going in depth but presenting the definitions as I have found them. My thought is that if one particular definition of yoga speaks to you then you will seek out the text that it is from and spend time in studying that particular scripture.

Parts 1, 2, 3, and 4 cover definitions from the Bhagavad Gita, Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, the Caraka-Saṃhitā and the Gheranda Samhita (gheraṇḍasaṁhitā). Today’s definition is from the Katha Upanishad, recommending a path to self-knowledge called Yoga.

Katha Upanishad 2.6.10-11

yadā pañcāvatiṣṭhante jñānāni manasā saha |
buddhiśca na viceṣṭate tāmāhuḥ paramāṃ gatim || 10 ||
tāṃ yogamiti manyante sthirāmindriyadhāraṇām |
apramattastadā bhavati yogo hi prabhavāpyayau || 11 ||

Only when Manas (mind) with thoughts and the five senses stand still,
and when Buddhi (intellect, power to reason) does not waver, that they call the highest path.
That is what one calls Yoga, the stillness of the senses, concentration of the mind,
It is not thoughtless heedless sluggishness, Yoga is creation and dissolution.

This evening I celebrated my birthday (in advance) with some of my students/clients. A relaxed evening of practice and discussion. Prior to the pandemic I hosted monthly sessions of “Tea and Conversation” where we met at the studio to discuss yogic philosophy and how we can live our yoga. This evening's session felt like one of those and so I look forward to resuming them in the near future!

peace,

Renee Arundhati