What is Yoga योग?
योगश्चित्तवृत्तिनिरोधः ॥२॥
yogaś-citta-vr̥tti-nirodhaḥ ॥2॥
- yogaḥ = yoga
- citta = mind, thoughts
- vr̥tti = modification, fluctuations
- nirodhaḥ = ni (completely) + rodhaḥ (restraining, regulation)
Yoga is the stilling of the fluctuations of the mind. - Patanjali's Yoga Sutras (1.2)
Patanjali introduces ancient Yoga philosophy and wisdom, B.K.S. Iyengar presents poses with critical alignment, Dr. Ray Long explains the anatomy of muscles and bones, Desikachar explores the nature of the student-teacher relationship, Krishna Das plays beautiful kirtan music, my mentors Patrick and Gösta guide their students with love and compassion... all of the teachers pointed to the light in the journey of Yoga and we all need to walk by ourselves.
In the ancient Sanskrit language, the word योग (Yoga) means "union". It could be a union of the body, the mind and the soul for individuals, or maybe it is a union where we are all connected and nestled in the cradle of Mother Nature. On International Yoga Day (21/6), although the studio was still closed, Yiwen and the group practiced in the park. Love is all around and we are united in the name of Yoga.