To take an encompassing definition, we could say that YOGA IS THE SCIENCE OF IMPROVEMENT OF THE HUMAN BEING.
It has to harmonize the physical techniques (postures, or asana), emotional (panorama or breathing exercises), mental (conscious relaxation or yoga indri) and awaken the spiritual (meditation).
Yoga aims to transform the human being, providing a host of tools to do so.
Perhaps it should focus on the spiritual aspect which is usually a much feared by many people who do not understand exactly what it is.
Yoga is definitely a spiritual methodology, which does not mean religious. The starting point is the Soul, the Self, that which transcends death. In the yogic view the physical body, emotions and minds are tools for growth for the Soul. From there precisely is meant by what is a total training system: a tool helps us in so far as is useful and helps us meet our goal. A sick body and pain, uncontrollable emotions and a mind without restraint are more of a burden than a help to our Higher Self, which in essence is plunged into this existence with the original purpose of learning. The only things we take after death are the qualities of soul that we have developed in this lifetime.
We are material beings who may have religious experiences; we are spiritual beings that we are having a material experience.
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Tags: awaken the spiritual, spiritual methodology, uncontrollable emotions
