First Poems of Yoga: An Introduction to the Spiritual Journey – Physical asanas and body movements are just a small part of Yoga. In fact, it is a practice that also caters to the spirit. Yoga as a practice has been the subject of many poets in the past and has proved to be elusive in easy definitions. This first yoga has written her poems for the history of philosophy, its teachings and in particular the inner peace that yoga gives. In the subsequent sections of this article, we will examine some of the ancient literary pieces that exerted the influence of spirituality in yoga and the contribution that they can make to your practice.
Before exploring the first ancient poems of yoga composition, it is vital to look at the meaning of yoga. To begin with, yoga is an ancient tradition, which originated in India over two thousand years ago. It is a way of life using body postures (asanas), breathing control (pranayama), meditation and value systems to balance the body, mind and spirit.
The term “yoga” is a derivative of the basic Sanskrit word “yuj” which means “to unite” or “to attach. Mostly, yoga is used in the sense of the self to the whole self connecting every individual to the universality of consciousness bringing about order, tranquility and wisdom.
Yogic literature primarily connotes the inception of a spiritual voyage that yoga promises. Extensions of such themes include personal realizations, serenity, and divinity. These poems address not only the performing arts but also the appreciation and understanding of the art of living- the transformation by yoga.
And hence, there was always a possibility of poetry for yogis and spiritual practitioners. Yoga poems are beautiful in the simplicity of their expression and depth of thought for which every seeker has to pen.
Another turning point in the evolution of yoga literature is the Bhagavad Gita – which is one of the oldest and most extensive yogic texts available. The Bhagavad Gita, as an ancient epic, is part of the Indian text – Mahabharata which is made of 700 verses. The talk in the Bhagavad Gita takes place between the prince Arjuna, and his leader Krishna.
In the Gita, Krishna describes the different aspects of’s yoga:
This sacred text is among the first instances of poetry on the subject of yoga, wherein the reader finds broader understanding of life, responsibilities and self-exploration.
An Excerpt from the Bhagavad Gita:
“The self is not born, it never dies. It did not come from anywhere, it does not come from anywhere and it shall not come from anywhere. It is unborn, infallible, everlasting and primordial.”
Though composed several centuries after the epic, The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali is also an ancient work that can serve as a primary source for the history of yoga in literature. Dating back to even earlier than the 4th century CE, The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali is a composite of short aphorisms defining and outlining the history of yoga practice, the philosophy of yoga and yoga in general. The author Patanjali, as a rule, delivers maximum convenient of truths in the form of several little poetic paragraphs.
In the Yoga Sutras is given an explanation of eight parts of yoga, among them:
Excerpt from Yoga Sutras: ‘Yoga is the mastery of the mind, in all its activities’.
The Vedic texts of India tattoos poems of the earlier defining ideas of yoga on its pages. These ancient texts in Sanskrit language are loas of hymns, praye9rs and performance chants that are dedicated to the spiritual understanding of life and the cosmos.
The Rig Veda, one out of the four separates Vedas, has verses that uphold the concept of self-union with cosmic powers. Such verses almost always speak of the quest for calmness, wisdom and illumination, which are the aims of yoga.
Translation of the Hymn from the Rig Veda:
Meditation invocation of the glorious whoever deserves to be adored, for the universe has been turned into the cosmos by HIM, who represents absolute knowledge and conquers all sorrows and ignorance.
These lyrical compositions are included in the yoga classes, and help practitioners enhance their practice with spirituality, due to the cultural history of yoga.
The Bhagavad Gita or the Yoga Sutras may contain the first known instances of poetry about yoga, though every careful poet is bound to consider this topic today. Such poems are often based on an author’s personal encounters with yoga and that states of mind which modern people call transformation.
A few lines of poetry from modern yoga inspired works:
“Inhale tranquillity, exhale scepticism, Pull the spirit, allow the emotions to germinate, With every breath, a new ray occurs, Yoga helps me to go further, outside the boundaries.”
Healing and transforming are common themes found in ayoga poems. They stress that it is not only the physical aspect of yoga that is seen but also the process of the self realization and inner calmness.
Poetry and Yoga seem to go hand in hand. Both are practices that involve assessing oneself and the surrounding life, and help focus the mind. This gives the yogi the ability to write down the feelings, thoughts and visions generated during the experience. The structure of and movement within verse composition resembles breathing in yoga and brings about relaxation.
For a devoted pratitioner of yoga, indulging in poetry is an added ‘sadhana’ and reading it would only help one’s spiritual endeavor. It can also be useful emotional support in appreciation of yoga.
The ancient scriptures such as the Bhagavad Gita, the Yoga Sutras, and then later composed works of poetry provide the groundwork for the first poems about yoga that will exist in every culture. Such poems demonstrate the beauty of the yogic spiritual journey within and help the practitioners on both the material and spiritual levels.
For both the beginner and the experienced yogi, reading poetry about yoga can enhance one’s appreciation for the depth of the practice and how it changes one’s being. Yoga is far beyond physical body stretch and pose, it’s a state of mind, spirit, and again, poetry describes that state perfectly.
Where Are General Place to Relax Everywhere? Simple places around you that provide huge peace.…
Finding the Barefoot Tradition and What Works Best for Your Practice that Do you wear…
Don’t Fall in Love Fest: A Celebration of Singles, Freedom, and Self-Love Are you tired…
Can Fall in Love Love is a unique emotion that most people wish for. You…
Can Victims Set Boundaries on Their Friends? In every aspect of life, including those with…
Gifts for Parents: Thoughtful Ideas to Show Your Love - It can, however, be difficult…