Is Yoga Just for Acrobatics or Is It More Than That?

Recently, many yoga enthusiasts have been captivated by the incredible acrobatic feats performed by yoga gurus on social media. However, this raises the question: Is this what traditional yoga is all about, or are these practitioners simply demonstrating their skills?

What You saw Was Not Yoga, But Mallakhamb

What you witnessed were not yoga practitioners showcasing their skills, but rather mallakhamb performers. Mallakhamb, an obscure term, is an ancient Indian physical training sport that has acrobatic elements. The acrobatics taught in mallakhamb schools are quite different from what we typically associate with yoga. Mallakhamb practitioners call themselves yogis as a way to leverage the global popularity of yoga.

Historical Context and Yoga Schools

The practice of yoga has evolved over time, and there are various schools each following different teachings. The modern acrobatic elements in yoga that one might see today can be traced back to Mysore, India. BKS Iyengar, a renowned yoga master, was influenced by his guru, Krishnamacharya, who introduced "traditional yoga" to the kings of Mysore. However, Krishnamacharya was aware of the potential drawbacks of this traditional yoga, such as leading to a state of surrender that could be detrimental to the kingdom. To counter this, he incorporated acrobatic elements to ensure the kings remained physically fit and mentally alert.

Given that we don't have kings in modern times or necessarily require the physical prowess of ancient times, there is no inherent need for yoga to focus on acrobatics. Yoga is about more than just disease management; it's about cultivating mental, physical, and spiritual awareness. The practice of yoga aims to lead individuals into a deeper realm of consciousness and personal growth.

Types of Yoga and Their Purposes

Let's delve into the various types of yoga and their underlying principles. Yoga is not just about the union of body, mind, and spirit. It encompasses different paths aimed at different goals:

Krama Yoga: This path emphasizes connecting with work and actions. Bhakti Yoga: This path focuses on devotion, empathy, and love towards the surrounding environment. Gyana Yoga: This path involves the study and understanding of the world through knowledge and logic. Raja Yoga: This path, popularized by the Ashtanga Yoga system, emphasizes physical postures (asanas) and breathing techniques (pranayama).

By engaging in Raja Yoga, one can achieve a deeper connection with oneself, enhancing physical and mental well-being. However, the ultimate aim of yoga is to move beyond the physical and explore the inner self. This means going beyond physical postures and acrobatics to embrace deeper levels of consciousness and mindfulness.

Conclusion

Yoga is a comprehensive practice that transcends physical acrobatics. It is about nurturing the whole individual, both inwardly and outwardly. Whether you practice asana or other forms of yoga, the goal is to deepen your understanding and connection to your true self. This reflection on your yoga practice can help you align with the true purpose of yoga.

May your yoga journey be fulfilling and meaningful!