Although many people write the term yoga starting with the letter "y", this word is already incorporated into the Aurélio dictionary since the 60s, so that, in Brazil, it starts with the letter "i". This was just a caveat, as it matters much less how the term is spelled and much more what it means. The term yoga means uniting, joining, harnessing, from Sanskrit. However, as a practice, this term means much more than that: it is a strong discipline imposed on the body and mind of man, which originated in India, and with strong links with the practice of meditation both Buddhist and Hinduism.
There are different types of yoga, but I will only cite the most common ones: hata-yoga, bacti-yoga, jnana-yoga, raja-yoga, and karma-yoga. Each of them has an emphasis on some specific aspect, as you can see:
- Hata-yoga: Intends the transcendence of consciousness through the strengthening of the body. This body would thus be strong enough to achieve spiritual elevation;
- Bacti-yoga: This type of yoga has as its main objective the connection with the divine through the practitioner's devotion;
- Jnana-yoga: It assumes that there is an immutable knowledge and, therefore, prior to man. Therefore, the practice of Jnana-yoga requires a lot of study and dedication;
- Raja-yoga: Appropriate for very rational people, as its practice intends to master mental activities;
- Karma-yoga: part of the notion that all actions made by human beings must be disinterested, in order to deliver all the benefits gained to the deity.
Currently, our modern lifestyle has caused many physical and psychological problems not only in adults, but also in children. And it is in this sense that the practice of yoga is important: when looking for a balance between the body, the mind and the spiritual part, yoga becomes practically an outlet for good health and a good style of life. Furthermore, the idea that permeates all yogic practices that you are responsible for your actions, and that, therefore, your happiness only depends on you, encourages autonomy for the practitioner.
Other benefits of this practice are: increased concentration on activities; greater emotional balance; increased muscle strength and flexibility; improved immune system; reduction of stress and anxiety.
By Paula Rondinelli
Brazil School Collaborator
Graduated in Physical Education from the São Paulo State University “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” – UNESP
Master in Motricity Sciences from the São Paulo State University “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” – UNESP
PhD student in Latin American Integration at the University of São Paulo - USP
PE - Brazil School
