There are 2 core definitions offered through the classical teachings of yoga that every aspirant should know;
Where ever we go, there we are 🧘🏼♂️
Yoga Chitta Vritti Nirodha / Yoga is the Stilling of the Fluctuations of the Mind
Sourced from the Patanjali Yoga Sutras, this definition speaks to the requirement for yogic to still the Vrittis / Fluctuations of the mind. In yoga, mind is more than the brain, and this definition refers to the body mind complex and the process of balancing the body mind is akin to stilling the ripples upon the surface of a lake, the water is still there, but brought into calm so that an observer can see beyond the surface of the lake towards what lies within the depths.
Yoga is the Journey of the self, through the self, to the Self.
Sourced from the Bhagavad Gita, this timeless quote offers the intention and the means for achieving yoga. In this statement, the Gita refers to the journey of the individual self, through the web of karma and identification that binds us to this individuality, towards the experience of 'Self' - the capitalised 'S' in this instance refers to the universal self - the Divine Realisation the Totality of Existence, the Atman.
Ultimately both of these definitions of yoga point towards a similar method and goal - through a considered practice of asana, pranayama and meditation we are seeking to bring equilibrium to the body mind complex, so we are able to focus without disturbance and see beyond the limitations of our individual reality to experience the totality of the universal experience. 🕉️