Exploring the Foundations of Balanced Planet Yoga
A Fusion of Ancient Wisdom and Modern Practice
At Balanced Planet Yoga, we understand that many people come through our doors with the sole goal of getting stronger + more flexible. And, we are very happy to offer this service, providing a safe + caring environment for anyone to practice yoga. We also know yoga goes beyond the asana practice [physical postures], and if you are one of those people who is ready to learn a little bit more about what this means, well then, this blog post is for you!
Yoga certainly has a lot of benefits for this physical body, but yoga is also a holistic body of information that can help us move a little bit gentler through this chaotic world. Our studio and our yoga school fare two ancient Indian philosophies: Yoga and Samkhya. We wanted to share with you what these philosophies entail and why they form the backbone of our approach to not only the studio but to yoga teacher training.
Yoga Philosophy:
Yoga Philosophy is different than the yoga we think of as our practice on our mat. Yoga, derived from the Sanskrit word “yuj,” means to yoke or unite. At its core, yoga is a holistic system aimed at harmonizing the body, mind, and spirit to move us beyond our material attachments and help us see for ourselves our own true nature. It encompasses various paths, including, Bhakti, Karma, Jnana, and Raja yoga, each offering a unique approach to Self-realization + spiritual growth. Yoga philosophy emphasizes the interconnectedness of all beings and the importance of living in alignment with universal principles such as ahimsa (non-violence), satya (truthfulness), and aparigraha (non-attachment). These principles, known as the Yamas + Niyamas, art part of the eight limb path found in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. The Yoga Sutras is considered the foundational text of Yoga Philosophy. You can think of Yoga Philosophy as the practical means to achieve enlightenment.
Samkhya Philosophy:
Samkhya, one of the oldest philosophical systems in India, provides the theoretical framework for understanding the nature of existence. Rooted in the concept of purusha (consciousness) and prakriti (matter), Samkhya philosophy explores the interplay between the individual soul and the material world. It elucidates the process of self-discovery and liberation from the cycle of birth and death, emphasizing discernment (viveka) and detachment (vairagya) as essential practices on the path to enlightenment. The Sage Kapila is the founder of this school with many of the texts of this lineage lost to the ravages of time. Samkhya is theory to Yoga Philosophy’s practical.
Yoga Beyond Dogma:
At Balanced Planet Yoga, we want you to know that yoga is not about dogma or rigid adherence to a set of beliefs. Yoga does not insist you change religions, but it will help you be a better just about anything. There is no insistence that things have to be just one way. This dynamic and inclusive practice invites individuals to explore their own beliefs, experiences, and decide for themselves what their life path looks like. We believe philosophies like Yoga and Samkhya, helps us start this inner conversation with ourselves.
The Path of Self-Discovery:
Yoga is often described as the journey of Self-discovery [notice the capital S] – a process of peeling away the layers of conditioning and societal expectations to reveal our true essence. Through asana (physical postures), pranayama (breath control), meditation, and self-inquiry, practitioners gain insight into their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, perhaps catching even a momentary experience of the unchanging, interconnectedness reality we all share. We believe that studying the philosophy helps us have the tools we need to make the most of our exploring.
The Importance of Indian Philosophy in a Western Context:
In a Western context, where yoga is often commodified and reduced to a mere fitness trend, it is crucial to uphold the philosophical roots of this ancient practice. By grounding our teachings in Indian philosophy, we preserve the integrity and authenticity of yoga, ensuring that it remains a powerful tool for personal transformation and social change. Moreover, studying Indian philosophy fosters cultural appreciation + cross-cultural dialogue, bridging the gap between East and West and fostering a deeper understanding of our shared humanity and the quest to understand human existence.
Debate has long been recognized as an essential component of intellectual inquiry and spiritual growth. From the ancient texts of the Upanishads to the scholarly discourses of the great sages, the tradition of vigorous debate has been instrumental in refining ideas, challenging assumptions, and uncovering deeper truths. We embrace this tradition of respectful debate + dialogue as a means of enriching our understanding of yoga. We believe that engaging in respectful + open-minded discourse allows us to explore different perspectives, question our own beliefs, and broaden our horizons. As a studio with a universal approach, we recognize that there are many paths to learning + self-discovery. While we draw inspiration from the wisdom of Yoga and Samkhya, we also celebrate the diversity of all traditions and philosophical perspectives. We invite you to bring your questions, your doubts, and your curiosity to our community. Let us engage in meaningful conversations, share our insights and experiences, and learn from each other as we navigate the complex and beautiful tapestry of human existence.
We are thrilled to welcome you as a member of our online community, where like-minded individuals come together to deepen their knowledge and explore the paths of yoga. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel isolated or disconnected from others. That’s why we’re grateful for your presence here – for taking the time to invest in yourself and your well-being. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or new to the practice, you have a place here among fellow seekers and explorers of the yoga path.
Together, let us create a space where all voices are heard, all paths are respected, and all seekers are supported on their journey towards truth, wisdom, and inner peace.
Have questions? Continue the conversation. As a member of our online community, you can drop us a question or insight in the community Q&A anytime.
