Top 7 Reasons You Should Study Yoga Philosophy
It seems like people who “do yoga” fall into two categories. Some folks do some poses as a part of their week and then get on with their lives. They don’t give it another thought. But the class is helping with stress, anxiety or something else, so they stick with it.
But others really seem to “live” it. Not only do they show up on their mats regularly, they also seem more peaceful and relaxed in general. They’re mindful and present as they move through life.
What’s the difference? I’m not psychic, but my guess is that the ones who are “living it” have probably studied yoga philosophy. If you’ve hung around my classes at all, you already know that I value yoga philosophy and try to bring it in whenever I can. But do you know why it’s so important?
My top seven reasons to study yoga philosophy:
1. Helps you Not Appropriate Yoga
If you think of yoga as only a physical workout, you’re missing a lot of information. When we use the word “yoga” to describe an exercise class, it is appropriation. That’s because yoga includes so much more: philosophy, breath, spirituality and additional practices. Learning the philosophy helps you understand the difference between a workout, and a yoga practice.
The philosophy is the WHY behind the physical practice. When you understand why you’re doing something in a particular way, it gives meaning and context. Adding the philosophical background anchors the asana as a spiritual practice as it is intended to be.
So, if you want to respect and not appropriate yoga, learning the philosophy will help. Also, if you’re not quite “feeling” the practice the way your teacher or the other students seem to feel it, the philosophy will help you go deeper.
2. A Different Perspective
Yoga philosophy is not anchored in the Western worldview. It has a very different take on things like consciousness, spirituality, humanity and the interplay of all three. When you study yoga philosophy you expand your perspective. You might love and embrace the yoga philosophy, you might not. But at the least, it offers you a wider vision on the world and your place in it.
So, if you’re feeling stuck seeing the world from a limited viewpoint, the yoga philosophy could help open up your vision. If what you’ve learned in Western culture doesn’t feel supportive, the philosophy of yoga may help you. It might even help heal Western culture in general.
3. Guidance for Living a Peaceful Life
Collections of yoga philosophy are like guidebooks. They offer instructions for how to bring harmony and balance into your life. The literature includes teachings on such things as non-violence, non-judgement, truthfulness and so much more.
So, if you’re feeling lost or unanchored, yoga philosophy may give you a starting point for creating positive change. If you want to figure out how your friends who practice yoga seem so present and peaceful, the literature points the way.
4. Gives you Access to Time-Tested Wisdom
The guidance that the yoga philosophy offers has served people for thousands of years. Long lines of teachers and students have benefitted from these teachings. The teachings themselves would’ve died out long ago if they weren’t meaningful. Becoming familiar with the yoga philosophy gives you access to this time tested wisdom, and we know it helps because it’s still around.
So, look to the yoga philosophy in times when your heart feels dry and you’re longing for some wisdom. Or if you’ve been looking for a mentor, teacher, or guide and haven’t found that in a living person yet - the philosophy can be a stand in.
5. Appreciation
Sacred texts carry beautiful descriptions of what it means to be human and Divine. Yogic literature is no exception. We can study it purely to revel in the beauty and creative expression of the authors. Also, Sanskrit is a beautiful, mystical language. If you are able, study with teachers who can read, recite, and translate the Sanskrit.
So if you enjoy poetry, mythology, and hymns of praise, yoga philosophy is filled with beautiful passages that will feed your soul. If you enjoy the sound of other languages, listening to the teachings in Sanskrit can be an uplifting experience.
6. Community
Yogic teachings were traditionally shared orally. The teacher would share with students who studied and contemplated in community. These days, studying the philosophy can help you connect with others who also want to talk about deep ideas and explore big questions. Yoga philosophy is a great starting point for discussion.
So, if you’re tired of small talk and you’re interested in thoughts like “How did we get here?” and “What is the nature of reality?” Yoga philosophy can open the door to those discussions. It gives you interesting friends who are willing to connect over big questions.
7. Gateway to Transcendent Experience
The yoga philosophy is a guidebook for …. yoga. Spoiler alert: Yoga means union with the Divine, or union with the Self, or union with Supreme Consciousness. Ultimately, that’s what the literature is pointing to. Just by studying it, you open yourself up to the possibility of such a union. Students sometimes report shifts in consciousness, feeling that the words are speaking directly to their souls, or an inner awakening brought on by the teachings.
So, if you’re feeling spiritually dry and you’re searching, yoga philosophy could point the way for you. It’s definitely the entry point if you want to experience Mystery, the great beyond, God, Shakti, Life Force - The energy beyond, within, behind all things… you know, Yoga.
Hopefully you found some great reasons to study yoga philosophy. True yoga includes the philosophy, breath, and spiritual components, not just gymnastics with Sanskrit names. As a 21st century seeker interested in this rich tradition, I encourage you to take up a study of yoga philosophy both out of respect for the practice and to bring more meaning into your own life.
If the philosophy sounds enticing, it’s time to jump into the next workshop, discussion, or study group that crosses your path. You won’t regret it.
As ever, when I learn from a culture outside of my own, I approach with as much respect and intention as possible. I strive to learn from teachers who are steeped in integrity, and I’m now seeking teachers from within the traditions when possible. I’m also learning to give back so that I contribute to supportive exchange, not exploitation.
Obviously, I was not born in India or into the yoga tradition. I do not take it on as an identity (no, I don’t have a Sanskrit name) or strive to own it in any way. At the same time I have been deeply supported by what I’ve learned from yoga.
It is my belief that by learning about the philosophical roots of yoga I honor this great tradition more than if I just do exercises with Sanskrit names without awareness of the rich depth of meaning behind every action.
As always, I am super open to more discussion about the topic. Feel free to comment on the post, or email me directly if you have thoughts you’d like to share.