What is the Goal of Yoga?

Each of our Yoga practices probably have a different goal, based on our purpose or intention for that practice.

But does Yoga as a whole have a goal? Like, why does it exist in the first place?

Based on my studies of Classical Hatha & Raja Yoga, if Yoga has a goal, it’s either Samadhi (meditative absorption) or Moksha (liberation of the soul). Samadhi and Moksha both mean enlightenment or awakening. The main difference is that Samadhi is a temporary state of being (often experienced in deep meditation) and Moksha is more permanent — like eternal freedom from the Karmic cycles of death and rebirth.

Samadhi and Moksha are lofty goals; enlightenment is a big thing to ask of ourselves in such a modern world. This is why the physical Yoga practice (Asana) has become so popular in the last few decades. As the world progresses technologically and economically, many people have become disconnected from their physical bodies, their breathing, and their ability to self-regulate. The body is the house of the spirit; if our house is not in order, how can we expect the spirit to reach its potential?

This is where we see the value of the physically embodied practice. First, we purify the body and regulate the nervous system. We use practices such as Asana, Pranayama (breathwork), and Kriyas (cleansing) in order to do so. Then, we notice we’ve already begun the process of purifying the mind and spirit. We just need to stick with these practices, sprinkle in some meditation and study of sacred texts, give it a few years (or lifetimes), and boom — enlightenment.

(maybe)

This is the same reason why places of spiritual worship like temples, churches, synagogues, and even Yoga studios are beautifully kept. People of all different faiths keep their places of worship clean so people can kneel, pray, and find connection to the divine. On the same note, Yogis strive to find ease in their bodies, because it will make it that much easier to find union in meditation.

So even if all you do is a few Yoga poses here and there, and a few deep breaths every now and then, you’re on the right path! Keep going, and keep growing.

Much love,

Ben