I Am New to Yoga: Shattering the Myths of Flexibility and Form

Since I embarked on the path of learning and teaching Yoga and Dhyana (Meditation), I have encountered a vast number of people who harbor deep doubts about the subject.

It is rare to find individuals who possess a correct understanding of what Yoga truly is.

If you read through some of the natural questions and statements I hear regularly, you will understand exactly what I mean:

“I need to learn from the very beginning.”

“I am doing Yoga for the first time.”

“I have never done Yoga before.”

“My hands and feet aren’t flexible enough.”

“I don’t think I will be able to perform any Yoga.”

Listening to these concerns, it often sounds as if Yoga is an incredibly difficult and complex ordeal.

And why shouldn’t these doubts arise?

The Misconception of Modern Yoga

People observe what is projected around them.

Yoga implies standing on your head or twisting your limbs until you are rolled up into a ball.

Naturally, this is not possible for everyone.

Every human body is built differently.

Someone is heavy, someone is thin.

One person is naturally flexible, while another is stiff.

One student wants to start at age 15, another at age 55.

Looking at these physical standards, one might conclude that Yoga cannot be for everyone.

The root cause of all these doubts and apprehensions is the way Yoga has been advertised and branded.

Yoga is marketed, not what Yoga is.

It has reached a point where the true, original essence of Yoga has been left behind.

If our ancestral Rishis (Sages) heard today’s common understanding of Yoga, even they might deny it, saying:

“Even we could not do that!”

What is Real Yoga? The Ancient Definitions

To understand the truth, let us look at the classical definitions of Yoga found in the scriptures.

Nowhere do they define Yoga as twisting the body.

1. Yogash chitta vritti nirodhah ( योगश्चित्तवृत्तिनिरोधः )

(Patanjali Yoga Sutra)

Translation:

Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind.

Here, Chitta refers to the mind-stuff, and Vrittis are the wandering thoughts or modifications.

Yoga is the process of stilling the mind.

2. Samatvam yoga uchyate ( समत्वं योग उच्यते )

(Bhagavad Gita)

Translation:

Equanimity is called Yoga.

Remaining balanced and maintaining a steady state of mind in both joy and sorrow, success and failure, is true Yoga.

3. Manah prashaman upayah yoga ityabhidhiyate ( मनःप्रशमन उपायः योग इत्यभिधीयते )

Translation:

Yoga is the method to calm the mind.

It is a skillful means to pacify mental agitation.

4. Hathasyarthah suryachandrayoh yogah ( हठस्यार्थः सूर्यचन्द्रयोः योगः )

Translation:

The meaning of Hatha is the union of the Sun and the Moon.

This refers to the balance of the Pingala (solar/active energy) and Ida (lunar/cooling energy) channels in the body.

The Role of Asanas (Postures)

As you can see, none of these definitions mention contorting the body as the primary goal.

However, you might ask:

“Are there no twisted or difficult postures in Yoga?”

Yes, there are.

There are physical postures (Asanas) that are complex.

These come from Hatha Yoga.

But the true purpose of Hatha Yoga is simply to prepare and secure the body, to lead you toward the path of Raja Yoga.

Raja Yoga is also known as Ashtanga Yoga or the Royal Path of meditation and spiritual absorption.

Conclusion: Yoga is a Philosophy of Life

It is absolutely untrue that those who cannot perform difficult postures cannot practice Yoga.

Yoga is a Darshan — a philosophy.

But it is a practical philosophy (Vyavaharik Darshan) that you can live and breathe.

It is not just about forming concepts.

It is a method to bring those concepts into your daily existence.

I invite you to include Yoga in your life —

not to become an acrobat,

but to attain physical, mental, and spiritual peace.

Namaskar.