Abstract:
The word “Yoga” is rooted in the Sanskrit word “Yuj”. Its meaning is “Unification
of Jeewathma and the Brahmathma”. According to Hindu Philosophy, in order to
achieve purification, one must be unified with immortal soul. There are several
types of yoga. Bhakthi Yoga, ManthraYoga, GnanaYoga, KundalaniYoga, and
Raja Yogaetc. RajaYoga which is one of Ashtanga Yoga (system which comprises
Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Prathyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi)
is of central practice. The ultimate purpose of practice of theseAshtanga Yoga is
attainment of liberation.While Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama and Prathyahara
are external elements which have to be observed, they are essential for the success
of the internal elements of Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi. Yogasana is the
manner of making the body relaxed and flexible in order to discipline the mind for
the purpose of concentration On the basics of primary sources it is apparent that at
present what is meant by Yogasana is not the more ancient form of Yoga,but only
the manner of making the body moresupple, which is only one of the aspects of
AshtangaYoga. This study examines if contemporary Yogaclasses in Sri Lanka are
in keeping with the original primary texts of yoga as Pathanjali Yoga Suthraand
Hata Yoga Vidya. It is specially to be noted that current yoga classes in Sri Lanka
are based on commercial purposes. What is visible today is that the method of
disciplining the mind by mastering the body and its movements is used in order to
earn money. Accordingly today’s practice ofyoga is a distorted version of the yoga
that was originally envisaged. The Yogasana which was originally aimed at
providing the foundation for spiritual development has now been replaced by a
practice which aims at more material benefits such as physical wellness, outward
beauty and healthy living. This is to be scrutinized based on the contemporary
yoga classes in Sri Lanka and the Original texts.
