FEIO — Sanatan Dharma Digital Library

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📿 Myths vs Reality

Philosophy

What they say

Yoga is just physical exercise and stretching.

The Truth

Yoga is an 8-limbed spiritual path described by Patanjali — asana is only one limb. The real goal is moksha (liberation) through samadhi. The physical postures were meant to prepare the body for long meditation, not for Instagram photos.

योगश्चित्तवृत्तिनिरोधः

“Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind.”

— Patanjali Yoga Sutras 1.2

Patanjali's 8 limbs: Yama (ethical restraints), Niyama (observances), Asana (posture), Pranayama (breath control), Pratyahara (withdrawal of senses), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation), Samadhi (absorption). Modern 'yoga' in Western gyms is just asana — it's like saying football is just the goalpost.

yoga sutras patanjali ashtanga yoga raja yoga