Yoga Darshana
Philosophy of union between the lower self and higher Self, systematized by Patanjali through the Yoga Sutras as a practical discipline for self-realization.
Yoga: Union of Self with the Divine
Yoga, the fifth philosophy of the Shad Darshan, means union—the union of the lower self with the higher Self, the union of man with God. Coming from the root yuj meaning to unite, Yoga is a practical discipline for knowing the self. Patanjali was the pioneer who organized yogic discipline as a science through his Yoga Sutras, and Ayurveda has accepted this philosophy for healing purposes.
The Yoga system provides a methodology for expanding individual consciousness to universal Consciousness. There are various schools of Yoga: Bhakti Yoga (path of devotion), Jnana Yoga (path of knowledge), and Karma Yoga (path of action), among others. Yoga teaches that thought is a barrier and obstacle; by controlling thought waves, one can go beyond thought itself.
Patanjali's system has great therapeutic value. The yogasana is a way of bringing awareness into action in a particular position. When one sits in the lotus pose, one becomes like a lotus; in a cobra pose, one becomes like a cobra. There is a communion between body, mind and consciousness. Every asana has a siddhi—a benefit that creates biochemical changes in the body. Ayurveda classifies yoga asanas according to vata, pitta, and kapha, utilizing yogic science for healing purposes.
Source: Textbook of Ayurveda: Fundamental Principles, Chapter One: Shad Darshan (Six Philosophies of Life)
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.