Definitions of Yoga:
These are some of the many definitions out there! All of the following were shared by my teacher Saraswathi, who was a student of TVK Desikachar, so one can assume that these definitions came from him, and Sri T Krishnamacharya himself. Some of the direct textual or oral sources are referenced but some are not!
When we look at Yoga in a variety of ways, reflecting on a wide variety of definitions over time, the meaning of Yoga becomes very alive!
ॐ Yoga is adhyatma vidya
Yoga is insight into the Self, the wisdom of the Self, knowledge of the Self. If the aspect of spiritual inquiry is taken out of yoga practice, then it is not 'Yoga' and there is a limitation to what we can achieve and offer through Yoga.
ॐ Yujir yoge
Yoga is to bring together, link, yoke, a harmonious union. Apparent twos brought together as if they are one, one cannot come together, it means inner harmony, a state of being in flow
ॐ Yuja samadhau
Yoga is samadhi, the union of jiva and brahman, complete understanding of reality as it is. The Yoga Sutras do not talk about union they talk about Samadhi or Samapatti, a state of mind with absolute clarity, where all conditioning and distortions fall away, even the idea of self.
ॐ Yoga is dhyānam
Yoga is a mind capable of clear perception and reflection. Yoga is to direct the mind to an object and hold it there, sustained concentration with no distraction, to contemplate, meditate.
ॐ Yoga is upāyam
Yoga is the means that will take one closer to the goal ('That which takes me in the direction of Yoga is Yoga'). Asana and Pranayama are upayam, they take one closer to Yoga, and they are Yoga.
ॐ Yoga sannahanam
Yoga is to prepare, protect, purify, clean, to be a clear vessel - not protection from dukkham but protection from distortions and wrong perceptions
ॐ Yoga is Sangati
Yoga is coming together, harmonious connection, coherence, congruity, confluency, company
ॐ Yoga is Yukti (Sri T. Krishnamacharya)
Yukti is an insight that reveals the interplay of variables that can be controlled or manipulated to bring about a desired effect or result. Yoga is intelligent application, resourcefulness, correct planning, skill, expertise or proficiency in Yoga.
ॐ Yoga is Śānti
Yoga is to be in perfect tranquility, to be located in a space of clarity and act from a space without rāga (lust) and dveśa (aversion). To feel any emotion (rasa) completely and fully without it leaving any residue, is to be in Śanti (Sri Raghu Anantanarayanan quoting Sri T Krishnamacharya).
ॐ Yoga is Svatantram
Yoga is to be free, independent, uncontrolled, original, subject to one's will; self-strong, inherently powerful, valiant, of one's own accord, of nature
ॐ Yoga is a Sarva Anga Sadhana
Yoga works on all limbs/parts/aspects, having a holistic effect on the system
ॐ Yoga is Samskara
Yoga is a preparation/recreation and purification of conditioning
ॐ Yoga is a relationship (Sri TKV Desikachar)
In the same way that the people we face are our mirrors, Yoga is a mirror, a relationship with Self.
ॐ Apraptasya Praptih Yogah, Praptasya Rakshanam Ksemam (Sankara in his commentary to Bhagavad Gita).
Achieving/obtaining something which was previously unachievable/unobtainable. Any movement to a deeper or higher location is Yoga and to preserve that or protect that is kshemam.
ॐ Yoga is Union between Jivatma and Paramatma (Yoga Yajñavalkya Samhita XV)
Yoga it the uniting of the individual soul with the primordial, supreme Self, Absolute Atman.
ॐ Yogah Karmasu Kaushalam (Bhagavad Gita 2.50)
If an action is taking you towards Yoga then it is skillful. 'Off all actions Yogic actions are the best' (Srivatsa Ramaswami). To do something very well is to do something that does not leave any residue, any karma, such action is a Yogic action.
ॐ Dukha Samyoga Viyogah Yogah (Bhagavad Gita 6.23)
Yoga is to detach from the attachment to suffering
ॐ Samatvam Yoga Ucyate (Bhagavad Gita 2.48)
Equanimity is yoga. When the mind is in a state where it is not swayed by extremities is Yoga.