a young woman performing stretching exercises
I have heard some practitioners of Indian yoga say that Dahn Yoga is not really yoga. Yoga is an Indian word, and certainly there are differences in some of the exercises used in Indian yoga and Dahn Yoga.
But even though the word “yoga” comes from India, it has been popularized and adopted into the language of many English-speaking countries. The original Korean name for this practice was Dahnhak, meaning the study and philosophy of energy–a very appropriate name that no one in the United States, unless they have been practicing Dahn Yoga for a while, understands.
And what does yoga really mean? I read an explanation today that I thought was excellent that I wanted to share with you. I would love to know what you think. It comes from a Free Article website: http://www.126126.info/about-yoga-and-its-secret-goal/
“What is yoga, anyway? Union. Right? Union of everything: body, breath, mind, inner self, and every other living and non-living thing in the entire existence: rocks, plants, animals, other humans, every thing.
Yoga is a realization that there’s Oneness behind everything and this Oneness is who you are. This Oneness is inexplicable in words or thoughts, but one feels it anyway, when, suddenly but often enough, one peeks beyond the mind’s constant chattering.
This experience of Oneness, of yoga, of lasting inner peace and happiness, is the opposite of Ego, the sense of separateness.
In fact, yoga, and absolute happiness, are experienced only when the ego is clear, or, to use the language of yoga, purified. Once the ego is pure, yoga happens naturally.
This may seem unexpected for some of you, but, as a science and a practical system, yoga primarily deals with the mind. It may begin with the physical conditioning of the body – postures and sequences to gain physical control, but all to get a handle on the mind. According to yogic wisdom, to control the mind perfectly is the most difficult task in the universe.
The body is much easier to control. Gradually, the transition is made from the physical to the subtle energetic and mental exercises.
So what about yoga’s secret goal?
Imagine what would happen if large numbers of people had an authentic experience of yoga. Imagine if people could sustain ego-less existence for periods of time long enough to feel compassion for all other beings on Earth. As yogis, awake to our inner nature and in union with our environment, ever conscious of the One essence behind all, we realize that we are inseparable from Mother Earth.
The purpose, or goal, of yoga becomes our purpose in life. We realize that it is our inherent duty to take care of our planet and all its creatures, to live in harmony, as a family, as brothers and sisters, with all. As yogis, we become ecology-warriors, messengers of Peace, and guardians of Mother Nature, and of Life itself. We realize that we are the caretaker-species; and that is why we have our intelligence and the energy for this grand task. We naturally dedicate our lives to alleviate the suffering of others, create peace in the world, raise our common consciousness, and awaken others to their true nature and the unity between all life.
So this is the seldom-told secret about yoga: its goal is to bring about change in the world, a global transformation of consciousness. This is what has been projected by the great rishis of the past as a means to save our precious Mother Earth and learn to live in harmony and love.
Why is this a secret? Perhaps, hidden or unapparent may be better words. It is unapparent about yoga that it has such a deep transformational effect on one’s consciousness. Often, yoga comes into one’s life through the back-door of the ego. People are usually attracted to yoga because of the ego. The reasons for starting a yoga practice range from getting a yoga-butt to searching for inner peace.
Thus, the ego plays a crucial role in one’s path to self-discovery and ego-purification. With the regular practice of Love for the body, mind, and heart, yoga practitioners transform.”
This deep, transformational effect on one’s consciousness is the true goal of Dahn Yoga and its automatic effect whether its your goal or not. Truly when your energy begins to flow and your heart opens, you will feel that oneness that will expand your mind, bring you health, happiness, and peace, and help you want to share what you’ve found with others.
Why don’t you share what you’ve found here in the comments?
