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What is the Relationship Between Yoga and Meditation?

Laura M. Sands
Laura M. Sands

Yoga and meditation share a very close relationship. As an Eastern exercise, yoga stems from the meditational practices of Buddhist, Jain and Hindu practitioners. Today, people all over the world use yoga as a form of holistic exercise. Those who continue to combine yoga and meditation, however, cite that it is an effective stress reliever that builds strength and stability, as well as mental clarity and discipline.

As early as 3000 B.C., yoga was practiced by spiritualists as a way attaining physical and spiritual strength and health. It derives its name from the Sanskrit word "yuga," which means to unite or join. Some individuals who practice yoga as a spiritual exercise combine yoga and meditation in an effort to join the individual soul to the universe.

A woman doing yoga.
A woman doing yoga.

There are several different forms of yoga that can be used as a meditative practice. Hatha yoga is the most common form practiced in the West. As such, it is a very basic practice that integrates physical poses with specific breathing methods. Some practice this form simply for a yoga workout, while others participate in hatha yoga as a part of their spiritual practice.

Meditation is one aspect of yoga.
Meditation is one aspect of yoga.

Yoga and meditation both employ breathwork, which refers to a strict mental focus on the breath and how it relates to the body. During breathwork, a person attempts to control her breathing or create a conscious breathing pattern. A rigorous yoga workout involves concentrated breathwork in tandem with unique poses, which require a strict level of focus on the body and the mind. When combined in this way, yoga and meditation can become a spiritual discipline.

Yoga and meditation both incorporate a conscious pattern of breathing.
Yoga and meditation both incorporate a conscious pattern of breathing.

Those who practice yoga and meditation together do so to increase their mental focus, to quiet and even master the mind, as well as the body. In part, the goal of such is to overcome distractions and to endure physical positions that can be physically and mentally uncomfortable, but that are believed to be good for both the body and the mind. Doing so can be a stress reliever, as well as a way to increase mental clarity and strength.

The word "yoga" comes from the ancient Sanskrit language and means to integrate or "yoke" the mind and body.
The word "yoga" comes from the ancient Sanskrit language and means to integrate or "yoke" the mind and body.

When used as more than a physical exercise, yoga is believed to consist of multiple functions. These functions include discipline, observance, physical exercise, breath control, sensory control, mental concentration, meditation and achievement of an enlightened state of consciousness. Yoga and meditation, are therefore, inextricably bound when viewed in this way.

A common misconception about yoga and meditation is that these practices are a religion unto themselves, which they are not. Yoga, as well as meditation, is often a part of a person’s religious life, but neither yoga nor meditation stand alone as a religion. Individuals who practice yoga along with meditation represent a diverse group of people from multiple religious backgrounds, with some having no ties with religion whatsoever.

Discussion Comments

serenesurface

@ZipLine-- I think it's a Western trend to think of yoga as purely a form of exercise. In Asia, I think that yoga is thought of as a religious practice and as something that strengthens faith and willpower. Yoga undoubtedly has benefits for the body, but its benefits for the mind and soul cannot be ignored. You have touched on it as well, you said that yoga fights stress. That's because yoga leads to balance, focus and peace.

Mediation is a par of yoga but not everyone who does yoga meditates. There are actually many different types of yoga out there and meditation is more important in some than others.

ZipLine

I've never thought of yoga as a meditation. For me it's just a workout. I love doing yoga. The different poses stretch and strengthen different parts of my body and I feel healthier and happier afterward. It's a great way to fight stress as well.

turquoise

Just as meditation, yoga is also very much a spiritual practice. Yoga is a means to unite with God and the same could be said about meditation since meditation is about developing awareness about what is beyond the sense perception.

And as the article said, yoga and meditation are frequently practiced together. Meditation is either incorporated into yoga or is done separately after yoga practice. For example, breathing exercises and om chanting after a yoga session is meditation.

The two arts really cannot be separated from one another.

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    • A woman doing yoga.
      A woman doing yoga.
    • Meditation is one aspect of yoga.
      By: sanneberg
      Meditation is one aspect of yoga.
    • Yoga and meditation both incorporate a conscious pattern of breathing.
      By: Berzyk
      Yoga and meditation both incorporate a conscious pattern of breathing.
    • The word "yoga" comes from the ancient Sanskrit language and means to integrate or "yoke" the mind and body.
      By: iofoto
      The word "yoga" comes from the ancient Sanskrit language and means to integrate or "yoke" the mind and body.