What Does “Advanced” Yoga Actually Mean?

First and foremost, advanced asana practice is NOT advanced Yoga, but rather a more complex physical practice to challenge our strength, stamina, and our ability to be still in mind and body.

With Yoga, the goal is Yoga itself. Hearing this might hurt our brain a little. Everything we do, from increasing our weight in strength training, pushing ourselves further and faster in our cardio, or excelling in competition in sport, is based on advancing our training. There is a clear destination or goal, and that’s what we strive to. 

However, Yoga is a state of being. It is the moment that our mind is clear, that the continued cluttered thoughts (citta vritti) have dissolved and we feel most connected to ourself. That is the definition of Yoga provided to us from Patanjali, the ancient scholar and author of the Sutras of Patanjali, a revered book on Yoga philosophy. Ultimately, to become advanced in Yoga is the ability to hold the state of Yoga, citta vritti nirodaha, for longer durations. We get there through continued practice of all 8 limbs of Yoga. 

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