Have you ever stopped to think about what makes yoga so unique?
We often think of yoga as a practice of physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation, but there’s a deeper, more profound aspect to it that truly sets it apart from other disciplines. Yoga is the only subject where the object is the subject. Let me explain what that means and why it’s so significant.
The Practice: Beyond the Physical
When we first step onto the yoga mat, many of us are drawn to the physical benefits—strength, flexibility, and overall health. We focus on perfecting our poses, aligning our bodies, and mastering the sequences. The “object” in this case might seem to be the poses themselves, the external form that we’re trying to achieve. But as we continue to practice, something begins to shift.
In yoga, unlike other physical disciplines, the real focus isn’t just on the external object (the poses), but on the internal experience—the “subject.” The true purpose of yoga is to turn our attention inward, to explore our inner landscape, and to understand the deeper layers of our being. It’s a journey of self-discovery where the object of our practice is not just the physical form, but the experience of the self—the subject—within that form.
The Philosophy: Who Am I?
One of the fundamental questions in yoga philosophy is “Who am I?” This question is at the heart of every practice, whether we realize it or not. Unlike other subjects where we study external objects or concepts, yoga invites us to study ourselves. It’s an exploration of our mind, our emotions, and our spirit. The poses and techniques are merely tools to help us connect with the deeper essence of who we are.
I remember during my Yoga Teacher Training, this concept was emphasized repeatedly. Bikram, one of our instructors, would often say, “Only in yoga is the object the subject.” At first, it took me some time to fully grasp what he meant. We would find ourselves looking in the mirror, struggling to hold our focus, and in that struggle, we began to notice our own weaknesses and strengths. The mirror wasn’t just reflecting our physical form—it was reflecting who we really are. The practice gave us insight into our true nature, revealing the aspects of ourselves that we often overlook or avoid.
For instance, I used to get frustrated when I couldn’t balance in a pose like Tree Pose. My initial reaction was to blame my body—maybe I wasn’t strong enough, or my alignment was off. But as I learned more about the philosophy of yoga, I realized that the real lesson wasn’t in the external pose, but in how I responded to the challenge. Was I patient with myself? Was I breathing through the frustration? Was I aware of the thoughts running through my mind? The object (the pose) became a way to study the subject (myself).
"Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self." – The Bhagavad Gita
The Mind: Observing the Observer
Another powerful aspect of yoga is that it teaches us to become the observer of our own mind. In meditation, for example, we are often instructed to watch our thoughts without judgment, to simply observe them as they arise and pass away. This practice of observing the mind is a key aspect of yoga—it’s about recognizing that we are not our thoughts, but the awareness behind them.
This concept was a game-changer for me. I used to be so caught up in my thoughts, identifying with them completely. If I had a negative thought, I would believe it and let it dictate my mood. But through yoga, I learned to step back and observe my thoughts from a distance. It’s like becoming the subject who is observing the object (the mind). This shift in perspective gave me a sense of freedom and empowerment, knowing that I could choose how to respond to my thoughts rather than being controlled by them.
The Practice of Union
The word “yoga” itself means “union.” It’s about the integration of body, mind, and spirit. In this union, the distinction between subject and object begins to dissolve. The more we practice, the more we realize that the poses, the breath, and even our thoughts are all part of the same unified experience. The object of our practice—the poses, the breath, the mind—becomes a way to explore the subject of our practice, which is our own consciousness.
This is what makes yoga so profound. It’s not just a physical exercise or a mental discipline—it’s a holistic practice that engages every aspect of our being. It’s the only subject where the object is the subject, where the purpose of the practice is to explore and understand ourselves at the deepest level.
The Journey Inward
Yoga invites us to turn our attention inward, to study ourselves, and to understand the true nature of our being. It’s a practice where the object—whether it’s a pose, a breath, or a thought—serves as a gateway to explore the subject, which is our own consciousness.
As you continue on your yoga journey, remember that the real work isn’t just in perfecting the external form, but in using that form as a tool to discover who you are. The object of your practice is a mirror that reflects the subject within. And as you delve deeper into this practice, you’ll find that yoga is not just about what you do, but about who you become in the process.
"In the practice of yoga, the focus is not on what you do, but on who you are becoming in the process."
– Anonymous
So the next time you step onto your mat, ask yourself:
What am I learning about myself today?
How can I use this practice to understand the subject—my true self—more deeply?
Yoga, after all, is the only subject where the object is the subject, and that’s what makes it so uniquely transformative.
Namaste
Sumit Banerjee
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