Buddha and the Essence of Yoga

Abstract

The word “Yoga” is generally known as an ancient Hindu practice based on physical exercise and breath control. However, the main purpose of yoga was the path of self-knowledge and liberation, which is not limited to Patanjali’s yoga Sūtras. This paper analyzes how the Buddha, through his teachings and practice interpreted the deeper meaning of yoga from a new perspective and showed a new direction on the path of spiritual liberation. The buddha emphasized not the external form of yoga, but its inner purpose—purity of thought, restraint, and wisdom. According to his teachings, the three pillars of śila, samādhi and prajñā—are the basis of true yoga practice. He presented not unity with the soul or encounter with Brahman, but the cessation of suffering, or Nirvāna, as the ultimate goal.

This paper shows, in the light of Pāli texts such as Dhammapada, and other Nikāya literature, that Buddha’s yoga was a path for transformation of consciousness and development insight. The Middle way he presented is a yogic perspective that balances extreme pleasure and extreme austerity.

Therefore, it can be said that Buddha did not reject Yoga, but rather captured its essence and transformed it into a new spiritual perspective, the main purpose of which was liberation from suffering.