Yoga in the Mahabharata, Bhagavad Gita, and wider Sanskrit literature is a comprehensive term that encompasses physical, mental, and spiritual practices allowing an individual to connect with the higher self, beyond the mundane realities of existence. It's important to note that "Yoga" comes from a Sanskrit root "yuj" which means to bind, join, attach or yoke, and symbolizes the union of the individual consciousness with the universal consciousness.
The Mahabharata provides a comprehensive narrative of human struggles and spiritual quests, amid which various models of yoga are proposed. References to yoga are scattered throughout the epic on multiple layers of metaphorical representation, advocating disciplined living, ethical conduct, and mental control as paths to self-realization.
The Bhagavad Gita, an integral part of the Mahabharata, explains yoga in a more detailed manner, featuring philosophical dialogues between Prince Arjuna and his charioteer, Krishna (who is seen as a divine manifestation). In the Gita, multiple types of yoga are identified:
Karma Yoga (Yoga through Action): This encourages selfless action, where one performs their duties without attachment to the fruits of their actions.
Bhakti Yoga (Yoga through Devotion): This propagates the path of devotion and surrender to a personal God or deity.
Jnana Yoga (Yoga through Knowledge): This emphasizes the realization of the self through the pursuit of knowledge and understanding.
Dhyana Yoga (Yoga through Meditation): This path involves internal contemplation, stillness, and disciplined mediation leading to self-realization.
In Sanskrit literature, the concept of yoga is further expounded upon in texts like the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, where eightfold path of yoga, known as Ashtanga Yoga is defined. These eight steps, which complement the lessons from the Bhagavad Gita, include ethical standards (Yamas), self-discipline (Niyamas), postures (Asana), breath control (Pranayama), withdrawal of the senses (Pratyahara), concentration (Dharana), deep contemplation (Dhyana), and a state of bliss and enlightenment (Samadhi).
In conclusion, Yoga in Mahabharata, Bhagavad Gita, and Sanskrit literature extends far beyond physical exercises, encompassing ethical, moral, philosophical, and spiritual teachings, offering multiple paths towards self-realization and oneness with the higher consciousness.