Tree of Life: The TRUNK

Tree of Life: The TRUNK

Yoga is not a religion. It does not replace religion, but is a wonderful complement. Yoga welcomes all religious backgrounds or none at all. It teaches that we are spiritual beings in human form. Our bodies are a temporary vehicle through which we are having a human experience that should edify our souls. It teaches LOVE.

Yoga philosophy believes that each of us has a soul - ATMAN. We also have the mind and body. Our true identity can only be found when these are blended into one unified whole: Holistic. This is the TRUNK of yoga, the foundation. As branches extend from the Tree of Life, the branches of yoga extend from this grounding principle. This includes the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, 200 A.D.

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Tree of Life

Tree of Life

The Tree of Life symbolizes the seven branches of yoga: Hatha, Raja, Karma, Bhakti, Jnana, Tantra, and Mantra. It is compared to the uncommon Banyan tree. This tree is huge and strong with curling exposed roots like huge branches gnarling into the earth. The trunk is so massive it would take at least 5 people to wrap around its circumference. It offers a solid foundation and provides a perfect metaphor to yoga.

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