What is a yogi?
A yogi is a person who practices yoga as a comprehensive discipline, seeking not only physical well-being through postures (asanas) but also mental, emotional, and spiritual balance.
The word “yogi” comes from the Sanskrit “yuj”, which means “union” or “connection”, reflecting the essence of yoga: the harmony between the body, mind, and spirit.
A yogi is not limited to performing physical postures, but follows a lifestyle that incorporates values such as compassion, discipline, honesty, and detachment.
Practice meditation, conscious breathing (pranayama), and be guided by ethical principles such as the Yamas and Niyamas, described in the ancient texts of yoga.
Ultimately, a yogi is someone committed to their own personal and spiritual development, while cultivating a respectful and balanced relationship with the world around them.
What makes a good yogi?
We are going to explore the debate about what it means to be a good yogi or a bad yogi, and the differences will surprise you.
Some find it strange that the existence of a “good yogi” or a “bad yogi” is discussed in a community that has its foundations in “good karma” and constant meditations to manage positive thoughts.
But it is important to know that you are facing a person with complete knowledge to help you correctly develop this practice.
Have you ever wondered: What is a yogi really like? What makes them good? These types of questions are common for those who want to learn yoga. Having accurate information about what the profile of a yogi should be will make these doubts disappear.
After conducting research and interacting with different yogis we collected the necessary data to bring you our conclusions so that you can learn to identify what a yogi should be like. Let’s see what qualities a yogi should have.
How to Identify a Yogi?
There are four main terms to identify a yogi:
- In terms of knowledge
- In terms of behavior
- In terms of approach
- In terms of diet
Four concepts that seem simple but that here you will be able to understand more deeply:
Terms of Knowledge
The true yogis are people of knowledge. They manage the history of the roots and the true purpose of yoga. As you know, yoga is not just about the asanas or about exercising, it is a way of living and a form of self-exploration.
If you want to explore the various branches of yoga, you can learn about the types of yoga and their meanings.
A yogi knows the roots, that is, the philosophical foundations behind, not only, the asanas, but also the main practices of yoga, such as meditation.
Knowing oneself is what yoga is really about. It is a journey of self-discovery, a process to find and eliminate everything that prevents us from understanding our true identity, our essence.
Many yogis see yoga as a means to explore their strengths and weaknesses, both from a physical and mental perspective, but the true yogi goes further, seeking to discover themselves, to understand what they really are.
Yoga Practitioner’s Code of Conduct
- Compassion: Yogis practice ahimsa, developing empathy and compassion both towards themselves and others, as a result of their internal transformation through yoga.
- Open mind: A true yogi is at peace with their knowledge and accepts new ideas. Instead of judging, they guide beginners on their learning path.
- Mental age: Yogis identify themselves more by their inner maturity than by their physical age. The practice of yoga brings together people of different ages through their shared personal growth.
- Positive energy: Although they may seem serious, yogis are relaxed, fun, and connected to their inner being. They radiate a special energy, noticeable in the way they interact with others.
Terms of Approach
- Flexibility over appearance: Contrary to the myth that yogis have perfect bodies or look like “Greek gods,” their focus is on mental fullness and flexibility, not on achieving a physical ideal. Yoga seeks to control the mind first, which naturally leads to the balance of the body.
- Acceptance of the body and mind: Yogis, regardless of their physical appearance or weight, develop a deep connection with their body and mind. Their practice teaches them to accept what they have, prioritizing flexibility and well-being over any external standards.
- Learning mindset: A true yogi is confident in their knowledge but always open to new ideas and changes. They see continuous learning as an essential part of their path, embracing exploration and discovery without fear of the unknown.
Diet Terms
Although yogis can occasionally enjoy “indulgences” like pizzas or hamburgers, they maintain a balanced attitude towards these choices. Nevertheless, they value the importance of a Saatvik diet, based on the concept of Sattva, which means “purity“.
For more information on the ideal diet, visit our article on yogic eating.
For this reason, they prioritize natural and fresh foods, such as fruits and vegetables, aiming to maintain a clean and beneficial diet for the body. Although some yogis choose veganism, the main focus is on consuming what best nourishes and respects their physical and mental well-being.
With these guidelines, you will be able to identify a true yogi and, moreover, if what you want is to become one of them, they will serve as a guide on your path.
Remember that one of the great things about yoga is that anyone can start practicing it. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you are, the beauty of yoga is that it can find you in any circumstance.
The global success of yoga is basically due to its ability to achieve a healthier and more fulfilling life experience, not only for those who practice it but for everyone around them.
