The Meaning of "Paideia"

"Paideia" is pronounced "pie-DAY-uh". "Paideia" is a Greek word that means "mental and physical discipline" (or "instruction"). For the ancient Greeks, it was the ideal, well-rounded education, in which a young man would develop both his mind and his body by studying mathematics, history, philosophy, etc. and by receiving physical education in the gymnasium. "Paideia" is found in Hebrews 12:11, "No discipline (paideia) seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." "Paideia" comes from the Greek word for "child" (a child is instructed), and is found in our words "pediatrician" (children's doctor) and "encyclopedia" (general education). The word "paideia" expresses the balance, discipline, and wholeness that I wish to convey in my teaching of yoga.