Yoga
योगश्चित्तवृत्ति निरोधः
Yōgaścittavr̥tti nirōdha
Yōgaścittavr̥tti nirōdha
Yoga is a science to control the mind, as mind is the only source to free us or to bind us. The literal meaning of the word yoga is union. So union of a jeev with God is yoga.
संयोगो योग इत्युक्तो जीवात्म परमात्मनोः
Sanyōgō yōga ityuktō jīvātma paramātmanōḥ
Sanyōgō yōga ityuktō jīvātma paramātmanōḥ
This philosophy is depicted in the Vedas and Tantras as well, Yet, the greatest expounder of Yoga-philosophy is Maharshi Patanjali. He revealed a scripture on Yoga “Patanjali Yoga Shastra”, in which he described the 8-fold spiritual practices to get control on mind. That is called “ASHTANG – YOGA”. There are 8 limbs, which gradually help to get hold on that mind, which is perpetually moving towards the world in the hope of attaining happiness. These 8 limbs are mentioned below -
1. Yama (यम) – This is the beginning of Yoga. Principles of Yama are meant to slow down the speed of mind which is aimlessly wandering around in the world. The Yamas are twelve;
2. Niyam (नियम) - (Rules) The twelve rules are also recommended in Yoga to maintain self discipline. These are proposed since it is impossible to achieve anything without observing discipline. These are;
- Ahimsa (अहिंसा) - non-violence
- Satya (सत्य ) - truthfulness
- Asteya (अस्तेय ) - non stealing,
- Brahmcharya (ब्रह्मचर्य) - vow of celibacy
- Aparigraha (अपरिग्रह) - non possessiveness
- Maun (मौन) – Observance of the rule of silence to cultivate more energy in order to assimilate the philosophy of yoga
- Lajja (लज्जा) – Inhibition in performing any action, which does not lead towards God.
- Chhama (क्षमा) – forgiveness.
- Abhaya (अभय) - fearlessness
- Astikata (आस्तिकता) - faith in God
- Asangta (असंगता) - detachment from material objects and beings
- Sthirata (स्थिरता) – Stability
2. Niyam (नियम) - (Rules) The twelve rules are also recommended in Yoga to maintain self discipline. These are proposed since it is impossible to achieve anything without observing discipline. These are;
- Cheshta (चेष्टा) – putting in effort to attain the goal
- Shouch (शौच) – purity of mind and body
- Santosh (संतोष) – contentment
- Japa (जप) – chanting
- Tapa (तप) – endurance
- Shraddha (श्रद्धा) - complete faith
- Atithi sewa (अतिथि सेवा) – hospitality
- Yagya (यज्ञ) - Fire sacrifices
- Hari pooja (हरी पूजा) – worship
- Teertha Yattra (तीर्थ यात्रा) – pilgrimage
- Paropkaar (परोपकार) – benevolence
3. Aasan (आसन ) – some exercises to keep body healthy in order to increase ability of mind to meditate for longer hours.
4. Pratyahaar (प्रत्याहार ) – practice of withdrawing the senses from material matters to help the mind to meditate.
5. Pranayam (प्राणायाम ) - Control of the breath
6. Dhyaan (ध्यान) - focusing on the divine form of God
7. Dharana (धारणा) – stability in meditation.
8. Samadhi (समाधि) – Deep meditation, wherein the practitioner gets totally engrossed in divine thoughts being oblivious to the external world or even their own physical presence.
There are two kinds of Samadhi of a yogi:
4. Pratyahaar (प्रत्याहार ) – practice of withdrawing the senses from material matters to help the mind to meditate.
5. Pranayam (प्राणायाम ) - Control of the breath
6. Dhyaan (ध्यान) - focusing on the divine form of God
7. Dharana (धारणा) – stability in meditation.
8. Samadhi (समाधि) – Deep meditation, wherein the practitioner gets totally engrossed in divine thoughts being oblivious to the external world or even their own physical presence.
There are two kinds of Samadhi of a yogi:
- Samapragyat (संप्रज्ञात) Samadhi - In Sampragyat Samadhi the seeds of sanskars (impact of deeds performed in past) still remain
- Asampragyat (असंप्रज्ञात) Samadhi - While in Asampragyat Samadhi all the seeds of past impression burn eternally.
Aspirants following the path of yoga meditate in 2 different ways:
Sagarbh or nirgarbh Dhyan culminates into Sagarbh or nirgarbh prapta – siddhi – These are those who realize God and have become eternally free from Maya.
- Sagarbha (सगर्भ) Dhyan – They meditate upon the divine form of Maha Vishnu in mind.
- Nirgarbha (निर्गर्भ) Dhyan - When they meditate upon the divine form of Maha Vishnu in Kchheer Sagar
- Yogarurukchhu (योगारुरुक्षु) - Who are practicing yoga to attain perfection.
- Yogaroorh (योगारूढ़) - who have achieved perfection in their practice of yoga
Sagarbh or nirgarbh Dhyan culminates into Sagarbh or nirgarbh prapta – siddhi – These are those who realize God and have become eternally free from Maya.
In modern age, there are several misconceptions about yoga. Some of those misconceptions are: Yoga is
The authentic practice of Yoga starts from the Yama and Niyam. A precursor to stepping on the path of yoga is to control the mind and senses. This is a spiritual science to attain a spiritual result which is to become free from Maya and realize the Brahma - Supreme God. It is not confined to the Asana (postures) only.
The first five steps are meant to prepare the body and mind for the practice of yoga, which comprises of control on mind and senses to detach mind from the allurements of this mundane world. Last three i.e. Dhyan. Dharana, Samadhi are purely related to the practice of realization of God.
There is no point of practicing yoga without following all the eight steps of Yog-Shastra. Several people go all out in their practice of yoga but to no avail due to lack of proper knowledge of this spiritual science. All this is due to the lack of proper teacher of Yoga.
- merely a science to keep body healthy in a natural way without medicines.
- a way to maintain attractive lean body.
The authentic practice of Yoga starts from the Yama and Niyam. A precursor to stepping on the path of yoga is to control the mind and senses. This is a spiritual science to attain a spiritual result which is to become free from Maya and realize the Brahma - Supreme God. It is not confined to the Asana (postures) only.
The first five steps are meant to prepare the body and mind for the practice of yoga, which comprises of control on mind and senses to detach mind from the allurements of this mundane world. Last three i.e. Dhyan. Dharana, Samadhi are purely related to the practice of realization of God.
There is no point of practicing yoga without following all the eight steps of Yog-Shastra. Several people go all out in their practice of yoga but to no avail due to lack of proper knowledge of this spiritual science. All this is due to the lack of proper teacher of Yoga.
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