Yoga Philosophy
What comes into your mind when you hear the word Yoga?
Well, if you think of men and women in seemingly impossible poses, then you may have an inkling of what Yoga is. But that's just it - an inkling. The physical postures are just a small part of the whole system and, very practically, where most of us begin.
Yoga is an ancient Indian body of knowledge accumulated from eons of direct human experience and experimentation that dates back more than 5000 years. The word "Yoga" came from the Sanskrit word "Yuj" which means "to unite or integrate." Yoga, than, is about the union of a person's individual consciousness with the universal consciousness; the movement from the experience of separateness from one’s reality, towards the experience of being indivisible from and at one with reality.
Ancient Yogis had a belief that in order for man to be in harmony with himself and his environment, he must integrate the body, the mind, and the spiritual aspects of life. For these three to be integrated, emotion, action, and intelligence must be in balance. The Ancient Sages and Yogis formulated a way to achieve and maintain this balance. This is traditionally done through observation of ethical practices, body-mind purification techniques, physical exercises, breathing practices, and Meditation.
Well, if you think of men and women in seemingly impossible poses, then you may have an inkling of what Yoga is. But that's just it - an inkling. The physical postures are just a small part of the whole system and, very practically, where most of us begin.
Yoga is an ancient Indian body of knowledge accumulated from eons of direct human experience and experimentation that dates back more than 5000 years. The word "Yoga" came from the Sanskrit word "Yuj" which means "to unite or integrate." Yoga, than, is about the union of a person's individual consciousness with the universal consciousness; the movement from the experience of separateness from one’s reality, towards the experience of being indivisible from and at one with reality.
Ancient Yogis had a belief that in order for man to be in harmony with himself and his environment, he must integrate the body, the mind, and the spiritual aspects of life. For these three to be integrated, emotion, action, and intelligence must be in balance. The Ancient Sages and Yogis formulated a way to achieve and maintain this balance. This is traditionally done through observation of ethical practices, body-mind purification techniques, physical exercises, breathing practices, and Meditation.
Ethical practices (Yama and Niyama) are essential to a fruitful yogic practice. Firstly because our attitudes, thoughts, and emotions are more than just etheric mind-stuff; they have a correlating effect on the body. If we have stressful thoughts, our body will physically become tense. For this reason learning to be mentally peaceful, compassionate and patient with ourselves is essential when practicing yoga, so that negative patterns of consciousness don’t cause further stress when working with the body.
Secondly, they are important because ethical action is the source of positive relationship with others and the world, aiding in greater harmony between the individual and his environment. |
Yoga exercises (Asana) - In Yoga, the body is treated with care and respect, for it is the primary instrument in the students’ work and growth. Asana improves circulation, creates muscular stability and flexibility, stimulates the abdominal organs, and puts pressure on the body's glandular system, which aids in detoxification and generally results in improved health. Think of the body as a sophisticated system in which all components support the health of the others. As we systematically work on each aspect of the body, overall health comes as the entire system is functioning better.
Breathing techniques (Pranayama) were developed based on the concept that breath is the source of life and the carrier of the vital energy ‘Prana’. In Yoga, students gain breathing control as they slowly increase their breath capacity. By focusing on their breath, they prepare their minds for the next step - Meditation. Our breath is also integrally linked with our underlying thoughts and emotional patterns; so by working with the breath we are working on balancing these underlying patterns of consciousness. There are numerous Pranayama techniques with different qualities and effects. In Ayurvedic medicine, specific Pranayama are prescribed to balance the internal chemistry and Nadis (energy meridians). It is highly recommended one be taught Pranayama and Meditation by an experienced teacher.
Meditation (Dyana) is a greatly misunderstood practice. Many people believe that in order to meditate successfully, one has to “empty” their mind. This is almost impossible for the untrained student and can be the source of much frustration. For this reason, the Yogis designed a progressive system which prepares the practitioner correctly so that they can sit comfortably with a level of mental peace and non-reactivity. There are ways to meditate when the mind is reactive, or when there is discomfort or even pain in the body. This requires much more effort, although, for some with chronic disease, it is the only option. Whether by sheer mental will or by the progressive relaxation and focusing of the mind from balanced practice, the meditator begins to observe the passing of sensation phenomena from a peaceful inner space.
Breathing techniques (Pranayama) were developed based on the concept that breath is the source of life and the carrier of the vital energy ‘Prana’. In Yoga, students gain breathing control as they slowly increase their breath capacity. By focusing on their breath, they prepare their minds for the next step - Meditation. Our breath is also integrally linked with our underlying thoughts and emotional patterns; so by working with the breath we are working on balancing these underlying patterns of consciousness. There are numerous Pranayama techniques with different qualities and effects. In Ayurvedic medicine, specific Pranayama are prescribed to balance the internal chemistry and Nadis (energy meridians). It is highly recommended one be taught Pranayama and Meditation by an experienced teacher.
Meditation (Dyana) is a greatly misunderstood practice. Many people believe that in order to meditate successfully, one has to “empty” their mind. This is almost impossible for the untrained student and can be the source of much frustration. For this reason, the Yogis designed a progressive system which prepares the practitioner correctly so that they can sit comfortably with a level of mental peace and non-reactivity. There are ways to meditate when the mind is reactive, or when there is discomfort or even pain in the body. This requires much more effort, although, for some with chronic disease, it is the only option. Whether by sheer mental will or by the progressive relaxation and focusing of the mind from balanced practice, the meditator begins to observe the passing of sensation phenomena from a peaceful inner space.
There are many forms of Meditation which consist of visualization, mantra repetition, and observation of sensation, to name a few. The practice of Meditation is the most effective way to bring about inner peace and spiritual unity, as we bring ourselves to a state of mental quietude and, from there, allow ourselves to observe reality as it is. This develops equanimity and non-attachment to the waves of life.
Through the holistic practice of ethical conduct, Yoga Asana, Pranayama and Meditation we develop compassion, health, mental and emotional stability and flexibility, and a feeling of connection with ourselves, others and the world. |
Six Branches of Yoga
Hatha Yoga (Yoga of Postures or Forceful Action)
Hatha Yoga is perhaps the path of Yoga you are most familiar with since this is the most popular branch of Yoga in the West. This branch of Yoga uses physical poses or Asana, Breathing Techniques or Pranayama, and Meditation to achieve better health, as well as spiritual connection. There are many styles within this path - Iyengar, Integral, Astanga, Kripalu, and JivaMukti, just to name a few. If what you want is a peaceful mind and a healthy body to go along with it, Hatha Yoga may just be the path for you. Bhakti Yoga (Yoga of Devotion) Bhakti Yoga is the path most followed in India. This is the path of the heart and devotion. Yogis who practice this branch see the "One" or the Divine in everyone and everything. Bhakti Yoga teaches a person to have devotion to the "One" or to Brahma by developing a person's love and acceptance for all things. |
Raja Yoga (Yoga of Self-Control)
Raja means "royal". This path is considered to be the King of Yoga and this may be due to the fact that most of its practitioners were traditionally members of religious and spiritual orders. Raja Yoga is based on the teachings of the Eight Limbs of Yoga found in the Yoga Sutra. Hatha Yoga is a component of Raja Yoga.
A Raja Yogi sees the self as central, and as such, respect for oneself and for all creation is vital to this path. They achieve self-respect by first learning to be masters of themselves.
If you wish to learn discipline, then Raja Yoga would perfectly suit that need.
Jnana Yoga (Yoga of the Mind)
Jnana Yoga is the path of Yoga that basically deals with the mind, and as such, it focuses on man's intelligence. Jnana Yogis consider wisdom and intellect to be important and they aim to unify the two to surpass the limitations of the ego. Since they wish to gain knowledge, they are open to other philosophies and religion; for they believe that an open and rational mind is crucial in knowing the spirit.
Karma Yoga (Yoga of Service)
Karma Yoga is the path of service. In this path, it is believed that your present situation is based on your past actions. So by doing selfless service now, you are choosing a future that is free from negativity and selfishness. Karma Yogis change their attitude towards positive thinking; in the process, they change their actions and change their souls, which leads to a change in their destiny.
Raja means "royal". This path is considered to be the King of Yoga and this may be due to the fact that most of its practitioners were traditionally members of religious and spiritual orders. Raja Yoga is based on the teachings of the Eight Limbs of Yoga found in the Yoga Sutra. Hatha Yoga is a component of Raja Yoga.
A Raja Yogi sees the self as central, and as such, respect for oneself and for all creation is vital to this path. They achieve self-respect by first learning to be masters of themselves.
If you wish to learn discipline, then Raja Yoga would perfectly suit that need.
Jnana Yoga (Yoga of the Mind)
Jnana Yoga is the path of Yoga that basically deals with the mind, and as such, it focuses on man's intelligence. Jnana Yogis consider wisdom and intellect to be important and they aim to unify the two to surpass the limitations of the ego. Since they wish to gain knowledge, they are open to other philosophies and religion; for they believe that an open and rational mind is crucial in knowing the spirit.
Karma Yoga (Yoga of Service)
Karma Yoga is the path of service. In this path, it is believed that your present situation is based on your past actions. So by doing selfless service now, you are choosing a future that is free from negativity and selfishness. Karma Yogis change their attitude towards positive thinking; in the process, they change their actions and change their souls, which leads to a change in their destiny.
Tantra Yoga (Yoga of Rituals)
Perhaps the most misunderstood of all the paths…
Tantra Yoga is about using rituals and Kriyas (energetic transformation and purification techniques) to experience the divine/sacred through our own gross and subtle senses. Many associate Tantric Yoga with bizarre sexual practices. Although sex can be a part of it, it is certainly not the whole of the practice since this path aims to find the sacred in everything we do. Tantra Yogis must possess certain qualities like purity, humility, devotion, dedication to his/her Guru, cosmic love, and truthfulness, among other things.
Greg began his exploration into Tantric practices in the past two years and is just beginning to understand the tip of the iceberg of this ancient and rich path.
Perhaps the most misunderstood of all the paths…
Tantra Yoga is about using rituals and Kriyas (energetic transformation and purification techniques) to experience the divine/sacred through our own gross and subtle senses. Many associate Tantric Yoga with bizarre sexual practices. Although sex can be a part of it, it is certainly not the whole of the practice since this path aims to find the sacred in everything we do. Tantra Yogis must possess certain qualities like purity, humility, devotion, dedication to his/her Guru, cosmic love, and truthfulness, among other things.
Greg began his exploration into Tantric practices in the past two years and is just beginning to understand the tip of the iceberg of this ancient and rich path.
Misconceptions
There are still a lot of misconceptions about Yoga, for instance, the idea that Yoga is a religion. Yoga is not a religion. It is more of a set of techniques for us to find spirituality. In fact, Yoga is being practiced by countless people from all religions, including Christians, Jews, Buddhists, and Muslims.
Another misconception is that Yoga is simply a form of exercise, a way for us to keep fit. It is partly true, but if one thinks that Yoga is just that then they are missing out on the majority of this sacred, holistic system. Yoga develops the body, since a weak one can be a hindrance to spiritual growth. It does not simply focus on the physical but on the mental and spiritual aspects as well. In this way, the total person comes into harmony.
Another misconception is that Yoga is simply a form of exercise, a way for us to keep fit. It is partly true, but if one thinks that Yoga is just that then they are missing out on the majority of this sacred, holistic system. Yoga develops the body, since a weak one can be a hindrance to spiritual growth. It does not simply focus on the physical but on the mental and spiritual aspects as well. In this way, the total person comes into harmony.
Summary (As I have come to understand it)
Although some may debate this point, no single path of yoga is superior to another. They are all paths to liberation and unification of self and other. As each one of us comes into this world with different Karma, certain paths of Yoga may be more suited to some than others. In this way there is a path for everyone.
Om Shanti
Greg
Om Shanti
Greg