What is Yoga?
Yoga means to join, yoke or unite two forces and thereby experience a state of oneness. From the spiritual concept of Hinduism, union means to merge the individual soul with the universal soul so as to reach the brahmic state (Supreme Consciousness). Yoga also means to unite the phenomenal world/nature (Prakrithi) with the absolute soul (Paramathma). There are many ways to understand one's own nature and unite with the supreme being. For many centuries, the seekers of liberation (moksha) have developed different schools and systems and practiced various methods to attain salvation. Most of these spiritual seekers, undoubtedly had given utmost importance to one primary object, which is prana (vital energy). Prana Bramana yoga is an attempt to understand what prana is and how it works in all parts and conditions of life, to practically learn how to attain prana subjectively and to use this vital force for our well-being. This results in consciously using the life-nourishing energy to know who one is and to reach a transcendental state to experience a sense of "I am that."
This entire universe is pervaded by prana (brahmic energy), and this prana is the sustaining force in all living and non-living entities. Prana is the primary force of creating, maintaining and dissolving this universe. When prana is outside of the body, it is cosmic; however, as it enters into a living being, it becomes individual prana that emanates from the soul and takes different forms such as ego, intelligence, consciousness, mind, senses and body. Within the body, it is more tamasic (gross); in mind, it is rajasic (dynamic); and in intelligence, consciousness and ego, it is satvic (luminous). If yoga means union, then it is the interaction between energies of the body, mind and the breath. When these energies interact, they create a different energy (as in a chemical reaction), which has an ability to change the property and character of the previous energies. So, there is a constant and continuous energy transformation in the body, mind and consciousness through the breath. Yogis used this energy in different ways to understand the universal order from the microcosm to the macrocosm.
Though prana changes its structure, its essence is the same, which is a life sustaining property. So breath prana is a sustaining force. Proper utilization of this cosmic energy, that moves through the breath, is the secret of self rejuvenation and self-realization. Union of each individual breath with the universal breath is yoga. Thus by mere practice of conscious breathing, one can experience the union of individual energy with the universal energy. Breath is the fundamental and primary force for maintaining health and controlling the mind. Each breath has a tremendous impact on the physical, emotional and psychological layers of the mind and body. When the breath is regulated, controlled and properly distributed by the body and mind, then both are capable of functioning with balance and harmony.
Yoga has been defined and interpreted in various ways. According to Patanjali, yoga is restraining the fluctuation of the consciousness. Consciouness manifests in the brain which then needs energy to function. If the consciousness is fluctuating, then energy moves and causes changes in the states of the consciousness. When consciousness is restrained, then the energy which causes the consciousness to move is also restrained. This restrained energy becomes subtle and moves toward the core to become energy of the core (similar to the gravity of the earth which is controlled by the sun) which is stronger than the power of the consciousness.
Pure and subtle energy of the consciousness reaches to the core energy (Soul), dissolves, and rests in the essential nature of it. The universal energy (like the gravitational force of the cosmic field which also controls the entire universe, incuding the sun) is the subtlest of all energies and its' gravitational power controls the entire universe. A practitioner's individual energy becomes transformational, having the potential to merge with the supreme energy to become one (Kaivalya). So, there exists energy transformation in each level of the evolution in the consciousness creating different states of energy: rising, restrained, distracted, one-pointed, tranquil, pure and transcendental. Since consciousness needs energy to function, the sum quantity of energy supplied to the conscious is proportional to its evolution. In the same way, every part of our being depends on this energy supply, ranging from a single cell to the most complex organs of the body. Yoga practice is a way to increase, restore and use the vital energy through conscious breathing (a connection between cosmic energy and individual energy) to gain optimum physical health and mental balance.
Yoga Practice is a way to refine the consciousness and to understand the essence of the soul (Atmabija), to develop the knowledge of the soul (Atmajnana), to have the vision of the soul (Atmajyothi), to rest in the light of the soul (Atma Sakashatkara) and finally to become one with the light of absoluteness (Parmatma jyothi). Lord Krishna says "yoga is showing the skill and finding the equalibrium in action." This is a practical explanation and application for today's yogis and spiritual seekers. The purpose and pursuit of yoga, over time, has changed. In the past, the aim of practicing yoga for self-realization and emancipation was exercised by those select people who renounced and isolated from the world. Today, more and more people are showing an interest in yoga practice; particularly in Hatha Yoga to gain health and mental peace. Practitioners have taken a different approach to yoga in an attempt to fulfill individual needs. However, the beauty, grace and power of yoga practice is unique whether it is practiced by ascetics for self-realization or by common people seeking a cure for physical and mental disorders or gaining peace of mind. Yoga guides both types of practitioners and provides a tool to fullfill their aim and needs. Furthermore, yoga helps the practitioner to develop self-awareness, brings balance and peace of mind allowing a deeper abilty to show love and compassion.
Yoga has been practiced from the beginning of creation. Lord Krishna says that yoga is ancient and that he taught it to the sun God (the giver of energy) who then taught it to kings and ascetics. Yoga is timeless and was started from the moment an individual soul began to seek the ways of knowing God as well as its own nature. So, yoga is the gift of divinity and the cosmic source which has descended from the heart of the Absolute Power, to the Sun God and finally to the creation. Yoga is a unique gift given to the human race. Whoever comes under the protection of various yoga practices, whether it is Jnana yoga (yoga of knowledge of the words with different frequency), Karma yoga (yoga of action), Bhakthi yoga (yoga of devotion in which energy of the emotional center is transformed to experience the ecstatic state of union with the cosmic energy) or Raja yoga (yoga of meditation in which energy is required to transform the meditator) will embrace, protect and ultimately guide the practitioner to know the truth, reality and the purpose of living. This knowledge can lead one to a moment making life filled with more love and compassion.
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