In short, Yoga is a knowledge-based spiritual discipline and very subtle science that establishes harmony between mind and body. It is the science and art of healthy living.
According to modern scientists, whatever is in the universe is just a manifestation of the atom. The one who has experienced the unity of this existence in Yoga is called a Yogi. The Yogi attains complete freedom and liberation. This is called Mukti, Nirvana, Kaivalya, or Moksha.
“Yoga” is also used as an internal science. It is a combination of various types of processes through which a human being establishes harmony between body and mind and achieves self-realization. The purpose of yoga practice (sadhana) is to achieve ultimate retirement from all three types of sorrows so that every person can experience complete freedom, health, happiness, and harmony in life.
The origin of the Yoga Vidya is thousands of years old.
The sages and Rishis spread this very important Yoga Vidya throughout the world, including Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, and South America.
Interestingly, modern scholars have noted and been amazed at the similarities found in ancient cultures across the globe. However, the Yoga system was fully developed in India.
Agastya Muni, who traveled across the Indian subcontinent, spread this Yoga culture as a way of life to every part of the world.
The widespread nature of Yoga and its results are considered to be the reflection of the immortal culture of the Indus and Saraswati river valley civilizations 2700 B.C.-. Yoga has proved itself by making both the physical and spiritual aspects of humanity important. Numerous seals and fossil remains found with many figures practicing Yoga in the Indus Saraswati Valley civilization proved that Yoga existed in ancient India. The statues and seals of gods and goddesses found in the Saraswati Valley civilization point towards Tantra Yoga.
Yoga is found in Vedic and Upanishadic traditions, Shaiva, Vaishnava, and Tantric traditions, Indian philosophy, epics like Mahabharata, including Ramayana and Bhagavad Gita, Buddhist and Jain traditions, and the folk heritage of the world. Yoga was also practiced in the pre-Vedic period. Maharishi Patanjali organized and classified the ancient yoga practices that were prevalent then and systematically arranged their implications and related knowledge in a book called Patanjali Yoga Sutra.
Even after Patanjali, many sages and yoga acharyas contributed significantly to the preservation and development of this field through yoga practices and yogic literature. Yoga spread throughout the world from ancient times to today through the teachings of eminent yoga acharyas. Today everyone has a strong belief that yoga practice prevents diseases, and provides good care and health benefits. Millions of people all over the world are benefiting
from yoga practices. Yoga is developing and prospering day by day. In today’s time, yogic practice is becoming more important.
Yoga Basics
Yoga works according to the physical capacity of the individual, his mind, emotions, and energy levels. It is broadly divided into five categories:
Gyan Yoga: Yoga for understanding
Bhakti Yoga: Yoga for emotional culture
Karma Yoga: Yoga for disinterestedness
Dhyana Yoga: Yoga for meditation
Kriya Yoga: Yoga for the best use of life force
Each individual is a unique combination of these five yoga factors. Only a capable Guru (teacher) can guide a capable practitioner in the right combination of the basic yoga principles according to his needs. “In all the ancient interpretations of Yoga, it has been emphasized that it is essential to practice under the guidance of a capable Guru.”
Traditional Yoga Schools
Different schools of Yoga, traditions, philosophies, religions, and Guru-Shishya traditions have led to different traditional schools. These include Gyanayoga, Bhaktiyoga, Karayoga, Patanjaliyoga, Kundalini Yoga, Hathayoga, Dhyanyoga, Mantrayoga, Layayoga, Rajayoga, Jainyoga, Buddhistyoga etc. Each school has its approach and practice through which each Yoga school has succeeded in achieving the basic objectives and goals of Yoga.
Next Blog – Yogic Practices for Health and Human Well-being
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