HINDUISM FOR ALL - YOGA SYSTEM

HINDUISM FOR ALL

YOGA SYSTEM

The term Yoga is derived from its Sanskrit Root “Yuj” meaning “to Unite” the Human Spirit with that of Divine. The process by which this Union takes place is called Yoga. There are four forms of Yoga. They are Karma, Bhakti, Raaja and Jnyaana.

        All these four paths are not exclusive of each other but are complimentary to each other.

       Karma Yoga: is the path of selfless work without anticipating the fruits, leaving it to providence (or) God Supreme to decide.

       Bhakti Yoga: is to surrender oneself at the feet of God with total unshakable faith and devotion.

      Jnyaana Yoga: is to attain liberation through knowledge by applying stricts discretion in all walks of life and knowing the Supreme.

       

       Raaja Yoga: also known as the Royal Yoga, is compared to the King who controls the kingdom. Raaja Yoga prescribes controlling the five senses and the body through continuous practice of various exercises.

       Raaja Yoga refers to the path of physical identification of the six energy centres in the body (shat – chakra) namely Moolaadhaara Chakra, Svaadhishthaana Chakra, Manipoora Chakra, Anaahata Chakra, Vishuddha Chakra and Aajnya Chakra, raising the Kundalini or the potential energy and making it attain the union with sahasraara kamala in the cerebral.

This is found used in Tantras too. This system of Raaja Yoga is also called Ashtaanga Yoga. This was systematized by Rishi Patanjali in his Yoga Sootras. He set out eight fold steps for attaining unity with Supreme self. They are –

1. Yama

2. Niyama

3. Aasana

4. Praanaayama

5. Pratyaahaara

6. Dhaarana

7. Dhyaana

8. Samaadhi

 
   All the eight steps are sequential as well parallel i.e. one needs to practice all the steps simultaneously but at the same time, perfection in the previous steps only can ensure success in the latter.

Yama is physical restraint and Niyama is mental restraint. Aasanas are physical exercises, which help in keeping the body fit, a pre–requisite for meditation. Then aasana energizes the chakras and help to raise the Kundalini from the Moolaadhaara.

Praanaayama is the technique to control breath and the art of regulation of Praana, the life force. The greatness of Praana is well documented in Brihadaaranyaka Upanishad. The control of mind, can be achieved by control of Praana. The relation between Praana and Mind can be seen in physical instances such as excited state of mind (fear, excitement) wherein the flow of breath in faster, in calm situations, the flow of breath is even. Thus Praanaayama ensures control of mental volitions.

The remaining steps are purely psychological wherein the devotee moves closer to attaining union with Supreme Power and identifying that essentially the Individual Soul (Jeevaatma) and Supreme Soul (Paramaatma) are one.

        

This article is a snippet from the Book Hinduism For All, Authored by TS Srinivasan and Edited By Dr Ramchandrashekar. Hinduism for All is available online at www.giri.in & across Giri Trading Agency Private Limited, A chain of Speciality Stores dealing in all kinds of products needed in Indian Culture & Tradition. 

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