ज्ञान योग
जैसे गोताखोर मोती पाने के लिए समुद्र में डुबकी लगाता है वैसे ही दार्शनिक प्रकृति का व्यक्ति परमात्मा को ज्ञान मार्ग से पाना चाहता है । वह इस संसार की छोटी-छोटी वस्तुओं से सन्तुष्ट होने वाला मनुष्य नहीं है । अनेक ग्रन्थों के अवलोकन से भी उसे सन्तुष्टि नहीं मिलती । उसकी आत्मा सत्य को उसके प्रकृत रूप में देखना चाहती है और उस सत्य-स्वरूप का अनुभव करके, तद्रूप होकर, उस सर्वव्यापी परमात्मा के साथ एक होकर सत्ता के अन्तराल में समा जाना चाहती है । ऐसे दार्शनिक के लिए तो ईश्वर उसके जीवन का जीवन है, उसकी आत्मा की आत्मा है । ईश्वर स्वयं उसी की आत्मा है । ऐसी कोई अन्य वस्तु शेष ही नहीं रह जाती, जो ईश्वर न हो ।
द्वा सुपर्णा सयुजा सखाया समानं वृक्षं परिषस्वजाते ।तयोरन्य: पिप्पलं स्वादु अत्ति अनश्नन्नन्यो अभिचाक शीति ।समाने वृक्षे पुरुषो निमग्नो नीशया शोचति मुह्यमान: ।जुष्टं यदा पश्यत्यन्यमीशमस्य महिमानमिति वीतशोक: ।
(कठोपनिषद् 3-1-1 व 2)
एक ही वृक्ष पर दो पक्षी हैं, एक चोटी पर दूसरा नीचे । चोटी पर रहने वाला पक्षी शान्त, मौन, महिमाशाली और अपने ही ऐश्वर्य में मग्न है । नीचे की शाखाओं पर रहने वाला पक्षी, बारी-बारी से, मधुर और कटु फल खाता हुआ सुखी और दु:खी होता रहता है । कुछ काल के पश्चात् अत्यन्त कटु फल खाकर वह त्रस्त हो जाता है और ऊपर बैठे स्वर्ण पंख वाले पक्षी को देखता है जो कोई फल नहीं खाता । नीचे वाला पक्षी ऊपर वाले पक्षी के समीप पहुँचने का प्रयत्न करता है । ऊपर वाले पक्षी के पास पहुँच कर नीचे वाले पक्षी को ज्ञात होता है कि वह केवल छाया मात्र है । वास्तविक पक्षी एक ही है । ऊपर वाला पक्षी इस विश्व का प्रभु ईश्वर है और नीचे वाला पक्षी इस संसार के मधुर और कटु फलों का भक्षक जीवात्मा है । इन्द्रिय सुखों से ऊपर उठकर जीवात्मा को पता चलता है कि वह भी स्वरूपत: ब्रह्म ही है ।
ज्ञान योग की व्याख्या उपनिषदों में की गयी है । इसीलिए इस योग के तीन ही सोपान हैं-(१)श्रवण (उपनिषदों में कही गयी बातों को सुनना या पढ़ना); (२) मनन (श्रवण किये गये मन्तव्य पर चिन्तन करना (३) निदिध्यासन (सभी वस्तुओं से अपना ध्यान हटाकर साक्षी पक्षी की तरह बन जाना) । स्वयं को तथा संसार को ब्रह्ममय समझने से ब्रह्म से एकत्व स्थापित हो जाता है ।
ज्ञानयोग क्या है
तात्पर्य (meaning) – ज्ञानयोग से तात्पर्य है – ‘विशुद्ध आत्मस्वरूप का ज्ञान’ या ‘आत्मचैतन्य की अनुभूति’ है। इसे उपनिषदों में ब्रह्मानुभूति भी कहा गया है।
ज्ञानयोग के साहित्य में उपनिषत्, गीता, तथा आचार्य शंकर के अद्वैत परक ग्रन्थ तथा उन पर भाष्यपरक ग्रन्थ हैं। इन्हीं से ज्ञान योग की परम्परा दृढ़ होती है।
कर्म - योग , ज्ञान - योग और भक्ति
गीता में योग के सम्बन्ध में निम्न शब्द मिलते हैं ------
सांख्य - योग .....
ज्ञान - योग ......
बुद्धि - योग .....
ध्यान .........
भक्ति ........
परा - भक्ति ......
छः बाँतें जो गीता कहता है , जैसा ऊपर दिया भी गया है , उनका आपसी क्या कोई समीकरण है ,
क्या कोई ऎसी स्थिति भी आती है , जहां सभीं मिलते भी हों ?
ऐसे लोग जिनका केंद्र है - बुद्धि , जो , जो करते हैं , उसके पीछे
लौकिक ज्ञान - वैदिक ज्ञान, साधारण ज्ञान एवं असाधारण ज्ञान, प्रत्यक्ष ज्ञान - परोक्ष ज्ञान आत्मस्वरूप की अनुभूति ब्रह्म की अनूभूति सच्चिदानन्द की अनुभूति विशुद्ध चैतन्य की अवस्था 
श्रवण, मनन एवं निदिध्यासन
Babies are born yogis. Once we were all able to pull our toes up by our ears and laugh about it. Then we aged, got injured, began carrying stress in our shoulders and back.
Address; shop no 2, neptune building, ground floor E wing kamgaar panchganga housing society pushpa park near western express highway malad east mumbai -97
INDIA
सांख्य - योग .....
ज्ञान - योग ......
बुद्धि - योग .....
ध्यान .........
भक्ति ........
परा - भक्ति ......
छः बाँतें जो गीता कहता है , जैसा ऊपर दिया भी गया है , उनका आपसी क्या कोई समीकरण है ,
क्या कोई ऎसी स्थिति भी आती है , जहां सभीं मिलते भी हों ?
ऐसे लोग जिनका केंद्र है - बुद्धि , जो , जो करते हैं , उसके पीछे
तर्क - वितर्क की एक लम्बी फौज होती है ।
ऐसे लोग वैज्ञानिक बुद्धि वाले होते हैं ।
जब ऐसे लोग प्रभु की खोज में चलते हैं जैसे बुद्ध और महाबीर , जे कृष्णमूर्ति और ओशो ,
तब उनके पास
उनके आगे - आगे उनकी बुद्धि चलती है और उसके पीछे उनका तन होता है ।
कर्म तो सभी करते हैं - जो संन्यासी की वेश - भूषा में भिखारी बन कर
घर - घर भीख मांग रहे हैं , वह भी एक कर्म ही है , जो लोग फैक्ट्री में मशीनों के ऊपर
लगे हैं , वह भी कर्म है और जो रात में चोरी करनें का ब्लू - प्रिंट तैयार
कर रहे होते हैं , वह भी कर्म ही है ।
कुछ लोग कर्म को प्रभु मार्ग खोजनें का माध्यम बनाना चाहते हैं
जिसकी चर्चा प्रभु श्री कृष्ण , गीता में अर्जुन के साथ करते हैं ।
प्रभु कहते हैं - अर्जुन ! तूं इस युद्ध में भाग ले या न ले लेकीन यह युद्ध तो होना ही है ,
लेकीन भाग न लेकर तूं एक ऐसा मौक़ा गवा रहा है जो
किसी - किसी को कई जन्मों के बाद मिलता है ।
कर्म में उन तत्वों को समझना जिनके कारण वह कर्म हो रहा होता है ,
उस कर्म को भोग कर्म से योग - कर्म में बदल देता है ।
भोग कर्म जब योग - कर्म में
बदल जाता है तब वह करता रूप में दिखनें वाला , कर्म - योग में होता है
जहां वह कर्म के उन तत्वों की पकड़ को स्वतः छोड़ देता है जिसको
कर्म संन्यास कहते हैं और उन तत्वों का वह त्यागी बन जाता है ।
कर्म - तत्वों के प्रति जो होश होता है ,
उसे कहते हैं - ज्ञान अर्थात ------
कर्म - योग का परिणाम है ज्ञान और गीता कहता है ......
योग , चाहे कोई भी हो , सब की सिद्धि पर ज्ञान मिलता है ,
ज्ञान वह है जिस से ----
प्रकृति - पुरुष .....
क्षेत्र - क्षेत्रज्ञ ......
सत - असत .....
रात - दिन ......
रोशनी - अँधेरे का पता चलता है ॥ समें समाहित होते हैं।
ज्ञानयोग का स्वरूप
ज्ञानयोग का स्वरूप (Nature of Jnana Yoga) – ज्ञानयोग दो शब्दों से मिलकर बना है – “ज्ञान” तथा “योग”। ज्ञान शब्द के कई अर्थ किये जाते हैं –
लौकिक ज्ञान - वैदिक ज्ञान, साधारण ज्ञान एवं असाधारण ज्ञान, प्रत्यक्ष ज्ञान - परोक्ष ज्ञान किन्तु ज्ञानयोग में उपरोक्त मन्तव्यों से हटकर अर्थ सन्निहित किया गया है। ज्ञान शब्द की उत्पत्ति “ज्ञ” धातु से हुयी है, जिससे तात्पर्य है – जानना। इस जानने में केवल वस्तु (Object) के आकार प्रकार का ज्ञान समाहित नहीं है, वरन् उसके वास्तविक स्वरूप की अनुभूति भी समाहित है। इसप्रकार ज्ञानयोग में यही अर्थ मुख्य रूप से लिया गया है।
ज्ञानयोग में ज्ञान से आशय अधोलिखित किये जाते हैं –
आत्मस्वरूप की अनुभूति ब्रह्म की अनूभूति सच्चिदानन्द की अनुभूति विशुद्ध चैतन्य की अवस्थाज्ञानयोग के दार्शनिक आधार
ज्ञानयोग के दार्शनिक आधार (Philosophical foundationof Jnana Yoga) – ज्ञानयोग जिसदार्शनिक आधार को अपने में समाहित करता है, वह है ब्रह्म (चैतन्य) ही मूल तत्त्व है उसी की अभिव्यक्ति परक समस्त सृष्टि है। इस प्रकार मूल स्वरूप का बोध होना अर्थात् ब्रह्म की अनूभूति होना ही वास्तविक अनुभूति या वास्तविक ज्ञान है। एवं इस अनुभूति को कराने वाला ज्ञानयोग है। विवेकानन्द ज्ञान योग को स्पष्ट करते हुये कहते हैं कि आत्मा ऐसा वृत्त है जिसकी परिधि सर्वत्र है परन्तु जिसका केन्द्र कहीं नहीं हैऔर ब्रह्म ऐसा वृत्त है जिसकी परिधि कहीं नहीं है, परन्तु जिसका केन्द्र सर्वत्र है। यही ज्ञान यथार्थ ज्ञान है।
ज्ञानयोग की विधि
ज्ञानयोग की विधि (Method of Jnana Yoga)– विवेकानन्द के अनुसार ज्ञानयोग के अन्तर्गत सबसे पहले निषेधात्मक रूप से उन सभी वस्तुओं से ध्यान हटाना है जो वास्तविक नहीं हैं, फिर उस पर ध्यान लगाना है जो हमारा वास्तविक स्वरूप है – अर्थात् सत् चित् एवं आनन्द। उपनिषदों में इसे
श्रवण, मनन एवं निदिध्यासनसे कहा गया है। इसके अन्तर्गत ब्रह्मवाक्यों श्रवण, मनन तथा निदिध्यासन को कहा गया है। ये ब्रह्म वाक्य प्रधान रूप से चार माने गये हैं –
1. अयमात्मा ब्रह्म
2. सर्वं खल्विदं ब्रह्म
3. तत्त्वमसि
4. अहं ब्रह्मस्मि
गुरु मुख से इनके श्रवण के अनन्तर इनके वास्तविकर अर्थ की अनुभूति ही ज्ञानयोग की प्राप्ति कही गयी है।
आचार्य शंकर का अद्वैत वेदान्त तथा ज्ञान योग
आचार्य शंकर का अद्वैत वेदान्त तथा ज्ञान योग (Acharya Shankara Advait Vedanta and Jnana Yoga)– आचार्य शंकर (7-8 वीं शताब्दी ईसा.) के अनुसार परमतत्त्व अद्वैत परक है, इसअद्वैत की अनुभूति ही वास्तविक ज्ञान है, इसे ही ब्रह्मनुभूति कहा गया है। चूँकि इस अनुभूति में सामान्य दुःख आदि नहीं रहते अतः आनन्द की स्थिति भी कहा गया है। आचार्य शंकर ने ज्ञान के द्वारा ही ब्रह्म कीअनुभूति को सम्भव माना है। इसके लिये वे केवल कर्म या केवल भक्ति को अपर्याप्त मानते हैं। आचार्य शंकर के अद्वैत वेदान्त का सार निम्न श्लोक से कहा जाता है –
“ब्रह्मसत्यं जगन्मिथ्या जीवो ब्रह्मैव नापरः”
अर्थात् ब्रह्म सत्य है एवं जगत मिथ्या है तथा जीव एवं ब्रह्म अलग नहीं है। (अर्थात् एक ही हैं।) इसी एकत्व या अद्वैत भाव की अनुभूति ही वास्तविक ज्ञान है। एवं इसकी
अनुभूति महावाक्यो (उपरोक्त चार) तथा उनके श्रवण, मनन एवं निदिध्यासन से संभव बतलायी गयी है। इसके साथ आचार्य शंकर ने साधन-चतुष्टय को भी बतलाया है –
1. नित्यानित्य वस्तुविवेक
2. इहमुत्रार्थ भोगविराग,
3. शमदमादि साधनसम्पत्
4. मुमुक्षत्व
योगरस ; राष्ट्रीय हिंदी मासिक पत्रिका
ज्ञानयोग सेवा केंद्र द्वारा लोकहित में जारी मासिक पत्रिका मुख्य संपादक ज्ञानेंद्र पाण्डेय योग गुरु एवं प्रतीक्षक ,
Namastey,
Monthly magazine on yoga, astrology, healing, lifestyle, religion , fashion and films including celebrity interviews.
What is Yoga?
The Roots of Yoga
The word Yoga comes from the Sanskrit word "Yuj" meaning to yoke, join or unite. This implies joining or integrating all aspects of the individual - body with mind and mind with soul - to achieve a happy, balanced and useful life, and spiritually, uniting the individual with the supreme.
In India, Yoga is considered one of the six branches of classical philosophy and is referred to throughout the Vedas - ancient Indian scriptures and amongst the oldest texts in existence.The Upanishads are also broadly philosophical treatises which postdate the Vedas and deal with the nature of the "soul" and universe.
However, the origins of yoga are believed to be much older than that, stemming from the oral traditions of Yogis, where knowledge of Yoga was handed down from Guru (spiritual teacher) to Sisya (spiritual student) all the way back to the originators of Yoga, "the Rishis," who first began investigation into the nature of reality and man's inner world.
Legend has it that knowledge of Yoga was first passed by Lord Shiva to his wife Parvati and from there into the lives of men.
The Aim of Yoga
According to the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, the ultimate aim of Yoga is to reach "Kaivalya" (emancipation or ultimate freedom). This is the experience of one's innermost being or "soul" (the Purusa). Then one becomes free of chains of cause and effect (Karma) which tie us to continual reincarnation. In Kaivalya one is said to exist in peace and tranquillity, having attained absolute knowledge of the difference between the spiritual which is timeless, unchanging and free of sorrows, and the material which is not.
This is considered desirable as life is analysed as ultimately full of sorrows and pain- even pleasure and joy leave pain and loss when they have gone as nothing in the material world is permanent.
Yoga is therefore a spiritual quest. However, along the path of yoga, the aspirant also gains health, happiness, tranquillity and knowledge which are indicators of progress and an encouragement to continue their practice. Buddhism and other Eastern spiritual traditions use many techniques derived from Yoga.
The Paths of Yoga
There are said to be 4 main paths (Margas), according to the Bhagavad Gita, by which to reach the ultimate goal of Yoga - "Kaivalya." There is the path of Knowledge (Jnana Marga) in which one learns to discriminate between what is real and what is illusory, the path of selfless work (Karma marga), the path of devotion (Bhakti Marga) and the path of control of the mind (Yoga Marga) where all the activities of the mind and consciousness are studied and brought under control. From these have come the various paths of yoga which can be followed.
- Raja yoga involves mastery of the mind and senses in Samadhi; essentially the advanced aspects of Patanjali's astanga yoga.
- Hatha yoga is the yoga of the will which involves cultivating ones energy to arouse Kundalini primarily by means of asana and pranayama.
- Mantra yoga involves reciting sacred syllables to reach perfection.
- Laya yoga involves absorption in god to experience ultimate bliss.
- Bhakti yoga requires absolute devotion to god to achieve the ultimate goal.
- Karma yoga achieves this through selfless work without thought of personal reward.
- Jnana yoga is the yoga of knowledge cultivating the discrimination between spiritual reality and the illusion of the material world.
It must be realised that there are no clear cut boundaries between these various paths and all draw on the practices and philosophy of the others; effectively all paths have the same goal and "tread the same terrain." They are different views of the same topic.
The Schools of Yoga
Various schools or styles of Yoga have grown around each of these paths, which emphasise different aspects of these paths, or a combination of them, in their practical methodology. Usually these schools are established by renowned teachers or gurus and reflect their methodologies and ways of practicing, teaching and following the path of yoga. Some of the most well known modern schools or styles of yoga include: Iyengar, Astanga, Vini, Ananda, Anusara, Bikram, Integral, Kali Ray Tri, Kripalu, Kundalini and Sivananda. Interestingly, 3 of the most popular schools today - Iyengar, Astanga and Vini Yoga - were all developed by students of Sri T. Krishnamacharya.
Particular styles or methods may be considered more effective than others or may suit an individual's temperament better. That said, it must always be remembered that all these are merely different methods of reaching for the same ultimate goal. They are all aspects of the overall philosophy of Yoga.
The Philosophy of Yoga
The philosophy of Yoga comes from many sources and has been presented in many fashions with differing emphasis depending on the understanding of the author.
The Vedas and Upanishads give some of the earliest references to the paths of yoga. These scriptures form the basis of Indian religious practices but contain many varied references to yoga and other things.
There are the Puranas, also ancient, which deal with the nature of the universe.
Famous epics such as the Ramayana and Mahabarata contain stories of the gods and lectures on moral and philosophical subjects with references to yogis and yogic practices.
The Bhaghavad Gita is a particularly famous part of the Mahabarata which contains a detailed discourse on yoga by Krisna to Arjuna.
Other texts such as the Hatha Yoga Pradipika are more "technical manuals" of yoga which go into detail on technique as opposed to just the theory.
In general all these texts discuss Yoga from the particular standpoint of the authors and the paths to Yoga they have followed. In many ways this subject can be confusing for lack of a clear overview. This need is answered in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.
Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
The varied philosophies and methodologies of Yoga itself were clearly and methodically brought together and presented by the sage Patanjali in his set of 196 aphorisms called "The Yoga Sutras," written some 2200 years ago. The Sutras bring together all the various strands of theory and practice from all sources of yoga and present them in one concise, integrated and comprehensive text. How all the aspects interrelate and form part of the whole body of yoga are clearly elucidated. There are 8 disciplines to yoga as presented by Patanjali (thus Astanga yoga - 8 limbed yoga) which must be practiced and refined in order to perceive the true self- the ultimate goal of Yoga:
- Yama - Universal ethics: Non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, sexual restraint and non-acquisitiveness.
- Niyama - Principles of self conduct: purity, contentment, intense dedication or austerity, study of self and scriptures and self-surrender.
- Asana - practice of the postures.
- Pranayama - Breath control.
- Pratyahara - withdrawal and control of the senses.
- Dharana - concentration.
- Dhyana - meditation.
- Samadhi - a state of higher consciousness where the sense of self (ego) dissolves in the object of meditation and the individual self exists in its own pure nature.
The key elements of all the paths of yoga are presented in a balanced perspective and legend has it that Patanjali was himself a realised being and so writing from experience.
In the four chapters of his sutras he explains the levels of higher consciousness (Samadhi) which the aspirant must experience before reaching Kaivalya (emancipation) and the end of this world's spiritual pursuit. The second chapter deals with the methodology which must be followed to reach Samadhi and the hindrances which may be encountered. The unusual powers that may develop are also described with the warning that their lure must be avoided, while the final chapter covers the achievement of Kaivalya in detail.
These Sutras were and are still considered a most profound and enlightening study of the human psyche. Patanjali shows how through the practice of Yoga, we can transform ourselves, gain mastery over the mind and emotions, overcome obstacles to our spiritual evolution and attain the goal of yoga: liberation from the bondage of worldly desires. Written in Sanskrit, many commentaries and translations have been written over the centuries by various scholars and practitioners; each interpreting as per their era and understanding.
History of Yoga
No one knows exactly when Yoga began, but it certainly predates written history. Stone carvings depicting figures in Yoga positions have been found in archeological sites in the Indus Valley dating back 5,000 years or more. There is a common misconception that Yoga is rooted in Hinduism; on the contrary, Hinduism’s religious structures evolved much later and incorporated some of the practices of Yoga. (Other religions throughout the world have also incorporated practices and ideas related to Yoga.)
The tradition of Yoga has always been passed on individually from teacher to student through oral teaching and practical demonstration. The formal techniques that are now known as Yoga are, therefore, based on the collective experiences of many individuals over many thousands of years. The particular manner in which the techniques are taught and practiced today depends on the approach passed down in the line of teachers supporting the individual practitioner.
One of the earliest texts having to do with Yoga was compiled by a scholar named Patanjali, who set down the most prevalent Yoga theories and practices of his time in a book he called Yoga Sutras (“Yoga Aphorisms”) as early as the 1st or 2nd century B.C. or as late as the 5th century A.D. (exact dates are unknown). The system that he wrote about is known as “Ashtanga Yoga,” or the eight limbs of Yoga, and this is what is generally referred to today as Classical Yoga. Most current adherents practice some variation of Patanjali’s system.
The eight steps of Classical Yoga are 1) yama, meaning “restraint” — refraining from violence, lying, stealing, casual sex, and hoarding; 2) niyama, meaning “observance” — purity, contentment, tolerance, study, and remembrance; 3) asana, physical exercises; 4) pranayama, breathing techniques; 5) pratyahara, preparation for meditation, described as “withdrawal of the mind from the senses”; 6) dharana, concentration, being able to hold the mind on one object for a specified time; 7) dhyana, meditation, the ability to focus on one thing (or nothing) indefinitely; 8) samadhi, absorption, or realization of the essential nature of the self. Modern Western Yoga classes generally focus on the 3rd, 4th, and 5th steps.
Yoga probably arrived in the United States in the late 1800s, but it did not become widely known until the 1960s, as part of the youth culture’s growing interest in anything Eastern. As more became known about the beneficial effects of Yoga, it gained acceptance and respect as a valuable method for helping in the management of stress and improving health and well-being. Many physicians now recommend Yoga practice to patients at risk for heart disease, as well as those with back pain, arthritis, depression, and other chronic conditions.
How to Get Started
We at Gyan Yog Seva Kendra are there to teach you yoga and its outcoming benefits come and join us and enjoy the elixir of life
Babies are born yogis. Once we were all able to pull our toes up by our ears and laugh about it. Then we aged, got injured, began carrying stress in our shoulders and back.Namastey,
Monthly magazine on yoga, astrology, healing, lifestyle, religion , fashion and films including celebrity interviews.
What is Yoga?
The Roots of Yoga
The word Yoga comes from the Sanskrit word "Yuj" meaning to yoke, join or unite. This implies joining or integrating all aspects of the individual - body with mind and mind with soul - to achieve a happy, balanced and useful life, and spiritually, uniting the individual with the supreme.In India, Yoga is considered one of the six branches of classical philosophy and is referred to throughout the Vedas - ancient Indian scriptures and amongst the oldest texts in existence.The Upanishads are also broadly philosophical treatises which postdate the Vedas and deal with the nature of the "soul" and universe.
However, the origins of yoga are believed to be much older than that, stemming from the oral traditions of Yogis, where knowledge of Yoga was handed down from Guru (spiritual teacher) to Sisya (spiritual student) all the way back to the originators of Yoga, "the Rishis," who first began investigation into the nature of reality and man's inner world.
Legend has it that knowledge of Yoga was first passed by Lord Shiva to his wife Parvati and from there into the lives of men.
The Aim of Yoga
According to the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, the ultimate aim of Yoga is to reach "Kaivalya" (emancipation or ultimate freedom). This is the experience of one's innermost being or "soul" (the Purusa). Then one becomes free of chains of cause and effect (Karma) which tie us to continual reincarnation. In Kaivalya one is said to exist in peace and tranquillity, having attained absolute knowledge of the difference between the spiritual which is timeless, unchanging and free of sorrows, and the material which is not.This is considered desirable as life is analysed as ultimately full of sorrows and pain- even pleasure and joy leave pain and loss when they have gone as nothing in the material world is permanent.
Yoga is therefore a spiritual quest. However, along the path of yoga, the aspirant also gains health, happiness, tranquillity and knowledge which are indicators of progress and an encouragement to continue their practice. Buddhism and other Eastern spiritual traditions use many techniques derived from Yoga.
The Paths of Yoga
There are said to be 4 main paths (Margas), according to the Bhagavad Gita, by which to reach the ultimate goal of Yoga - "Kaivalya." There is the path of Knowledge (Jnana Marga) in which one learns to discriminate between what is real and what is illusory, the path of selfless work (Karma marga), the path of devotion (Bhakti Marga) and the path of control of the mind (Yoga Marga) where all the activities of the mind and consciousness are studied and brought under control. From these have come the various paths of yoga which can be followed.- Raja yoga involves mastery of the mind and senses in Samadhi; essentially the advanced aspects of Patanjali's astanga yoga.
- Hatha yoga is the yoga of the will which involves cultivating ones energy to arouse Kundalini primarily by means of asana and pranayama.
- Mantra yoga involves reciting sacred syllables to reach perfection.
- Laya yoga involves absorption in god to experience ultimate bliss.
- Bhakti yoga requires absolute devotion to god to achieve the ultimate goal.
- Karma yoga achieves this through selfless work without thought of personal reward.
- Jnana yoga is the yoga of knowledge cultivating the discrimination between spiritual reality and the illusion of the material world.
The Schools of Yoga
Various schools or styles of Yoga have grown around each of these paths, which emphasise different aspects of these paths, or a combination of them, in their practical methodology. Usually these schools are established by renowned teachers or gurus and reflect their methodologies and ways of practicing, teaching and following the path of yoga. Some of the most well known modern schools or styles of yoga include: Iyengar, Astanga, Vini, Ananda, Anusara, Bikram, Integral, Kali Ray Tri, Kripalu, Kundalini and Sivananda. Interestingly, 3 of the most popular schools today - Iyengar, Astanga and Vini Yoga - were all developed by students of Sri T. Krishnamacharya.Particular styles or methods may be considered more effective than others or may suit an individual's temperament better. That said, it must always be remembered that all these are merely different methods of reaching for the same ultimate goal. They are all aspects of the overall philosophy of Yoga.
The Philosophy of Yoga
The philosophy of Yoga comes from many sources and has been presented in many fashions with differing emphasis depending on the understanding of the author.The Vedas and Upanishads give some of the earliest references to the paths of yoga. These scriptures form the basis of Indian religious practices but contain many varied references to yoga and other things.
There are the Puranas, also ancient, which deal with the nature of the universe.
Famous epics such as the Ramayana and Mahabarata contain stories of the gods and lectures on moral and philosophical subjects with references to yogis and yogic practices.
The Bhaghavad Gita is a particularly famous part of the Mahabarata which contains a detailed discourse on yoga by Krisna to Arjuna.
Other texts such as the Hatha Yoga Pradipika are more "technical manuals" of yoga which go into detail on technique as opposed to just the theory.
In general all these texts discuss Yoga from the particular standpoint of the authors and the paths to Yoga they have followed. In many ways this subject can be confusing for lack of a clear overview. This need is answered in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.
Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
The varied philosophies and methodologies of Yoga itself were clearly and methodically brought together and presented by the sage Patanjali in his set of 196 aphorisms called "The Yoga Sutras," written some 2200 years ago. The Sutras bring together all the various strands of theory and practice from all sources of yoga and present them in one concise, integrated and comprehensive text. How all the aspects interrelate and form part of the whole body of yoga are clearly elucidated. There are 8 disciplines to yoga as presented by Patanjali (thus Astanga yoga - 8 limbed yoga) which must be practiced and refined in order to perceive the true self- the ultimate goal of Yoga:- Yama - Universal ethics: Non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, sexual restraint and non-acquisitiveness.
- Niyama - Principles of self conduct: purity, contentment, intense dedication or austerity, study of self and scriptures and self-surrender.
- Asana - practice of the postures.
- Pranayama - Breath control.
- Pratyahara - withdrawal and control of the senses.
- Dharana - concentration.
- Dhyana - meditation.
- Samadhi - a state of higher consciousness where the sense of self (ego) dissolves in the object of meditation and the individual self exists in its own pure nature.
In the four chapters of his sutras he explains the levels of higher consciousness (Samadhi) which the aspirant must experience before reaching Kaivalya (emancipation) and the end of this world's spiritual pursuit. The second chapter deals with the methodology which must be followed to reach Samadhi and the hindrances which may be encountered. The unusual powers that may develop are also described with the warning that their lure must be avoided, while the final chapter covers the achievement of Kaivalya in detail.
These Sutras were and are still considered a most profound and enlightening study of the human psyche. Patanjali shows how through the practice of Yoga, we can transform ourselves, gain mastery over the mind and emotions, overcome obstacles to our spiritual evolution and attain the goal of yoga: liberation from the bondage of worldly desires. Written in Sanskrit, many commentaries and translations have been written over the centuries by various scholars and practitioners; each interpreting as per their era and understanding.
History of YogaNo one knows exactly when Yoga began, but it certainly predates written history. Stone carvings depicting figures in Yoga positions have been found in archeological sites in the Indus Valley dating back 5,000 years or more. There is a common misconception that Yoga is rooted in Hinduism; on the contrary, Hinduism’s religious structures evolved much later and incorporated some of the practices of Yoga. (Other religions throughout the world have also incorporated practices and ideas related to Yoga.)The tradition of Yoga has always been passed on individually from teacher to student through oral teaching and practical demonstration. The formal techniques that are now known as Yoga are, therefore, based on the collective experiences of many individuals over many thousands of years. The particular manner in which the techniques are taught and practiced today depends on the approach passed down in the line of teachers supporting the individual practitioner. One of the earliest texts having to do with Yoga was compiled by a scholar named Patanjali, who set down the most prevalent Yoga theories and practices of his time in a book he called Yoga Sutras (“Yoga Aphorisms”) as early as the 1st or 2nd century B.C. or as late as the 5th century A.D. (exact dates are unknown). The system that he wrote about is known as “Ashtanga Yoga,” or the eight limbs of Yoga, and this is what is generally referred to today as Classical Yoga. Most current adherents practice some variation of Patanjali’s system. The eight steps of Classical Yoga are 1) yama, meaning “restraint” — refraining from violence, lying, stealing, casual sex, and hoarding; 2) niyama, meaning “observance” — purity, contentment, tolerance, study, and remembrance; 3) asana, physical exercises; 4) pranayama, breathing techniques; 5) pratyahara, preparation for meditation, described as “withdrawal of the mind from the senses”; 6) dharana, concentration, being able to hold the mind on one object for a specified time; 7) dhyana, meditation, the ability to focus on one thing (or nothing) indefinitely; 8) samadhi, absorption, or realization of the essential nature of the self. Modern Western Yoga classes generally focus on the 3rd, 4th, and 5th steps. Yoga probably arrived in the United States in the late 1800s, but it did not become widely known until the 1960s, as part of the youth culture’s growing interest in anything Eastern. As more became known about the beneficial effects of Yoga, it gained acceptance and respect as a valuable method for helping in the management of stress and improving health and well-being. Many physicians now recommend Yoga practice to patients at risk for heart disease, as well as those with back pain, arthritis, depression, and other chronic conditions. |
How to Get StartedWe at Gyan Yog Seva Kendra are there to teach you yoga and its outcoming benefits come and join us and enjoy the elixir of life |
In short, we lost our balance.
Yoga is an ancient practice that helps create a sense of union in body, mind, and spirit. It brings us balance.
I was seriously out of balance when I started practicing yoga in 1999. I had plantar fascitiis in both feet, and my doctor had put the kibosh on all the things I loved to do: walking, hiking, and playing tennis. I was desperate for exercise. Yoga became my salvation and even enhanced my other fitness activities.
I practice hatha yoga at least twice a week, but I consider yoga to be part of my daily life because after awhile you no longer just practice yoga - you live it.
do yoga poses throughout the day. After hours at my computer, I stretch my stiff shoulders and arms. When I need a boost of energy, I do energizing poses. When I am feeling exhausted at the end of the day, I do restorative poses.
Yoga becomes part of your mental life. Yoga teaches you to focus on breathing while you hold the poses. This attention to breath is calming; it dissolves stress and anxiety. I use yogic breathing on the tennis courts, in the dentist's chair, when I'm stuck in traffic.
You should always leave a yoga practice feeling energized, not tired. If you feel tired after yoga, it means you spent the time "fighting" yourself, trying to force yourself into poses. In yoga, you "surrender" to the pose by letting go of the tension.
Yoga becomes part of your spiritual life. Yoga is practiced by people from all religions; it is nondenominational. Yoga teaches "right" living in how we deal with ourselves and others. As I work on a difficult pose, I learn patience, forgiveness, and the value of gentleness. Yoga advocates proper eating, but you don't have to be a vegetarian to practice yoga.
There have been some medical studies on the positive effects of yoga. And a growing number of doctors are following the lead of cardiologist Dr. Dean Ornish and incorporating yoga into their patient recovery programs.
But for the most part, the evidence of the benefits of yoga is anecdotal. They range from the simple "I can touch my toes again" to "it helped me handle my disease." A woman who was diagnosed with hepatitis C, for example, said: "Yoga has helped me immensely to deal with the hepatitis C treatment. I truly feel that the reason that I have had such a successful treatment so far is that my whole being was ready, calm, and accepting of what would be-and throughout the treatment the ability to focus, breathe, and stretch the limits of my body and mind has definitely kept me together."
Anyone can do yoga-no matter how young or old you are, whether you're a couch potato or a professional athlete. Size and fitness level do not matter because there are modifications for every yoga pose. The idea is to explore your limits, not strive for some pretzel-like perfection.
Start by going to a yoga class. Look for a teacher who challenges you but does not push, who offers modifications, and who works one-on-one with students. Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move. Use a yoga mat for cushioning and to keep from slipping. If there is no yoga studio in your town, practice with a video and read books. Just remember one thing: "No pain, no gain" is NOT the yoga way. If it hurts, stop. Patience and feeling good about yourself and your world is the way of the yogi.
Yoga is an ancient art of meditation in India. It is considered that a regular practice of Yoga is very beneficial for achieving healthy body and sound mind. Yoga is also quoted to be very beneficial in the treatment of various ailments. Ayurvedic practitioners in India also suggest yoga as a part of their medical treatment. Yoga helps in enhancing your health and sense of well-being. There are several asana suggested in Yoga that actively works upon your body to help you achieve a perfect balance between your body requirements and energy produced. By balancing the hormonal production and organ functioning, yoga helps in healing several diseases. Here is a list…
Yoga has been used for disorders such as:
just mail us at gyanyogseva@gmail.com
yograspublication@gmail.com
cell 91- 9820104863
Yoga is an ancient practice that helps create a sense of union in body, mind, and spirit. It brings us balance.
I was seriously out of balance when I started practicing yoga in 1999. I had plantar fascitiis in both feet, and my doctor had put the kibosh on all the things I loved to do: walking, hiking, and playing tennis. I was desperate for exercise. Yoga became my salvation and even enhanced my other fitness activities.
I practice hatha yoga at least twice a week, but I consider yoga to be part of my daily life because after awhile you no longer just practice yoga - you live it.
do yoga poses throughout the day. After hours at my computer, I stretch my stiff shoulders and arms. When I need a boost of energy, I do energizing poses. When I am feeling exhausted at the end of the day, I do restorative poses.
Yoga becomes part of your mental life. Yoga teaches you to focus on breathing while you hold the poses. This attention to breath is calming; it dissolves stress and anxiety. I use yogic breathing on the tennis courts, in the dentist's chair, when I'm stuck in traffic.
You should always leave a yoga practice feeling energized, not tired. If you feel tired after yoga, it means you spent the time "fighting" yourself, trying to force yourself into poses. In yoga, you "surrender" to the pose by letting go of the tension.
Yoga becomes part of your spiritual life. Yoga is practiced by people from all religions; it is nondenominational. Yoga teaches "right" living in how we deal with ourselves and others. As I work on a difficult pose, I learn patience, forgiveness, and the value of gentleness. Yoga advocates proper eating, but you don't have to be a vegetarian to practice yoga.
There have been some medical studies on the positive effects of yoga. And a growing number of doctors are following the lead of cardiologist Dr. Dean Ornish and incorporating yoga into their patient recovery programs.
But for the most part, the evidence of the benefits of yoga is anecdotal. They range from the simple "I can touch my toes again" to "it helped me handle my disease." A woman who was diagnosed with hepatitis C, for example, said: "Yoga has helped me immensely to deal with the hepatitis C treatment. I truly feel that the reason that I have had such a successful treatment so far is that my whole being was ready, calm, and accepting of what would be-and throughout the treatment the ability to focus, breathe, and stretch the limits of my body and mind has definitely kept me together."
Anyone can do yoga-no matter how young or old you are, whether you're a couch potato or a professional athlete. Size and fitness level do not matter because there are modifications for every yoga pose. The idea is to explore your limits, not strive for some pretzel-like perfection.
Start by going to a yoga class. Look for a teacher who challenges you but does not push, who offers modifications, and who works one-on-one with students. Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move. Use a yoga mat for cushioning and to keep from slipping. If there is no yoga studio in your town, practice with a video and read books. Just remember one thing: "No pain, no gain" is NOT the yoga way. If it hurts, stop. Patience and feeling good about yourself and your world is the way of the yogi.
Yoga is an ancient art of meditation in India. It is considered that a regular practice of Yoga is very beneficial for achieving healthy body and sound mind. Yoga is also quoted to be very beneficial in the treatment of various ailments. Ayurvedic practitioners in India also suggest yoga as a part of their medical treatment. Yoga helps in enhancing your health and sense of well-being. There are several asana suggested in Yoga that actively works upon your body to help you achieve a perfect balance between your body requirements and energy produced. By balancing the hormonal production and organ functioning, yoga helps in healing several diseases. Here is a list…
Yoga has been used for disorders such as:
- Acid Stomach -Yoga is very helpful in treating digestive ailments like acidity and indigestion.
- Addictions- Several addictions like alcohol and drugs can be overcome with the help of yoga.
- Asthma - As yoga focuses on breathing techniques, it is very helpful in treatment of Asthma and other breathing ailments.
- Backache - Many Yoga postures focus on right posture and flexibility of spine leading to big relief from Backache.
- Bronchitis - Yoga is also a great reliever from allergic bronchitis. It helps in clearance of breathing passages in the respiratory system.
- Cancer - Yoga is said to be very beneficial in treatment of many types of cancer. Though it is difficult to prove medically, there are many claimants which support the fact.
- Cold - Simple cough and cold can be easily treated through cold. In fact regular practitioners of Pranayams can easily prevent you from regular cold and cough.
- Constipation - Various Mudras of Yoga help in relaxation of digestive bowel leading to relief from constipation and other such ailments.
- Depression- Yoga is a big reliever from depression. It soothes you anxiety and pacifies your heart.
- Diabetes - Though yoga can't completely cure diabetes. It is very helpful in managing insulin in your body.
- Eyestrain and Headache - Eyestrain and headaches are common problems suffered by everybody. Yoga has a solution to all this.
- Heart Disorders - Yoga is very helpful in relieving hypertension and other heart ailments.
- Insomnia - Yoga helps one relieve from tension and anxiety leading to relief from insomnia.
- Menstrual disorders- Menstrual disorders are a common problem with almost all the woman. Yoga provides relief to it.
- Obesity - Various mudras of Yoga are very important in reducing fat and obesity.
- Sexual debility-Yoga has also proven effective in treatment of Sexual debility and several related diseases.
Points to keep in concern
- Regular practice of Yoga is mandatory to achieve any positive result.
- It is always beneficial to do yoga under a trained yoga instructor.
- Apart from yoga abide by the food chart that is required for treatment of that particular disease.
- Diseases like diabetes and heart disorders are not completely cured by yoga. Yoga helps in temporary management of body to go well with these ailments.
just mail us at gyanyogseva@gmail.com
yograspublication@gmail.com
cell 91- 9820104863
INDIA
