Bharatiya sanskriti has bestowed numerous principles for the welfare of humanity upon the world. One such gift is Yoga, which not only enhances longevity and health but also facilitates the attainment of Moksha (emancipation). This ancient science, passed down by our sages, is a powerful tool for the upliftment of mankind.
The significance and necessity of Yoga for spiritual advancement, physical, and mental health has been unanimously acknowledged by various Bharatiya philosophies and religious sects. Even non-Vedic Jain and Buddhist traditions accept the importance of Yoga for transforming cognitive intelligence and experiential wisdom.
Ancient Roots of Yoga
Yoga is mentioned in the Rig Veda, where it is presented as a means for the sages to connect with higher consciousness. The Rigveda contains mantras, hymns, and rituals used in dharmik practices, and also promotes Yoga as a method to reach higher states of awareness.
The importance of Yoga is highlighted in the Bhagavad Gita by Shri Krishna:
tapasvibhyo’dhiko yogī jñānibhyo’pimato’dhika
karmibhyaścādhiko yogī tasmādyogī bhavārjuna (Gita 6.46)
Meaning, The yogi is superior to the ascetic, scholar, and the ritualist. Therefore, O Arjuna, become a yogi. This advice of Shri Krishna to Arjuna suggests that Yoga is the highest form of spiritual practice. The practice of Yoga helps in gaining control over the mind and body, refining and elevating one’s personality. The Yajnavalkya Smriti also emphasises this by stating:
ayatu paramo dharmo yatyogenātmadarśanam
Meaning, our supreme duty is practicing Yoga that leads to introspection and self-realisation.
Maharshi Patanjali and the Yoga Sutras
Maharshi Patanjali, in his Yoga Sutras, describes the rigorous and prolonged practice necessary for mastering Yoga: sa tu dīrghakālanairantaryasatkārāsevito dhabhūmi (Yoga Sutra 1.14)
Meaning, that practice, when endowed with an uninterrupted and true devotional attitude for a long time, certainly has firm foundations. Yoga is equally beneficial for the average person and the aspirant seeking Mukti. Through Yoga, one can achieve comprehensive health and pave the way to Moksha.
In the Yoga Sutras, Patanjali defines Yoga as: yogaścittavttinirodha (Yoga Sutra 1.2)
Meaning, the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind. This cessation is achieved through consistent practice of Yoga and detachment, leading to the state where the seer abides in their true nature, as described in: tadā drausvarūpe’vasthānam (Yoga Sutra 1.3)
The Vedic Tradition and Yoga
The Vedas give a special place to Yoga, emphasising spiritual progress as their main subject. They outline rituals, worship, and other practices, with Yoga practice being fundamental. The Rig Veda suggests that no sacrifice can succeed without Yoga, indicating its significant role:
yasmādte na sidhyati yajño vipaścitaśrana
sa dhīnāyogaminvati (Rig Veda)
The Vishnu Purana states that the complete union of the individual ātmana with the Supreme ātmana is Yoga:
jīvātmā paramātmano aikya yoga ityucyate
The Importance of Yoga in Different Philosophical Systems
Yoga is also highly regarded in Jainism and Buddhism. These traditions emphasise Yoga’s role in transcending dualistic thinking and achieving a state of enlightened awareness. The importance of Yoga is accepted universally, whether in transforming intellectual knowledge into experiential wisdom or in achieving higher states of consciousness.
In the Bharatiya Yoga tradition, the main forms include Karma Yoga (the Yoga of action), Jnana Yoga (the Yoga of knowledge), and Bhakti Yoga (the Yoga of devotion). Yoga is essentially a spiritual process aimed at the integration of body, mind, and ātmana, striving to unite the individual ātmana with the Supreme in the state of Samadhi.
The Path to Self-Realisation
Jnana Yoga teaches that the ātmana is inherently blissful, knowledgeable, eternal, and pure. It posits that the realisation of the unity between the individual ātmana and the Supreme ātmana is Yoga. This understanding is encapsulated in the word: ahabrahmāsmi which means, “I am Brahman,” which signifies the ultimate realisation in Jnana Yoga.
The Eightfold Path of Yoga
Patanjali outlines the Eightfold Path (Ashtanga Yoga), which provides a comprehensive guide to achieving self-realisation:
1. Yama (Moral Principle): satya (Truthfulness), ahisā (Non-violence), asteya (Non-stealing), brahmacarya (Celibacy), aparigraha (Non-possessiveness)
2. Niyama (Self-discipline): śauca (Purity), sato a (Contentment), tapa (Austerity), svādhyāya (Self-study), īśvarapraidhāna (Surrender to God)
3. Asana (Physical Posture): sthirasukhamāsanam (Yoga Sutra 2/46) – Meaning, Asana is a stable and comfortable posture
4. Pranayama (Breath Control): tasminsati śvāsapraśvāsayorgativiccheda prāāyāma (Yoga Sutra 2.49) – Meaning, Pranayama is the regulation of breath
5. Pratyahara (Withdrawal of Senses): svaviayāsamprayoge cittasya svarūpānukāra ivendriyāā pratyāhāra (Yoga Sutra 2.54) – Meaning, the senses withdraw from the objects and turn inward
6. Dharana (Concentration): deśabandhaścittasya dhāraā (Yoga Sutra 3.1) – Meaning, concentration is the binding of mind to one place
7. Dhyana (Meditation): tatra pratyayaikatānatā dhyānam (Yoga Sutra 3.2) – Meaning,
uninterrupted flow of consciousness towards the object of meditation
8. Samadhi (Absorption): tadevārthamātranirbhāsa svarūpaśūnyamiva samādhi (Yoga Sutra 3.3) – Meaning, the state where the object of meditation shines forth without the interference of the mind
