Wednesday, November 12, 2008

What is Yoga?

Yoga originated in India. The word yoga means "union" or "linking process" in Sanskrit.

It means, union occurring between the Soul and Supersoul, and according to revealed scriptures Yoga was first performed by Lord Brahma.

Even now, in this modern era more and more people are attracted to it, because they are attaining best results- the topmost spiritual realization. Like, peace of mind and a healthy body.

There are different types of Yoga according to scriptures:

karma yoga.

jñāna-yoga.

dhyāna-yoga.

bhakti-yoga.

All kinds of yoga practices lies in bhakti yoga. Other yogas are but means to come to the point of bhakti-yoga. Yoga actually means bhakti-yoga; all other yogas are steps towards the destination of bhakti-yoga. From the beginning of karma-yoga to the end of bhakti-yoga is a long way to self-realization.

Karma yoga -is the beginning of this path. When karma-yoga increases in knowledge and renunciation, the stage is called jñāna-yoga. When jñāna-yoga increases in meditation on the Super soul by different physical processes, and the mind is on Him, it is called aṣṭāńga-yoga. And when one surpasses the aṣṭāńga-yoga and comes to the point of the Supreme Lord , it is called bhakti yoga

Bhakti yoga is the ultimate goal, but to analyze it minutely one has to understand these other yogas. The yogī who is progressive is therefore on the true path of eternal good fortune. One who sticks to a particular point and does not make further progress is called by that particular name: karma-yogī, jñāna-yogī or dhyāna-yogī, rāja-yogī, haṭha-yogī, etc. If one is fortunate enough to come to the point of bhakti-yoga, it is to be understood that he has surpassed all other yogas.