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What is Yoga
The word Yoga comes from the Sanskrit root yog, which means to join. It represents ‘the joining of the lower human nature to the higher’ or the ’union with the Self’.
‘One who controls his mind, intellect and ego, being absorbed in the spirit within him, finds fulfillment and internal bliss which is beyond the pale senses and reasoning’ Bhagavad Gita
The purpose of life should be sought in the depths of the soul, by means of experience, hope, faith, a peaceful mind and spiritual wisdom.
The great sages of India have mastered many methods, so that every human being may realize his purpose of life, according to his own physical and mental capacities. All the ways of Yoga teach discipline and self-control and even though these Yoga methods appear to be different, their aim is same; that is Self-realization.
The Four Paths of Yoga
There are four types of persons in the world: the intellectual, active, emotional and contemplative.
Those who are intellectual follow the path of Jnana Yoga, the path of wisdom and discernment.
Those who are active follow the path of Karma Yoga, the path of action and selfless service.
Those who are emotional follow the path of Bhakti Yoga, the path of devotion and love, where the personality is dissolved and the individual becomes one with the Supreme.
Those who attach the greatest importance to contemplation follow the path of Raja Yoga, the way designed to control and master the mind by mental concentration. A branch of Raja Yoga is Hatha Yoga and prepares the Yogi for the higher stages of Raja Yoga.
Yoga of Synthesis
The Ananda Vedanta Ashram follows the rich tradition and philosophy of Swami Sivananda and Sri Vivekananda and insists on the practice of the Yoga of Synthesis. Swami Sivananda recognized that every human being possesses intellect, heart, body and mind. Therefore he advised to everyone to practice certain techniques from each of the four paths. He also taught that considering the individual temperament and taste one can emphasize the practice of certain Yoga over other.
The 5 Principles of Yoga
The various techniques of Yoga can be summarized, simplified and clarified into the 5 principles of Yoga. These principles are easy to understand and to follow in daily life. These five points are: Proper Exercise, Proper Breathing, Proper Relaxation, Proper Diet, Positive Thinking and Meditation.
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