What is Yoga?
The word “yoga” comes from the Sanskrit word “yuj,” which means “union.” It’s about connecting the individual soul with the Universal Soul or Spirit. Many people think of yoga as just physical exercises, like the asanas or postures that have become super popular in recent years. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Yoga is a deep science that explores the infinite potential of the human mind and soul.
Usually, our awareness and energy flow outward, towards the things we see, hear, touch, smell, and taste. But human reason relies on the limited and often misleading data from our five senses. So, we need to learn to tap into deeper and more subtle levels of awareness if we want to solve the big questions of life: Who am I? Why am I here? How can I find Truth?
Yoga is like a simple process of turning the flow of energy and consciousness around. It helps us become a dynamic center of direct perception, not relying on our fallible senses. Instead, we can actually experience Truth.
There are different paths of yoga that lead to this goal. Each path is a special branch of a bigger system:
- Hatha Yoga: This path focuses on physical postures (asanas) to purify the body and gain control over its internal states. It’s like a workout for the soul.
- Karma Yoga: This path involves selfless service to others without any attachment to the results. It’s about serving the greater good.
- Mantra Yoga: This path centers the consciousness through repetition of certain universal sounds. It’s like a mantra meditation.
- Bhakti Yoga: This path is all about surrendering to the divine in everything. It’s about seeing and loving the divinity in every creature and thing.
- Gyana Yoga: This path is the path of wisdom. It emphasizes using our intelligence to achieve spiritual liberation.
- Raja Yoga: This is the highest path of yoga, as described in the Bhagavad Gita. It combines the essence of all the other paths.
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Hey, have you ever wondered about the many ways to learn Yoga in India?
You know, we all search for something in life, whether it’s education, a job, a partner, or money. But guess what? We’re actually looking for something deeper - the union with God. And when we realize that we’re not satisfied with our daily routines and start wandering, that’s when we know we’re on the right track.
Imagine this: one morning, a friend of mine just showed up at my office and asked me to follow him without a word. I did, and he took me to a place where a person initiated me. After that, he dropped me off. The place he took me was Vethathiri Maharishi’s Centre in Tiruvanmiyur, Chennai.
I did some research on Vethathiri Maharishi’s teachings and attended a Personality Development Course at Aliyar, which is the headquarters and Ashram of Maharishi. It was an incredible experience, and I had the chance to be a student in one of his classes called “Avoid Anger.”
Through this journey, I started seeing things from a different perspective and realized the science behind mediation. It was like a lightbulb went off in my head!
My spiritual journey continues, and I’m still on the lookout for something more. Once, I was returning from Aliyar Ashram to Chennai and wanted to catch up with someone I met in Aliyar on the way. I don’t remember his name, job, or anything else about him, except for his face and the village he lives in, which is called “Vaiyampatti” near Trichy. It’s amazing that I ended up meeting him in his own home. (Later, I realized that these kinds of miracles are no longer surprising to me.)
When I got there, he welcomed me with open arms and treated me like family. He even gave me a Tamil translation of a book called “Autobiography of a Yogi” by Paramahansa Yogananada. I’ve never been a big reader, but I decided to give it a try. I only read about 40 pages, and it was so inspiring that I ended up wandering around Varanasi looking for more information.
As I was exploring, things started to happen in a way that felt like magic. It was as if Master Yogananada was guiding me on the right path. I completely understand now that he’s the one who’s been leading me towards finding God.
I thought I’d share the details of both organizations I’ve been involved with so far, in case anyone else is looking for a path to Yoga. Some people might ask why I need a Master. Well, the answer is simple: someone says they know the way and can show us if we trust them. Why not just follow them?
Sundar Singaram
Vethathiri Maharishi
I would say Maharishi's teachings for someone who wants to know
Analysis of Thoughts
Streamlining of Desires
Neutralisation of Anger
Eradication of Worries
Realisation of Self
It's for someone who has no knowledge about Yoga and is good for very beginning, students aged 10 onwards.
To know more, visit https://vethathiri.edu.in
Paramahansa Yogananada
The first step to understanding Paramahansa Yogananada's teachings is to read his book Autobiography of a Yogi, which has been translated into 50+ languages worldwide. Just read it; the rest will be done by the book. Yes, it'sshould try it magic, and you for yourself.
Once you read, you can apply for the Membership, and you can learn Yoga at your doorstep, as the lessons are couriered to you.
The quickest and most effective approach to achieving the goal of Yoga is to employ meditation methods that deal directly with energy and consciousness. This direct approach characterizes Kriya Yoga, the particular form of Raja Yoga meditation taught by Paramahansa Yogananda.
To know more, visit https://yssofindia.org