Yoga has ancient roots in the Vedas, primarily described as a practice of self-knowledge, meditation, vital force, and union with the divine. The Vedas (especially the Rigveda and Atharvaveda) contain the seeds of yoga, which focused on asceticism, meditation, and vital force, rather than the modern asana-oriented practice. It has also been associated with the word “yuj,” meaning mind control and spiritual practice.
The main aspects of Yoga Vidya in the Vedas are as follows:
- Nature of Vedic Yoga: The aim of Yoga described in the Vedas is the union of the soul with the Supreme Being, which is considered to be the attainment of ‘Ritambhara Prajna’ or divine wisdom.
- Yoga in Rigveda: The word Yoga in Rigveda primarily means controlling the mind, restraining the senses and connecting with the divine.
- Atharvaveda and Prana: Atharvaveda mentions Pranayama, Pranavidya and spiritual powers, in which there is a symbolic description of ‘Hiranmay Kosha’ in place of the heart and Ashtachakra (eight chakras).
- Yajna and Yoga: Another form of Vedic Yoga is mental yajna, where the practitioner purifies his inner self through austerity and meditation.
- Meditation and Concentration: The sages realized knowledge through austerity and meditation, which is presented in the form of mantras in the Vedas.
In conclusion, Yoga in the Vedas is more revered as a spiritual discipline (Yoga Vidya) rather than a practical practice, emphasizing self-discipline and knowledge.
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Philosophy of Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
The philosophy of is primarily a systematic path to controlling the mind and realizing the true nature of the soul. This philosophy is based on the principle of “Yogaścittavṛttinirodhaḥ” , which means stopping the tendencies or fluctuations of the mind.
The main pillars of Yoga Sutra philosophy are the following: Philosophical basis and aims Patanjali’s Yoga philosophy is built on the dualistic foundation of
Samkhya philosophy, which divides the universe into two realities:
Purusha (consciousness or soul) and
Prakriti (matter and mind).
- Ignorance (Avidya): This is the root cause of suffering, where the soul identifies itself with the mind and body (nature).
- Kaivalya: This is the ultimate goal of yoga, meaning ‘liberation’ or ‘complete freedom.’ It is the state where consciousness (purusha) completely separates itself from matter (prakriti).
Ashtanga Yoga (Eight Limbs)Patanjali gives an eight-limbed practical path to self-realization, called
Ashtanga Yoga :
- Yama: Social morality (non-violence, truth, asteya, celibacy, celibacy).
- Niyama: Personal discipline (defecation, contentment, penance, self-study, devotion to God).
- Asana: Stable and comfortable body posture.
- Pranayama: Control and expansion of the breath.
- Pratyahara: Turning the senses inward by withdrawing them from external objects.
- Dharana: Concentrating the mind on a single point or thought.
- Meditation (Dhyana): Continuous and uninterrupted concentration.
- Samadhi: Complete merging with the object of meditation.
Pancha Klesha (Causes of Suffering)Patanjali identifies five root causes of human suffering, called kleshas :
The Yoga Institute
- Avidya: Ignorance or misunderstanding of reality.
- Asmita: Ego or sense of ‘I-ness’.
- Raga: Attachment to pleasant experiences.
- Dvesha: Aversion to unpleasant experiences.
- Abhinivesha: Fear of death and attachment to life.
The concept of GodIn Patanjali’s Yoga philosophy, God is considered a
“superconscious being” (Puruṣa-viśeṣa), untouched by karma and afflictions. In contrast to the Samkhya philosophy (which is often considered atheistic), Patanjali advocates surrender to God (Ishvara pranidhana) as the easiest and fastest way to attain Samadhi.
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