The Essence of Yoga

The value of Yoga is not so much in offering yet another ideology. We have enough confusion regarding ideas, philosophies and spiritual teachings. Confusion tends to reduce our capacity to keep clear the beautiful simple spiritual message that all great teachers have conveyed regarding the ideal way of life. Our life purpose must include our practical attempt to put this message into practice.

These efforts are known as our personal Sadhana or our spiritual self discipline.  Just as we rely upon a disciplined driver to be a safe driver on our roads, so a controlled and disciplined person is a safe person and not likely to harm others along life’s way.

 Most of us realise the transient nature of personal ambitions and desires by which our personalities are fulfilled, but we also are aware of the deeper needs of the human soul. We all yearn for a better state of the world in which we find ourselves and aspire in some way to improve our environment and help to build a better, peaceful world.

The yogic way of life, based upon following Natural Laws, is essentially simple, yet inspiring as we benefit from the hard earned wisdom gained from limitless centuries of human experience and which, if applied, will lead to an advancement of our present civilization. It is based upon the premise that to improve the world, each of us must first improve ourselves.

This is our first responsibility to our own soul so that we may be capable of contributing to the welfare of the whole world. The success of the greater purpose will be dependent upon each individual choosing a positive lifestyle.

A clear outline of a practical method of selecting a natural lifestyle and method of self improvement is given us in the tenets of yoga teaching.

The word yoga means to unite, to join together or to integrate. In regard to the practice known as Yoga, there are several spheres of reference – integration of the physical with the emotional nature –to co-ordinate emotional and mental aims – to integrate mind and body – and to join the individual soul to the Universal Life Source, or God.

The system known as Yoga is an integral part of the classical systems of Indian Philosophy, all of which stem from the ancient and profound Vedic teachings that are considered to have their origin in antiquity. The Vedas refer to all aspects of human life and the natural sciences, including those involved in the spiritual evolution and advancement of mankind.

It is believed that all our great western philosophers over the centuries have dipped into and adopted these Indian wisdom teachings with the result that many similar ideas permeate their doctrines.  Both the philosophic and the practical guidelines of old are a valued source of information that continues to inspire earnest scholars as well as all those who question life today. 

What follows will help you, whether you are a beginner seeking to improve your physical and mental health, or you are an exponent seeking for new insights to encourage your continuing practice of Yoga.

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The eight-fold system of Patanjali known as Asthanga defines the stages by which the aspirant may grow to spiritual enlightenment.  These principles provide the classical guidelines for all spiritual development.

Margas are simply the different paths or approaches towards study and practices of Yoga. 

Each offers a variety of techniques and disciplines. They are considered as spokes on the wheel of Yoga with the hub common to all. All the paths aim to lead the student to experience the reality of God.

There are three margas considered as fundamental in the traditional teachings. Students are advised to study and incorporate these teachings in early practice before thinking to specialize in any one path exclusively.

 In Indian tradition, the Trimarga is advised – the selected combination being Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga and Jnana Yoga to help integrate action, devotion and wisdom.

 The general approach of the western student is the integration of the three margas, Hatha Yoga, Gnana(Jnana) Yoga and Raja Yoga which represent the main aspects of human nature -  physical, psychological and spiritual.

Others consider the importance of the devotional aspect and choose to focus upon Hatha Yoga, Bhakti Yoga and Raja Yoga paths which satisfy the three components of the personality – body, emotions and mind.

 It is not essential to follow one particular marga although any final determination is generally based on factors such as personal temperament and the particular marga of the Guru or teacher who has inspired you.

 Most will choose to adopt the philosophy of integration, which most clearly expresses the yogic philosophy, by taking an interest in the knowledge of all the margas and applying their principles, without any attempt to separate or specialize in one or another.