The applied methodology of separating the self from body and mind is known as “Yoga Vidhi”.
Most of us have studied, learned, and taught by “Yoga Schools”, that yoga is the science of unification between the individual self with the universal self.
Yes, both meanings are right. It has been depending on from which tradition you belong, what technical interpretation and application that your tradition has been teaching you. I really wanted to inform you this clearly, that you will get multiple and technical understanding in future when you will study Yoga philosophy and read Yogic books on your own.
Let me have to bring your attention to “Sanatan Dharma” (Eternal law and duties which sustains the universal phenomena), it is widely known as “Hinduism” these days. In India, we have numerous spiritual traditions and sects, thus, which gives freedom to choose personal Spiritual Master, Celestial being and God” though all is one!
It is relying on what inspires you as supreme truth. We will need to see the utmost well-known traditions, which have been inspiring and enlightening millions of people in the world. There are three well-known spiritual traditions, which have been influencing, the spiritual world by its devotional methods, Yogic lifestyle, intellectually and with scientific facts.
1. The Shivaism – Teachings of “Shiva” (Auspicious one and the first Yogi) is how to withdraw the pure consciousness from the matter (Includes body and mind complex), by philosophical wisdom, contemplation, and meditation. The wisdom was imparted to the “Rishis” (Seers), and from them, it passed through to those who have been seeking Wisdom and its Cause. It is also known as “Lineage”, therefore, “Lord Shiva” is the supreme reality and “Ishta Devta” (worshipper’s dearest deity).
2. The Vaishnavism– Studying and devoting the re-incarnations of Lord Vishnu as a Supreme Being, for instance, studying the significant and principal life of “Shree Rama” from “Ramayana” (an Indian devotional epic), the universal principles discussed in-between “Shree Krishna and Arjuna” in “Bhagavad Gita” (highly recommended text on Yoga). Thus one who is inspired and following the “lord Vishnu” as a supreme being, is known as “Vaishnavites”.
3. Shaktism- Without “Shakti”, there might be no sense of thinking about creation, protection, and destruction. “Shakti” is investigated as universal feminine energy, the primordial power behind everything, living and non-living both. Shakti has created numerous Avtaras (forms), these are known as “Parvati” (the consort of Lord Shiva and mother of Shree Ganesha and Kartike), “Kaali” (the goddess of devastation), and “Durga” (the brave goddess). In the “Puranas” (Ancient literature of India), the Vedic and Puranic Rishis and Yogis honored her as “Adi-para-shakti” (Supreme Being goddess).
“Shakti” has been worshipped as a divine mother by millions of people all around the world; Yogis have been worshipping “Shakti” in the form of “Kundalini”; therefore, they can awake the dormant potential energy within, from lower Chakra (Mooladhar) to higher Chakra (Sahasrara), where shakti unites with Shiva/ the superconscious state).
That’s interesting having such numerous traditions, methodologies, Rituals, and philosophies, whether, it would have created doubt and error in the aspirant mind, yet it has been amazing to see all that, it still does not clash in between any traditions and sects and it respects each other choices.
In India, the Indian school of thoughts and Philosophy’s has been placed in three platforms; these are widely known as Shoonyawad (Nihilism philosophy) which includes CHARVAK, BUDDHISM, and JAINISM, second is Dvaitawad (Dualism philosophy), which includes SAMKHYA and YOGA and last Advaitwad (Non-dualism philosophy) which includes BRAHMA SUTRAS.
According to the Indian schools of thought, it should be studied in a sequential manner, so thereafter we can have a much clear understanding of “Matter and consciousness”. Although, the “Yoga Vidhi” (the applied science of yoga) it’s been accepted by all the schools of thought.
Let’s have a look, what makes etymologically word Yoga; we need to know grammatically, references from Yoga texts, and the most trustworthy commentary.
1st The word “YOGA” is derived from its Sanskrit verb root “Yuj Samadhao” which makes “Samadhi”, MAHARISHI VYASA In his commentary on YOGA DARSHANA, It says “YOGAH SAMADHI” (Yoga is the deep state of absorption in meditation). It’s a most influenced and accepted meaning of the word yoga by Scholars.
2nd is “Yujir Yoga” the word Yoga means here, “Samyoga” (Union), that state of a Yogi where yogi attains “Kaivalya”, the mind is free from duality and it remains self alone, this is the ultimate goal of Raja Yoga (Unification between individual self with the cosmic self).
3rd is one of the most influenced references comes from the “Bhagavad Gita” 6th Chapter 20 to 23 verses” Yoga is taken as “VIYOGAH” (Separation), here it says antonyms of the word unity, the “Yogeshvara” (lord of senses, Krishna) explains to Arjuna when human awareness is associated with the body, senses, and mind (matter), thus makes one’s to experience joy and suffering (Durham), thus yoga is disconnection(Viyogah) of the connection (Samyogah) with suffering. Therefore oh yogi, who can have firm understanding and capacity to separate the body, mind from the self, is known as Yogah-Viyogah.
4th is a well-known reference from Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 2 verse 50. Krishna explains to Arjuna – “Yogah Karmasu Kaushlam” (Excellence in action is known as yoga). Bhagavad Geeta reflects on all aspects of yoga, all the 18 chapters of Geeta throws light on numerous forms of Yoga, for numerous nature of personality, for examples, “Bhakti Yoga”, Jyanana Yoga, Sankhya Yoga, Sannyasa Yoga (Yoga of devotion, Wisdom, Metaphysics, renunciation and so on.
5th is “Samatvam Yoga Uchitel” chapter 2 verse 48, Samatvam is the equilibrium state of mind and point of view, equipoise. Lord Krishna explains Samatvam as that symmetry of mind, which is kept by an honest yogi, who can deal with its modifications and overcome all the problems and calamities, without being affected by its results and transcended those states is known about Samatvam Yoga.
6th meaning is known as “Santulan” which means (balance), the balance between active and passive, overdoing and non-doing. That’s what lord Krishna says here.
“Yukta-ahara-viharasya, yukta-chestaya-karmasu
Yukta-svapna-avabodhasya, yogo-bhavati-dukkha.” (Bhagavad Gita-6.17)
English translation by Swami Shivananda – Yoga becomes the destroyer of pain for him who is moderate in eating and recreation (such as walking etc.), who is moderate in exertion in actions, who is moderate in sleep, and wakefulness.
Lord Buddha has also said, “Moderation in daily lifestyle as a spiritual seeker itself is walking on the Madhyama Marga (Middle path)”.
Yoga is the genuine science of separation and unification, harmonizing mind and body while fostering inner peace and spiritual connection. It’s a profound practice that integrates all aspects of well-being.
There are many translations and definitions of the word “Yoga” these days, given by the new bees and immature yogis. Therefore after the long research, I have concluded with its legitimacy and authentic definitions, which you can use to yourself study and teachings. These are the translations and means of the word Yoga, accepted by traditional schools of yoga and meditation in India.
I hope this article can be useful for Yoga Sadhkas (aspirants).
Hari Om…
Bipin Baloni, Rishikul Yogshala, Rishikesh, India
Check article on Yoga is a Super science of all sciences
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