‘Yoga’, which often evokes images of meditation and yoga poses, sparks a sense of positivity within. However, there is more to the word than just its meaning or the beautiful imagination. It is a complete philosophy that has existed for ages and continues to live on. The global popularity of yoga has attracted individuals to practice yoga to maintain mental as well as physical well-being. However, yoga is not just about meditation, postures and worship. It is a holistic system that comprises Triyoga (the three yoga systems). Like the three Gunas (Sattva, Rajas and Tamas), the degree of one form of yoga over the other may vary, but they all exist together.
In this article, we try to explain the concept of yoga from the ancient Hindu perspective so that the true meaning of this beautiful practice does not fade in the new age of ‘branding’. However, it is important to note that there are different sources for various Yoga frameworks but they echo related ideas in a coherent way. Let us understand the philosophical significance of yoga:
Yoga- The word yoga means ‘to concentrate’ (युज् समाधौ Yuj samādhau). It also means uniting the soul with the divine (युजिर् योगे Yujir yoge).
Defining Yoga
In its most straightforward form, yoga can be understood as a transition from finding the anchor outside to finding the anchor within. When we concentrate on the outside, i.e., seeking validation from others and comparing oneself with others, it results in worldly desires and feelings of anger, depression, arrogance, thereby increasing the degree of Rajas and Tamas. However, when one concentrates within oneself, one can feel a connection with the subtle body resulting in positive thoughts and emotions and an increase in the degree of Sattva Guna. When there is no vṛtti (agitation of the mind), then the pure divine form remains (Kalyan, 1991).
The Subdivision of Yoga (Triyoga) can be divided into three parts:
Jñāna Yoga
Jñāna, which means knowledge in English, must not be confused with its literal meaning. An individual who has attained all worldly and scientific knowledge is not a yogi. A yogi understands the three guṇas (nature); How their interaction defines the characteristics of all beings and objects on the earth. A yogi has control of the senses and different layers known as the ‘paṃca koṣas’ (see fig.1). The Taittirīya-Upaniṣad mentions the Hindu framework of personality, popularly known as the paṃca koṣas in which the self manifests (Achari, 2013). According to the first verse of the second chapter of “Brahmānanda Vallī”:
सत्यं ज्ञानं अनंतं ब्रह्म ।
satyam jnãnam anantam Brahma (Taittirīya-Upaniṣad Chapter 2, Verse 1)
“He who knows Brahman as the real (true), as knowledge (awareness) and as the infinite (being) realizes the Brahman, the Truth.” (Sharvananda, 1921).
Purity of the Chitta, also known as the deep memory of ‘who we are’ (Mane, 2020) and an understanding of how the systematic actions are taking place in the presence of divine power, consist of the essential elements of jñāna yoga. However, the wisdom of jñāna yoga can only be attained by practising upāsanā yoga.
Upāsanā Yoga
Concentrating the mind (meditation) on a single object is called upāsanā. Worshipping any deity for material gain comes under the scope of upāsanā but not upāsanā yoga. This worship is called yogi only when its sole goal is to attain the pure divine essence. Just as water remains widespread in the land, its pristine streams can be diverted by digging. In the same way, even though the divine element is prevalent everywhere, its pure form can be attained by going deep within oneself to achieve the purest form of the divine essence (Kalyan, 1991). The object of attention can be any part of the human body. The most common areas are the seven chakras which consist of the – Mūlādhāra Cakra (at the base of the spine), Svādhiṣṭhāna Cakra (behind the genitals), Maṇipūra Cakra (belly button region), Anāhata Cakra (in the heart region), Viśuddhī Cakra (near the thyroid), Ājñā Cakra (area between the two eyebrows) Sahasrāra Cakra (crown of the head) (Art of Living, 2021). Just like when we dig deeper into the earth, we unearth the different layers of mud, we find jewels and precious stones. Similarly, when one goes deep within, one unearths the different layers called koṣas until one accesses his/her soul. However, it must be noted that each koṣa is māyā (illusion). When an individual can transcend illusions and access the purest form of soul known as samādhi, this is a state of jñāna yoga. Thus, Jñāna yoga is only possible through upāsanā yoga. And, Upāsanā yoga is possible through Karma yoga.
Karma Yoga
Karma Yoga means to surrender the body, senses, money, wealth and resources, and the duties resulting from them; the fruits that result from performing the duties to the almighty. Śrīmad Bhagavadgītā – Chapter 5, verse 10 says:
ब्रह्मण्याधाय कर्माणि सङ्गं त्यक्त्वा करोति यः। लिप्यते न स पापेन पद्मपत्रमिवाम्भसा।।
brahmaṇyādhāya karmāṇi saṅgaṃ tyaktvā karoti yaḥ, lipyate na sa pāpena padmapatramivāmbhasā.
“Those who dedicate their actions to God, abandoning all attachment, remain untouched by sin, just as a lotus leaf is untouched by water.” (Mukundananda, 2013)
When we worship, the mind’s efforts are set to a particular goal. Nevertheless, the mind rushes towards attractions and desires. Desires result in attachment to the fruits and individual gains of the practices. Karma should be done without the desire for its fruits. That is why upāsanā yoga cannot be done without the help of Karma yoga.
Understanding the three yoga systems helps individuals attain complete harmony between matter (mind, body and intellect) and spirit. It should also be noted that different yoga systems have been developed over the years. Still, all these systems have a common goal, i.e., self-identification and ‘inward movement’ (finding the anchor within). Therefore, identify the ‘truth,’ i.e., the true self, overcome the ignorance or illusion and connect with the divine when performing your daily task and duties.
References
- Achari, S. R. R. (2013). The Taittiriya Upanishad.
- Art of Living (India). 2021. Meditation for 7 Chakras in Body | Meditation for Chakras. [online] Available at: https://www.artofliving.org/in-en/meditation/meditation-beginners/how-to-control-thoughts-during-meditation/chakra-meditation [Accessed 8 April 2021].
- Kalyan Gita Press 1991. योग तत्व विमर्श. [online] Available at: https://www.kalyan-gitapress.org/pdf_full_issues/yog_tattva_ank_1991.pdf (84-86) [Accessed 7 April 2021].
- Mane, S., 2020. Conscious confidence: Use the wisdom of Sanskrit to find clarity and success. 1st ed. Findhorn Press.
- Mukundananda, S., 2013. Bhagavad Gita: The Song of God. 1st ed. Jagadguru Kripaluji Yog.
- Sharvananda, S. (1921). Taittiriya Upanishad. Ramakrishna Math, India 1921.
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