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Yoga

Yoga, meaning union in Sanskrit Sanskrit

The Sanskrit language is a classical language [i] of India [i], a liturgical language [i] ... 

, is a family of ancient spiritual practices, and also a school of spiritual thought that originated in India India

India , officially the Republic of India, is a country in South Asia [i]. ... 

, where it remains a vibrant living tradition and is seen as a means to enlightenment. Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga Bhakti yoga

Bhakti yoga is the Hindu [i] term for the spiritual practice of fostering of loving devotion to God [i], ... 

, Jnana Yoga, and Raja Yoga are considered the four main yogas, but there are many other types. In other parts of the world where yoga is popular, notably the West, Yoga has become associated with the asanas Asana

Asana is Sanskrit [i] for "seat". ... 

  of Hatha Yoga Hatha yoga

Hatha yoga, pronounced [i] ['h???], is also known as Hatha vidya. ... 

, which are popularly considered there as fitness exercises Yoga as exercise

While Yoga [i] evolved as a spiritual practice [i], in the West [i] it has grown popular as a fo ... 

 and also form the basis of an expanding business.

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Yoga, meaning union in Sanskrit Sanskrit

The Sanskrit language is a classical language [i] of India [i], a liturgical language [i] ... 

, is a family of ancient spiritual practices, and also a school of spiritual thought that originated in India India

India , officially the Republic of India, is a country in South Asia [i]. ... 

, where it remains a vibrant living tradition and is seen as a means to enlightenment. Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga Bhakti yoga

Bhakti yoga is the Hindu [i] term for the spiritual practice of fostering of loving devotion to God [i], ... 

, Jnana Yoga, and Raja Yoga are considered the four main yogas, but there are many other types. In other parts of the world where yoga is popular, notably the West, Yoga has become associated with the asanas Asana

Asana is Sanskrit [i] for "seat". ... 

  of Hatha Yoga Hatha yoga

Hatha yoga, pronounced [i] ['h???], is also known as Hatha vidya. ... 

, which are popularly considered there as fitness exercises Yoga as exercise

While Yoga [i] evolved as a spiritual practice [i], in the West [i] it has grown popular as a fo ... 

 and also form the basis of an expanding business.

Yoga as a means to enlightenment is central to Hinduism Hinduism

[i]
... 

, Buddhism Buddhism

Buddhism is a dharmic [i], non-theistic [i] religion [i], a way of life, a p ... 

, and Jainism Jainism

Jainism , traditionally known as Jain Dharma , is a religion [i] and philosophy [i] originating in ... 

, and has influenced other religious and spiritual practices throughout the world. Ancient Hindu Hindu

A Hindu , as per modern definition, is an adherent of the philosophies and scriptures of [[Hinduism]... 

 texts establishing the basis for yoga include the Upanishads, Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, the Bhagavad Gita Bhagavad Gita

The Bhagavad Gita is an ancient Sanskrit [i] text comprising some 700 verses of the Mahabharata [i] ... 

, the Hatha Yoga Pradipika and many others, which specify the criteria of having successfully mastered a particular yoga technique.

Yoga practice and Intentions



Modern yoga practice often includes traditional elements inherent in eastern religion, such as moral and ethical principles, postures designed to keep the body fit, spiritual philosophy, instruction by a guru Guru

A Guru is a teacher [i] in Hinduism [i], Buddhism [i], and Sikhism [i]. ... 

, chanting of mantra Mantra

A mantra is a religious [i] syllable [i] or poem [i], typically from the Sanskrit [i] language. ... 

s , pranayama , and stilling the mind through meditation Meditation

The term Meditation describes a variety of practices with a variety of goals.... 

. These elements are sometimes adapted to meet the needs of non-Hindu practitioners, who may be attracted to yoga by its utility as a relaxation technique or as a way to keep fit.

Proponents of yoga see daily practice as beneficial in itself, leading to improved health, emotional well-being, mental clarity, and joy in living. Yoga advocates progress toward the experience of samadhi Samadhi

Samadhi is a Hindu [i] and Buddhist [i] term that describes a non-dualistic state ... 

, an advanced state of meditation where there is absorption in inner ecstasy, Ananda.

The goals of yoga are expressed differently in different traditions. In theistic Hinduism Hinduism

[i]
... 

, yoga may be seen as a set of practices intended to bring people closer to God - to help them achieve union with God. In Buddhism Buddhism

Buddhism is a dharmic [i], non-theistic [i] religion [i], a way of life, a p ... 

, which does not postulate a creator-type god, yoga may help people deepen their wisdom Wisdom

Wisdom is the ability, developed through experience [i], insight [i] and reflection [i], to discern trut... 

, compassion, and insight. In Western nations, where there is a strong emphasis on individualism, yoga practice may be an extension of the search for meaning in self, and integration of the different aspects of being. The terms Self-Realization and god-Realization God-Realization

Sorry, no overview for this topic 

 are used interchangeably in Hindu yoga, with the underlying belief that the true nature of self, revealed through the practice of yoga, is of the same nature as God.

The ultimate goal of yoga is the attainment of liberation from worldly suffering and the cycle of birth and death . Yoga entails mastery over the body, mind, and emotional self, and transcendence of desire. It is said to lead gradually to knowledge of the true nature of reality. The Yogi Yogi

One who practices yoga is called a yogi or in Sanskrit [i], a yogin or yogini. ... 

 reaches an enlightened state where there is a cessation of thought and an experience of blissful union. This union may be of the individual soul with the supreme Reality , as in Vedanta philosophy; or with a specific god or goddess, as in theistic forms of Hinduism Hinduism

[i]
... 

 and some forms of Buddhism Buddhism

Buddhism is a dharmic [i], non-theistic [i] religion [i], a way of life, a p ... 

. Enlightenment may also be described as extinction of the limited ego, and direct and lasting perception of the non-dual nature of the universe Universe

The term universe has a variety of meanings, based on the context in which it is used.... 

.

For the average person still far from enlightenment, yoga can be a way of increasing one's spiritual awareness, or cultivating compassion and insight. While the history of yoga strongly connects it with Hinduism Hinduism

[i]
... 

, proponents claim that yoga is not a religion itself, but contains practical steps which can be found in the esoteric spiritual practices of all religions, as well as those who do not consider themselves religious.

Origins


Images of a meditating yogi from the Indus Valley Civilization Indus Valley Civilization

The Indus Valley Civilisation was an ancient civilisation [i] thriving along the Indus River [i] and th ... 

 are thought to be 6 to 7 thousand years old. The earliest written accounts of yoga appear in the Rig Veda Rigveda

The Rigveda is a collection of Vedic Sanskrit [i] hymns [i] counted as the holiest of the four reli ... 

, which began to be codified between 1500 and 1200 BC. It is difficult to establish the date of yoga from this as the Rig Veda Rigveda

The Rigveda is a collection of Vedic Sanskrit [i] hymns [i] counted as the holiest of the four reli ... 

 was orally transmitted for at least a millennium. The first Yoga text dates to around the 2nd century BC by Patanjali, and prescribes adherence to "eight limbs" to quiet one's mind and merge with the infinite.

The first quasi-rational full description of the principles and goals of yoga are found in the Upanisads, thought to have been composed between the eighth and fourth centuries BC. The Upanisads are also called Vedanta since they constitute the end or conclusion of the Vedas . In the Upanisads, the older practices of offering sacrifices Sacrifice

Sacrifice is commonly known as the practice of offering food, or the lives of animals or people to the gods [i] ... 

 and ceremonies to appease external gods gives way instead to a new understanding that man can, by means of an inner sacrifice, become one with the Supreme Being  -- through moral culture, restraint and training of the mind.

The word "yoga"

The word "yoga" derives from the Sanskrit Sanskrit

The Sanskrit language is a classical language [i] of India [i], a liturgical language [i] ... 

 root yuj ; which is cognate to modern English English language

English is a widely distributed language that originated in England [i] but is now the primary language ... 

 "yoke", "jugal" and "jugum" in Latin Latin

Latin is an ancient Indo-European language [i] originally spoken in Latium [i], ... 

. All derive from the Proto-Indo-European root *yeug- meaning "to join" or "unite".

It is generally translated as "union of the individual atma with Paramatma, the universal soul." This may be understood as union with the Divine by integration of body, mind, and spirit. Thus, in essence, one who attempts yoga may loosely be referred to as a yogi or in Sanskrit, a yogin or yogini . These designations are actually intended for advanced practitioners, who have already made considerable progress along the path towards yoga.

In the west the word has often been taken to mean union between the mind and body, justifying the practice of some forms of Yoga solely for physical and mental benefits. In addition to physical and mental benefits of yoga , it also provides a union with oneself. Day by day , more people are turning to yoga to find solutions for stress relief and peaceful life.

Diversity of yoga

Over the long history of yoga, different schools have emerged, and there are numerous examples of subdivisions and synthesis. It is common to speak of each form of yoga as a "path" to enlightenment. Thus, yoga may include components of love and devotion , selfless work , knowledge and discernment , or an eight-limbed system of disciplines emphasizing meditation . These practices occupy a continuum from the religious to the scientific. They need not be mutually exclusive. Some people pursue Hatha yoga as exercise Yoga as exercise

While Yoga [i] evolved as a spiritual practice [i], in the West [i] it has grown popular as a fo ... 

 divorced from spiritual practice.

Other types of yoga include Mantra Yoga, Kundalini Yoga Kundalini yoga

Kundalini yoga is a meditative discipline [i], comprising a set of simple techniques that use ... 

, Iyengar Yoga Iyengar Yoga

Iyengar Yoga, created by B.K.S. Iyengar [i], is a form of yoga [i] known for its use of props, such as b ... 

, Kriya Yoga, Integral Yoga, Nitya Yoga, Maha Yoga, Purna Yoga, Prasara Yoga, Natya Yoga, Anahata Yoga Anahata Yoga

Anahata Yoga is a meditative hatha yoga [i] developed by Ana Costa [i]. ... 

, Tantra Yoga, Tibetan Yoga, Sahaja Yoga Sahaja Yoga

Sahaja Yoga is a type of meditation [i], religion and yoga [i]. ... 

 etc. It is often helpful to check the teacher and lineage to be sure how these terms are being used. Another name for Raja Yoga  is Ashtanga Yoga , but this should not be confused with the Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga developed by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, which is a specific style of Hatha Yoga Hatha yoga

Hatha yoga, pronounced [i] ['h???], is also known as Hatha vidya. ... 

 practice.

Yoga and religion


In the Hindu, Buddhist and Jain traditions, the spiritual goals of yoga are seen as inseparable from the religions of which yoga forms a part. Some yogis make a subtle distinction between religion and yoga, seeing religion as more concerned with outward culture Culture

The word culture, from the Latin [i] colo, -ere, with its root meaning "to cultivate", generall ... 

, values, beliefs and rituals Ritual

A ritual is a set of actions, performed mainly for their symbol [i]ic value, which is prescribed by a religion [i] ... 

; and yoga as more concerned with inner Self-Realization, i.e., direct perception of the ultimate truth. In this sense, religion and yoga are complementary. Sri Ramakrishna Ramakrishna

Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, born Gadadhar Chattopadhyay , was one of the most important Hindu [i] religious ... 

 likened religion to the husk, and direct experience to the kernel. Both are needed, "but if one wants to get at the kernel itself, he must remove the husk of the grain."

Some forms of yoga come replete with a rich iconography Iconography

Iconography usually refers to the design or creation of images and more specifically to the historic... 

, while others are more austere and minimalist Minimalism

Minimalism describes movements in various forms of art and design, especially visual art [i] and music [i] ... 

. Hindu practitioners of yoga are proud of their religious traditions, while non-Hindu practitioners claim that yoga may be practiced sincerely by those who have not accepted the Hindu religion.

While the yoga tradition remains rooted in India, the fact that some modern yogis like Swami Vivekananda Swami Vivekananda

Swami Vivekananda , whose pre-monastic name was Narendranath Dutta was one of the most famou... 

 and Paramahansa Yogananda Paramahansa Yogananda

Paramahansa Yogananda, was an India [i]n yogi [i] and guru [i].... 

 came to the West Western world

The term Western World or "the West" can have multiple meanings depending on its context.... 

 suggests that they saw hope the yoga tradition could also flourish there. Critics of yoga as practiced in the West charge that it is sometimes watered down, corrupted, or cut off from its spiritual roots . The sheer number of people practising yoga outside India suggests the need to define yoga both by its historical roots and its modern adaptations.

Common themes

Common to most forms of yoga is the practice of concentration and meditation Meditation

The term Meditation describes a variety of practices with a variety of goals.... 

 . Dharana, according to Patanjali's Patañjali

Patajali is the compiler of the Yoga Sutra [i], a major work containing aphorisms on the practical and p ... 

 definition, is the "binding of consciousness to a single point." The awareness is concentrated on a fine point of sensation . Sustained single-pointed concentration gradually leads to meditation , in which the inner faculties are able to expand and merge with something vast. Meditators sometimes report feelings of peace, joy, and oneness.

The focus of meditation may differ from school to school, e.g. meditation on one of the chakra Chakra

In Hinduism [i] and in some related Asia [i]n cultures, a chakra is thought to be a nexus of metaphysical [i] ... 

s
, such as the heart center or the 'third eye' ; or meditation on a particular deity, such as Krishna Krishna

Krishna , according to various Hindu [i] traditions, is the eighth avatar [i] of Vishnu [i]. ... 

; or on a quality like peace Peace

Peace is commonly understood to mean the absence of hostilities. Other definitions include freedom f... 

. Non-dualist schools such as Advaita Vedanta Advaita Vedanta

Advaita Vedanta is a sub-school of the Vedanta [i] school of Hindu philosophy [i], the other major sub-s ... 

may stress meditation on the Supreme with no form or qualities . This resembles Buddhist meditation on the Void.

Another common element is the spiritual teacher . While emphasized to varying degrees by all schools of yoga, in some the guru is seen as an embodiment of the Divine. The guru guides the student through yogic discipline from the beginning. Thus, the novice yoga student traditionally devotes himself to a satguru . Traditionally, knowledge of yoga - as well as permission to practice it or teach it--has been passed down through initiatory chains of gurus and their students. This is called guruparampara.

The yoga tradition is one of practical experience, but also incorporates texts which explain the techniques and philosophy of yoga. Many gurus write on the subject, either providing modern translations and elucidations of classical texts, or explaining how their particular teachings should be followed. A guru may also found an ashram or order of monks Monk

A monk is a person who practices asceticism [i], the conditioning of mind and body in favor of the spiri... 

; these comprise the institutions of yoga. The yoga tradition has also been a fertile source of inspiration for poetry, music, dance, and art.

When students associate with a particular teacher, school, ashram or order, this naturally creates yoga communities where there are shared practices. Chanting of mantra Mantra

A mantra is a religious [i] syllable [i] or poem [i], typically from the Sanskrit [i] language. ... 

s such as Aum Aum

Aum is the most sacred [i] syllable [i] in Hinduism [i], symbolizing the infinite Brahman [i] and the en ... 

, singing of spiritual songs, and studying sacred texts are all common themes. The importance of any one element may differ from school to school, or student to student. Differences do not always reflect disagreement, but rather a multitude of approaches meant to serve students of differing needs, background and temperament.

The yogi is sometimes portrayed as going beyond rules-based morality. This does not mean that a yogi will act in an immoral fashion, but rather that he or she will act with direct knowledge of the supreme Reality. In some legends, a yogi - having amassed merit through spiritual practice, may then cause mischief even to the gods. Some yogis in history have been naked ascetics Asceticism

Asceticism describes a life characterized by abstaining from worldly pleasures.... 

, such as Swami Trailanga, who greatly vexed the occupying British British Raj

The British Raj refers to the British rule of the Indian subcontinent [i], or present-day India [i], Bangladesh [i] ... 

 in 19th century 19th century

The 19th century lasted from 1801 [i] through 1900 [i] in the Gregorian calendar [i].
... 

 Benares Varanasi

Vara?asi , also known as Benares, Banaras, or Benaras, or Kashi or Kasi, is a famous... 

 by wandering about naked.

Roots of Yoga


Bhagavad Gita

The Bhagavad Gita famously distinguishes several types of "yoga", corresponding to the duties of different nature of people. Capturing the essence and at the same time going into detail about the various Yogas and their philosophies Philosophy

[i]
... 

, it constantly refers to itself as such, the "Scripture of Yoga" . The book is thought to have been written some time between the 5th 5th century BC

----
The 5th century BC started on January 1 [i], 500 BC [i] and ended on December 31 [i], 401 BC [i]. ... 

 and the 2nd century BC. In it, Krishna describes the following yogas:

Karma yoga, the yoga of "action" in the world.
Jnana yoga, the yoga of knowledge and intellectual endeavor.
Bhakti yoga Bhakti yoga

Bhakti yoga is the Hindu [i] term for the spiritual practice of fostering of loving devotion to God [i], ... 

, the yoga of devotion to a deity.
Raja yoga, the yoga of meditation

Patanjali

Perhaps the classic description of yoga is the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, which form the basis not only of the darshana called "yoga"—one of six such "orthodox" schools of Hindu philosophy—but also of the practice of yoga in most ashrams . The school of Indian philosophy known as "yoga" is primarily Upanishadic with roots in Samkhya, and some scholars see some influence from Buddhism. The Yoga philosophy fully believes in the epistemology of the Samkhya school, as well as its concept of the individual spirits and the Nature —but differs from Samkhya's atheism.

Patanjali Patañjali

Patajali is the compiler of the Yoga Sutra [i], a major work containing aphorisms on the practical and p ... 

 in the Yoga Sutras presents the goal of yoga as 'the cessation of mental fluctuations' , an achievement which gives rise to the possibility of stable meditation Meditation

The term Meditation describes a variety of practices with a variety of goals.... 

 and thus deeper states of absorption . This requires considerable restraint and self-discipline ). Patanjali's yoga is sometimes called Raja Yoga or "Ashtanga Yoga" , in order to distinguish it from Hatha yoga. It is held as authoritative by all schools. Patanjali is also known for writing commentaries on the Sutras of the great Sanskrit grammarian Panini. In fact, Panini, Patanjali and Katyayana are regarded are the highest authority not only in Sanskrit but also in the whole of Linguistics.

Patanjali's text sets forth eight "limbs" of yoga practice. Interestingly, only one of them involves physical postures . The eight are:
Yama : violence, lying, theft, sex, and possessions
Niyama : purity, contentment, austerities, study, and surrender to god God

God is the deity [i] believed by monotheists [i] to be the supreme reality.... 

Asana Asana

Asana is Sanskrit [i] for "seat". ... 

: This term literally means "seat," and originally referred mainly to seated positions. With the rise of Hatha yoga, it came to be used of these yoga "postures" as well.
Pranayama: Control of prana or vital breath
Pratyahara : Reversal of the sense organs
Dharana : Fixing the attention on a single object
Dhyana
Samadhi Samadhi

Samadhi is a Hindu [i] and Buddhist [i] term that describes a non-dualistic state ... 

: Super-conscious state or trance

God in Yoga philosophy


The philosophy of Yoga also presented certain arguments for the existence of God God

God is the deity [i] believed by monotheists [i] to be the supreme reality.... 

 :
  • The Vedas are regarded as evidence. The Vedas and their commentaries, the Upanishads mention and describe god—hence god exists.
  • Continuity: people and things have various degrees of differences among themselves. Some people are foolish, some are wise. Hence there ought to be some Being who has the highest level of knowledge among all—who is omniscient. That being is god.
  • Cosmic Evolution, leading to this universe, occurs because of the contact between Purusha  and Prakriti . Purusha is static, and Prakriti is unconscious. Hence there can be no contact between these two things of opposite characteristics, unless god—the omniscient being—brings about this contact.
  • Meditation upon a deity is regarded as the best means of attaining liberation. If meditation on such a being helps in liberation, and all obstacles are removed, then the object of the meditation must have a real existence.


Ishvara is regarded as a special Purusha, who is beyond sorrow and Karma laws. He is one, perfect, infinite, omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent and eternal. He is beyond the three qualities of Sattva, Rajas and Tamas. He is different from an ordinary liberated spirit, because the latter were bound once, whereas Ishvara was never bound. He is kind and merciful. He is the father of the demigods and of the sages , as well as their guru Guru

A Guru is a teacher [i] in Hinduism [i], Buddhism [i], and Sikhism [i]. ... 

; He is the author of the Vedas.

Yoga system is perhaps the first philosophy in the world to give arguments for monotheism. Yoga says that Ishvara can be only one and unique. If many gods are assumed:

  • Let us assume there are two gods. If god #1 gives a certain quality to a thing and god #2 gives another to the same thing, this would be mutually contradictory. On the other hand, if god #1's choice reigns supreme, god #2 would fail to remain as god.
  • Let us assume the gods work in as a committee to do certain tasks one by one. Then while one god is doing his work, the existence of the other gods would be superfluous and unnecessary.

Hatha Yoga

Over the last century the term yoga has come to be especially associated with the postures of hatha yoga . Hatha yoga has gained wide popularity outside of India India

India , officially the Republic of India, is a country in South Asia [i]. ... 

 and traditional yoga-practicing religions, and the postures are sometimes presented as entirely secular or non-spiritual in nature.

Traditional Hatha Yoga is a complete yogic path, including moral disciplines, physical exercises , and meditation - and encompasses far more than the yoga of postures and exercises Yoga as exercise

While Yoga [i] evolved as a spiritual practice [i], in the West [i] it has grown popular as a fo ... 

 practiced in the West as a physical culture. The seminal work on Hatha Yoga is the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, written by Swami Svatmarama.

Hatha Yoga was designed to provide a form of physical purification and training that would prepare aspirants for the higher training that is called Raja Yoga . This is still true today. Despite this, many in the West practice 'Hatha yoga' solely for the perceived health Health

Health is the functional and/or metabolic efficiency of an organism, at any moment in time, at both the ... 

 benefits it provides, and not as a path to enlightenment Bodhi

Bodhi, the Pali [i] and Sanskrit [i] word for "awakening" or "enlightenment", is an abstract noun formed ... 

.

Natya Yoga

Natya Shastra, a guide to Natya Yoga was written by Bharata Muni. Sage Narada Narada

Narada is the Hindu [i] divine sage, who is an enduring chanter of the names Hari [i] and Narayana [i]... 

 along with Gandharvas were the first to practise Natya Yoga, which comprise all the four main yogas. Natya Yoga was practised by the medieval devadasi Devadasi

E.Thurston in his Castes and Tribes of Southern India identified 7 types of devadasis: datta ; vikrita ; bhrit... 

s, and is currently taught in a few orthodox schools of Bharatanatyam Bharatanatyam

Bharatanatyam is a classical dance [i] form originating from Tamil Nadu [i] of Southern India. ... 

 and Odissi Odissi

Introduction
The classical dance style of Orissa - the land of temples, the land of sculptures.... 

.

Yoga and Buddhism


Within the various schools of Tibetan Buddhism Tibetan Buddhism

Tibetan Buddhism is the body of religious Buddhist [i] doctrine and institutions characteristic ... 

 yoga likewise holds a central place, though not in the form presented by Patanjali or the Gita. An example would be "guru yoga," the union with the mind of the spiritual teacher which must be done at the beginning of the spiritual path and regularly throughout. In the tantric traditions a number of practices are classified with the name "yoga", for example, the two of the four general classification of tantras -"Yoga Tantra" and "Highest Yoga Tantra".

A system of 108 bodily postures practiced with breath and heart rhythm timing in movement exercises is known as Trul khor or union of moon and sun prajna energies. The body postures of Tibetan ancient yogis are depicted on the walls of the Dalai Lama's summer temple of Lukhang.

As the whole buddhist lineage transmission of Kagyu school came to Tibet over the Indian Yogis Naropa, Tilopa, Marpa then Milarepa, Gampopa, authentic old buddhist yogic practices have been passed over to students still following these instructions throughout many Kagyu Monasteries and institutes worldwide.

Yogacara , which is also known as Cittamatra  is an important philosophical school within Indo-Tibetan Buddhism.

Yoga among Christians

While some Christians have adopted selected elements of yoga to supplement their own approach to spirituality,
others oppose major components of yoga outright. According to Donal O’Mathuna, Ph.D., and Walt Larimore, M.D., in their book Alternative Medicine, they claim: "Yoga is an alternative therapy that is difficult to wholeheartedly accept or reject. As a set of physical and breathing exercises, it can improve general well-being. As a deeply religious practice with the goal of union with the divine, it is antithetical to biblical Christianity."

Other Christians have gone farther and embraced many aspects of yoga practice, incorporating them into their ministry. One example of this trend is the Outstretched ministry of Susan Bordenkirche, author of Yoga For Christians. Another is the book An Invitation to Christian Yoga by Nancy Roth.

Yoga and Tantra

Yoga is often mentioned in company with Tantra. While the two have deep similarities, most traditions distinguish them from one another.

They are similar in that both amount to families of spiritual texts, practices, and lineages with origins in the Indian subcontinent. . It should be noted however that for the most part, we are speaking of different families of texts, lineages, etc.

Their differences are variously expressed. Some Hindu commentators see yoga as a process whereby body consciousness is seen as the root cause of bondage, while tantra views the body as a means to understanding, rather than as an obstruction. It must be said that in India, tantra often carries quite negative connotations involving sexual misbehavior and black magic. Nevertheless, most forms of tantra follow more mainstream social mores. The Hatha Yoga Pradipika is generally classified as a Hindu tantric scripture.

Tantra has roots in the first millennium CE, and incorporates much more of a theistic basis. Almost entirely founded on Shiva and Shakti worship, Hindu tantra visualizes the ultimate Brahman as Param Shiva, manifested through Shiva and Shakti . It focuses on the kundalini Kundalini

Kundalini is a Sanskrit [i] word meaning either "coiled up" or "coiling like a snake." There are a ... 

, a three and a half-coiled 'snake' of spiritual energy at the base of the spine that rises through the chakras until union between Shiva and Shakti is achieved.

Tantra emphasises mantra Mantra

A mantra is a religious [i] syllable [i] or poem [i], typically from the Sanskrit [i] language. ... 

 , yantra , and rituals that range from simple murti or image worship to meditation on a corpse! While tantric texts and teachers may seem odd and highly arcane from the point of view of classical yoga, that these incorporate yoga concepts seems clear.

Notable Yogis


Many dedicated individuals have influenced the practice of yoga, and spread awareness of yoga throughout the world.

Centuries ago, such individuals included Meera from the Bhakti tradition, Shankaracharya Adi Shankara

Adi Shankara, also known as and , c.... 

 from the Jnana Yoga tradition, Patanjali Patañjali

Patajali is the compiler of the Yoga Sutra [i], a major work containing aphorisms on the practical and p ... 

, who formalized the system of Raja Yoga, are just a few examples.

In the late 1800s, Ramakrishna Ramakrishna

Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, born Gadadhar Chattopadhyay , was one of the most important Hindu [i] religious ... 

 Paramahamsa, a Bhakti Yogi, brought about a rebirth of yoga in India. A devotee of Mother Kali Kali

Kali is a goddess [i] with a long and complex history in Hinduism [i] . ... 

 and a teacher of Advaita Vedanta Advaita Vedanta

Advaita Vedanta is a sub-school of the Vedanta [i] school of Hindu philosophy [i], the other major sub-s ... 

, he preached that "all religions lead to the same goal."

The noted Indian author Sri Aurobindo Sri Aurobindo

Sri Aurobindo was an India [i]n nationalist, scholar, poet, mystic [i], evolutionary [i] philosopher [i] ... 

 translated and interpreted Yogic scriptures, such as the Upanishads and Bhagavad-Gita. His epic poem Savitri is a treasure of Hindu Yogic literature, among the longest poems ever written in English. He also founded Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry Puducherry

Puducherry is a Union Territory [i] of India [i]. ... 

, which continues to propagate the practice of Integral Yoga, which is Aurobindo's synthesis of the four main Yogas .

Other Indian yogis who inspired their countrymen include Swami Rama Tirtha and Swami Sivananda Swami Sivananda

Swami Sivananda Saraswati, as he is known under his monastic [i] name, was born Kuppuswamy in ... 

 who authored over 300 books on yoga and spirituality.

Gopi Krishna Gopi Krishna

Gopi Krishna of India [i] was a yogi, mystic, teacher, social reformer, and writer. ... 

 was a Kashmiri office worker and spiritual seeker who wrote best-selling autobiographical accounts of his spiritual experiences.

During the early twentieth century, many yogis travelled to the west to spread knowledge of Yoga.

Swami Vivekananda Swami Vivekananda

Swami Vivekananda , whose pre-monastic name was Narendranath Dutta was one of the most famou... 

, Ramakrishna's disciple, is well known for introducing Yoga philosophy to many in the west, as well as reinvigorating Hinduism in a modern setting during India's freedom struggle.

Swami Sivananda Swami Sivananda

Swami Sivananda Saraswati, as he is known under his monastic [i] name, was born Kuppuswamy in ... 

 , founder of the Divine Life Society lived most of his life in Rishikesh, India. He wrote an impressive 300 books on various aspects of Yoga, religions, philosophy, spirituality, Hinduism, moral ethics, hygiene and health. He was a pioneering Yogi in bringing Yoga to the west and throughout the world. He was clear, simple and precise in all his teachings. His motto being: "Serve. Love. Give. Meditate. Purify. Realise."

Paramahansa Yogananda Paramahansa Yogananda

Paramahansa Yogananda, was an India [i]n yogi [i] and guru [i].... 

 , a practitioner of Kriya Yoga, taught Yoga as the binding force that reconciled Hinduism Hinduism

[i]
... 

 and Christianity Christianity

Christianity is a monotheistic [i] religion [i] centered on Jesus of Nazareth [i] ... 

. Yogananda founded the Self-Realization Fellowship Self-Realization Fellowship

The Self-Realization Fellowship is a religious organization founded by Paramahansa Yogananda [i] in 1920 [i] ... 

 in Los Angeles, in 1925. His book Autobiography of a Yogi Autobiography of a Yogi

In 1946, Paramahansa Yogananda [i], published his life story, Autobiography of a Yogi, which was ins ... 

 continues to be one of the best-selling books on yoga.

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada was born Abhay Charan De, in Kolkata [i], West Bengal [i], India [i] ... 

 popularised Bhakti Yoga for Krishna in many countries through his movement, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness International Society for Krishna Consciousness

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness, also known as 'the Hare Krishna [i]' was founded in ... 

, which he founded in 1966. His followers, known for enthusiastic chanting in public places, brought Bhakti Yoga to the attention of many westerners.

In 1955, the socio-spiritual organization Ananda Marga  was founded by P.R. Sarkar also known as Shrii Shrii Anandamurti. Based on tantric yoga, his teaching emphasizes social service in the context of a political, economic and cultural theory; or “self-realization and service to all.”

Also during this period, many yogis brought greater awareness of Hatha yoga to the west. Some of these individuals include students of Sri Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, who taught at Mysore Palace Mysore Palace

The Palace of Mysore is a palace situated in the city of Mysore [i], southern India [i]. ... 

 from 1924 until his death in 1989; these students include Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, B.K.S. Iyengar B.K.S. Iyengar

B.K.S. Iyengar, born Bellur Krishnamachar Sundararaja Iyengar, December 14 [i] 1918 [i], in India [i], i ... 

, Indra Devi and Krishnamacharya's son T.K.V. Desikachar.

Notable American Yoga Instructors
Notable American Yoga instructors include: Jean Couch, Erich Schiffman, Mukunda Stiles, Swami Jnaneshvara Bharati, Rodney Yee Rodney Yee

Rodney Yee is an internationally acclaimed yoga [i] instructor who has appeared in many publications.
... 

,

About the same time, the Beatles The Beatles

The Beatles were an English Pop/Rock and Roll band formed in 1962 by Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, George Harri... 

' interest in Transcendental Meditation served to make a celebrity of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Maharishi Mahesh Yogi

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi is the creator of Transcendental Meditation [i] and leader of the Transcendental ... 

.

See also

  • Anahata Yoga Anahata Yoga

    Anahata Yoga is a meditative hatha yoga [i] developed by Ana Costa [i]. ... 

  • Ananda Marga
  • Anusara
  • Ashtanga
  • Bikram Yoga
  • Chair Yoga Chair Yoga

    Chair yoga [i] is the term generally used to describe a gentle form of yoga that is practiced sitting in ... 

  • Chakra Chakra

    In Hinduism [i] and in some related Asia [i]n cultures, a chakra is thought to be a nexus of metaphysical [i] ... 

  • Five Tibetan Rites Five Tibetan Rites

    The Five Tibetan Rites is a system of exercise [i]s first publicized by Peter Kelder, an orphan from the... 

  • Hatha Yoga Hatha yoga

    Hatha yoga, pronounced [i] ['h???], is also known as Hatha vidya. ... 

  • Hesychasm Hesychasm

    Hesychasm is an eremitic [i] tradition of prayer [i] in Eastern Orthodox [i] Christianity [i] practised ... 

  • Hindu Philosophy Hindu philosophy

    Hindu philosophy constitutes an integral part of the culture of South Asia [i]. ... 

  • Hinduism Hinduism

    [i]

... 


  • Hindu idealism
  • Integral Yoga
  • Iyengar Yoga Iyengar Yoga

    Iyengar Yoga, created by B.K.S. Iyengar [i], is a form of yoga [i] known for its use of props, such as b ... 

  • Kripalu Kripalu Center

    Kripalu is a health and yoga [i] center located in Lenox [i], Massachusetts [i]. ... 

  • Kriya yoga
  • Kundalini Kundalini

    Kundalini is a Sanskrit [i] word meaning either "coiled up" or "coiling like a snake." There are a ... 

  • Lilias! Yoga and You
  • List of Hatha Yoga Postures
  • Master Yoga Reiki

    Reiki is a form of spiritual healing [i] and spiritual practice [i] proposed for the treatment of physical [i] ... 

  • Meditation Meditation

    The term Meditation describes a variety of practices with a variety of goals.... 

  • Naked yoga Naked yoga

    Naked yoga is the practice of yoga [i] without clothes [i]. ... 

  • Prana
  • Pranava yoga Pranava yoga

    Pranava yoga is a name given to the classical method of meditation [i] outlined in the Upanishads [i], t... 

  • Raja Yoga
  • Reiki Yoga
  • Sant Mat
  • Sahaja Yoga Sahaja Yoga

    Sahaja Yoga is a type of meditation [i], religion and yoga [i]. ... 

  • Self-realization
  • Seven stages
  • Sivananda Yoga
  • Trul khor
  • Tummo
  • Yoga as exercise Yoga as exercise

    While Yoga [i] evolved as a spiritual practice [i], in the West [i] it has grown popular as a fo ... 

  • Yoga piracy
  • Yoga Yoga

    Yoga, meaning union in Sanskrit [i], is a family of ancient spiritual practices, and also a school of sp ... 

  • Yogatherapy
  • Yogi Yogi

    One who practices yoga is called a yogi or in Sanskrit [i], a yogin or yogini. ... 

  • Yogini Yogini

    A "yogini" is the female equivalent to a practicing male "yogi.... 

  • YogaYogini

References

  • Donatelle, Rebecca J. Health: The Basics. 6th ed. San Francisco: Pearson Education, Inc. 2005.
  • Feuerstein, Georg. The Shambhala Guide to Yoga. 1st ed. Boston & London: Shambhala Publications 1996.
  • Saraswati, swami satyananda "Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha" ISBN 81-86336-14-1
  • Mittra, Dharma Sri. Asanas: 608 Yoga Poses. 1st ed. California: New World Library 2003.
  • Usharabudh, Arya Pandit. Philosophy of Hatha Yoga. 2nd ed. Pennsylvania: Himalayan Institute Press 1977, 1985.


External links