WHAT YOGA IS

WHAT YOGA IS Yoga is a method by which to obtain control of one''s latent powers.It offers the means to reach complete self- realization. The literal meaning of the Sanskrit word Yoga is yoke. Its earliest definition - a means for uniting the individual spirit with the universal spirit, or God if you will - may at first glance seem a contradiction of the other. Yoga is very definitely not a religion. HATHA YOGA: The name derived from the sanskrit Ha, which stands for the female principle and Tha,the male principle,implies that this Yoga may be practiced by both men and women with the object of achieving complete control of the body.Hatha Yoga is the practice of asanas or postures. You will notice many of the asanas are named for animals: the lion,the fish, the tortoise,the peacock.This is because in devising them the yogis based themselves on close observation of animal life. Rhythmic deep breathing is an essential part of all exercises. For purely physiological reasons deep breathing is a sure way to calm the nerves, and this in turn reduces tensions and improves concentration. As a matter of fact it would be extremely difficult, we should say impossible, to progress into the higher spiritual spheres of yoga without the constant guidance of a Guru. Hatha Yoga, in common with other Yoga schools, teaches certain rules of conduct, or yamas. There are ten of these: 1) Ahimsa or harmlessness 2) Satya or truthfulness 3) Asteya or nonstealing 4)Bramacharya or continence 5) Kshama or forbearance 6) Dhriti or fortitude 7) Daya or mercy 8) Aarjvna or straight- forwardness 9) Mithra or moderation in diet and 10) suchi or purity. There are also ten restrictions: 1) Tepas,which means austerity 2) Santosah or cheerful bearing 3) Shraddha or faith 4) Dana or charitable disposition 5) Satsanga or good company 6) Lajja or modesty 7) Mati or sound mind 8) Japa or repetition of a divine name 9) Ishwarachana or worship of God 10) Vrata or observance of vows. From this it becomes self - evident that Hatha yoga demands high personal standards.Overeating,unnecessary talk,impure associations, greed and delight alike must be eliminated. There are various types of other yogas, all of which place vastly &nbs more stress on non-physical disciplines. 1)Japa yoga is a philosophy concerned exclusively with spiritual discipline; in one of its forms its practice consists of repeating a Mantra, or affirmation, over and over while dwelling deeply on its significance. 2) In Laya yoga the student remains perfectly still,in a profound state of trance. Then, by means of Kundalini power which at a certain moments is released and joins with the Divine or ultimate power of universe, he briefly achieves a state of perfect bliss. 3) Karma yoga, another school that aims at final union with Divine source of all. Essentially practical,karma yoga teaches helping others as a means of helping one''s self.He may not accept gifts but must always work for work''s own sake. 4) Jnana yoga, the yoga of Knowledge as against that of Action. Jnana educates the mind to perceive self and so free itself from all forms of delusion. Jnana says must follow is complete non-attachment to the things of this world and constant sacrifice of self to enlightenment 5) Bhakti yoga is a system of intense devotion, with emphasis on faith.His heart is pure. He has faith,innocence,simplicity and absolute truthfulness. 6) Raja yoga means "king of yogas".Raja yoga takes its disciple through eight stages,all of them highly spiritual. The gaining of a healthy body and a mind calm and passive under all circumstances to all yogas. Yoga techniques, translated into yogism, offer us the means for better self realization in the realm of the physical, the mental, the emotional and the spiritual. It is the royal road to inner power. Writer..............Desmond Dunne