Yoga today is widely practiced throughout the world, however there is still a lot of misunderstanding of what yoga is and how it should be practiced. People turn to yoga for many different reasons, maybe for a particular health reason or simply to gain a stronger more flexible body. I believe that somehow there is a deeper yearning for something 'more' something deeper in life than just material wealth. Many people are searching but are not sure where to look. There is a dissatisfaction with the external world and a yearning for a more meaningful existence is growing globally.
Yoga has the ability and gives us the tools to find that deeper meaning and live more in harmony, balance and with contentment, even a return to childlike wonder and sense of joy even at the touch of a breeze or looking at a shell on the beach.
The rising sun delights us at the opportunity of a new day - a new moment and the moons light illuminates a soft touch onto our beings.
'You can have calmness of mind at all times by the practice of yoga. You can have restful sleep. You can have increased energy, vigour, vitality, longevity and a high standard of health. You can turn out efficient work within a short space of time. You can have success in every walk of life.' Sri Swami Sivananda
From my own experience yoga has brought a huge bounce to my life a great sense of wonder and energy, has seen me through extremely difficult and turbulent times, may I even say trauma, and again has brought the bounce and joy back into life. It is an amazing gift that is there for all of humanity if you wish it, but you do have to practice it - it works slowly over time - you need to put effort in and find your discipline and dedication, at the beginning you need a wonderful dedicated and experienced teacher that will guide you correctly, then my friend you will be able to feel the fruits and flowers of your effort with no limit or boundry - the universe will be yours. And once you have your practice - with only a mat needed - no-body can ever take it away from you, you will be as strong as the majestic mountains.
So many people know of asana practice - the yogic postures and exercise but Swami Sivananda told us we must practice from all four paths to reach our goal of balance and harmony. And through my own experience, I completely agree, the benefits are so diluted when we are only exposed or practice from one or even two - so here is a very brief outline of the four paths necessary to reach our goals. Extracts taken from 'YOGA your home practice companion' by Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre.
What is Yoga?
Traditionally there are four paths. Although each of them is a complete discipline in itself, it is best not to follow one path only. Combining the four paths helps the emotional, intellectual and physical aspects of your life to develop harmony.
The four paths of Yoga.
Of the four paths, especially in the West only one is generally well-known and widely practiced - the physical and mind focusing path of Hatha and Raja Yoga, which includes postures and breathing exercises.
Hatha and Raja Yoga
This is the yoga path of body and mind control. It is best known for its practical aspects, particularly its asana (postures) and pranayama (breathing exercises.) This path teaches ways of controlling the body and mind, including silent meditation, and its practices gradually transform the energy of the body and mind into spiritual energy. This path suits people who are looking for inner and outer transformation.
Karma Yoga
This is the yogic path of action and you practice it when you act selflessly, without thinking about success or reward from that action. The path is valued for purifying the heart and reducing the influence of the ego on your words, actions and interactions with others. Practicing Karma yoga is the best way to prepare yourself for silent meditation. It suits people with an active outgoing temperament.
Bhakti Yoga
This is the yogic path of devotion. It involves prayer, worship and ritual such as festivals or holy days, including chanting and singing devotional songs. Those who practice it eventually come to experience God as the embodiment of love. This yoga path has great appeal for people who are emotional by nature.
Jnana Yoga
This is the yogic path of wisdom or knowledge, and it involves studying the philosophy of vedanta. It teaches ways to examine the self and analyse human nature. The goal of this form of yoga is to recognise the Supreme self in yourself and in all beings. This path is best suited to intellectual people, and is considered by many to be the most challenging path. Swami Ji recommended that one be firmly grounded in the other three paths, then one can start with Jnana Yoga.
So I wish you all beautiful exploration of all four paths and in every success in your journeys - why be stuck when you can be spinning like a child for no reason at all - just in pure delight.
AUM shanti shanti shanti
always from the heart
Mangala - Nicky
