YOGA—WHAT IT IS AND WHAT IT IS NOT-1.

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Part-1.

In Sanskrit, the primary definition of the term Yoga is the state of union with the Divine or the experience of oneness with the great Reality.

Yoga, therefore, represents the experience of Truth, the consciousness of Reality, the union with the Divine.

There are also secondary meanings of the term Yoga.

Yoga is also a set of scientifically evolved and intelligently formulated practical techniques enabling man to shed himself of all the impurities imposed upon him by the nature of his body, mind and senses, and aiding him to concentrate his thoughts entirely upon the Supreme.

Thus Yoga means anything that man may do to purify his lower nature, to restrain his senses, to direct his mind towards God, to come into a deep interior level of worship of the Divine and finally to realise his eternal oneness with the Divine Consciousness.



The application of yoga is universal.

It may be applied within the religious framework.

Yet it clearly transcends religion.

It is supra-religious, far beyond any dogma or doctrine.

The extent and duration of its applicability is commensurate with the whole of humanity for all time.

I shall attempt to show you the significance that Yoga holds for everyone in this great and eventful twentieth century.

SRI SWAMI CHIDANANDA

To be continued  ...






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