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Gifts along the path of Yoga! - I

On the way to spiritual oneness and self realisation , on the path of Raja Yoga, we are blessed with innumerable gifts simply as side effects!! In this series of posts i will provide a birds eye view of these benefits, however , it is impossible to cognize these unless practiced and experienced.

YOGIC PATH (THE DESTINATION - PRACTICAL)

Priya Srinivasan

6/20/20252 min read

Firstly, it is useful to know that our ancient sages have practiced and perfected several types of Yogic practices for the benefit of humanity. Therefore there exist several lineages of Yogic practice.

At Yoga Arka we will be learning a subset of Hạtha yoga practices and Raja Yoga practices which when applied intelligently within the framework of our lives has the power to bring about real, positive changes.

But before we begin digging for free gifts along the Yogic path , let us see what some of the authoritative texts on Yoga have to say to us!

According to the Hatha Yoga Pradipika (1.10)

Asheśa Tāpataptānām Samāśrayamaṭhō Haṭha |

Asheśa Yogayuktānām Ādhārakamaṭō Haṭha ||

'For those continually tempered by the heat of tapa (the three types of pain -spiritual (Ādhyātmik), environmental (Ādhidaivic) and Physical(Ādibhoutik) hatha is like the hermitage giving protection from the heat. For those always united in yoga, haṭha is the basis (comparable to the tortoise)'

Haṭha yoga is the process of establishing perfect physical, mental, emotional and psychic equilibrium by manipulating the energies of the body through purification (Shatkarma), yogic postures (asana), breath regulation (Pranayama).

Haṭha and Raja Yoga merge along the way resulting in the attainment of spiritual oneness and Liberation.

Thus we see that the practice of Yoga typically begins with the body. And for good reason too. As long as the body is not in good health, our conciousness is trapped in it. The body becomes a prison, we feel shackled. We lose sight of how free and happy we were meant to be.

The first gift of the yogic path , is the gift of physical freedom, achieved through the constant practice of Asana and the happiness that is bestowed upon us by a state of self-reliant contentment.

Again a quote from Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā (1.17)

'Kuryāttadāsanam sthairyamārōgyam ca angalaghavam '

'Having done Asana one gets steadiness (firmness) of body and mind, diseaselessness and lightness of the limbs (flexibility)'

This can be attained irrespective of age or stage, however constant practice is required.

Quote from HYP (1.64 and 1.65)

'Whether young or old, very old, sick or feeble, one can attain perfection in all the yogas by practicing. '

'Perfection results from practical application. Without practicing how can it happen? Just by reading the shastras perfection in yoga will never be attained.'

The body is the vehicle using which we begin our journey inward. It is the only available instrument through which we can transform, re-shape and define ourselves. It is from here that we begin penetrating the inner workings of our mind, achieve stability , clarity and groundedness.

There can be no talk of personality development , love, service , let alone, self-realization, if we are unable to use this instrument freely!

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Bibliography :

Light on Life by B.K.S. Iyengar

Light on Yoga by B.K.S Iyengar

Hatha Yoga Pradipika by Swatmarama

Gheranda Samhita of Sage Gheranda by Swami Niranjanananda Saraswati

Patanjali Yoga Sutras (The Heart of Yoga) by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Bhagavad Gita - by Jayadayal Goyandka (Gita Press Gorakhpur

Gifts along the path of Yoga! - I

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