Yoga in bhagwadgeeta:
In the Bhagavad Gita, yoga is presented as a comprehensive spiritual path that encompasses various practices and disciplines aimed at attaining self-realization and union with the divine. The term “yoga” in the Gita is used in a broader sense than just the physical postures commonly associated with modern yoga; it refers to a way of life that integrates body, mind, and spirit.
Here’s an overview of how yoga is explained in the Bhagavad Gita:
Yoga as Selfless Action (Karma Yoga):
One of the main teachings of the Gita is the concept of Karma Yoga, the yoga of selfless action. Krishna advises Arjuna to perform his duty as a warrior (kshatriya) without attachment to the results, surrendering the fruits of his actions to the divine.
By practicing Karma Yoga, individuals can purify their minds and hearts, overcome selfish desires, and ultimately attain liberation (moksha).
Yoga as Devotion (Bhakti Yoga):
The Gita also emphasizes the path of Bhakti Yoga, the yoga of devotion. Krishna teaches that sincere devotion and love for God can lead to spiritual realization and union with the divine.
Krishna encourages Arjuna to surrender to him completely and have faith, as this will lead to liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Yoga as Knowledge (Jnana Yoga):
Jnana Yoga, the yoga of knowledge and wisdom, is another path described in the Gita. It involves self-inquiry and the cultivation of spiritual knowledge to realize the true nature of the self.
Yoga as Classical Yoga ( Raja Yoga):
Raja Yoga emphasizes the systematic practice of meditation, ethical disciplines, physical postures (asanas), breath control (pranayama), and other practices to achieve spiritual enlightenment and union with the divine.
Key principles of Raja Yoga include:
Yamas and Niyamas: Ethical disciplines and observances that guide one’s behavior and moral conduct.
Asanas: Physical postures that help prepare the body for meditation and promote physical health and well-being.
Pranayama: Breath control techniques that help regulate the flow of prana (life force) in the body and calm the mind.
Pratyahara: Withdrawal of the senses from external distractions, leading to inner focus and concentration.
Dharana: Concentration, focusing the mind on a single point or object.
Dhyana: Meditation, the continuous flow of awareness toward the object of meditation.
Samadhi: The ultimate goal of Raja Yoga, a state of meditative absorption where the practitioner experiences oneness with the object of meditation and transcends the limitations of the individual self.
Raja Yoga is often associated with Patanjali’s eightfold path, known as Ashtanga Yoga, which consists of the following limbs:
Yamas: Ethical disciplines or restraints.
Niyamas: Observances or practices.
Asanas: Physical postures.
Pranayama: Breath control.
Pratyahara: Withdrawal of the senses.
Dharana: Concentration.
Dhyana: Meditation.
Samadhi: Meditative absorption.