The unique Indian tradition for human welfare

Like all other sciences, philosophies, religions and cultures of the world, yoga is the theory and practice for understanding and realisation of the ultimate truth

Like all other sciences, philosophies, religions and cultures of the world, yoga is the theory and practice for understanding and realisation of the ultimate truth and reality.

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The term ‘yoga’ was first mentioned in the Rig Veda. In the yoga-literature, it is used to restrain the senses. Though the rudimentary methods of yogic self-concentration are found in Satipatthana sutta — the discourse on the establishing of mindfulness — the oldest Buddhist canon.

A perusal of yoga upanishads shows that yoga practices had undergone diverse changes in diverse schools. Ultimately, they grew as the Hatha Yoga, which was supposed to produce mystic and magical feats through constant practice of breath-control and physical exercises. These exercises were also associated with controlling and healing diseases and acquiring supernatural powers.

Depending upon the nature of the objective, there are different kinds of yoga. The means, therefore, for achieving the chosen end can be either mental or physical or a combination of the two. To attain a long and healthy life one should adopt the techniques prescribed by Hatha Yoga. To win over one’s senses one can perform Raja Yoga. Likewise, one may choose other kinds of yoga such as Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Samkhya Yoga, Kriya Yoga, Dhyana Yoga, Moksha, et al. Swami Vivekananda considered Rajayoga to be the best among all forms of yoga.

(Inner Voice comprises contributions from our readers. The views expressed are personal.)