Yoga Therapy Information

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http://www.akhandjyoti.org/ArticlesMarApr03/Truth.html?Literature/Vangmaya/Vol-4/

Philosophy and Science of Spiritual Refinement (Sadhana Paddhatiyon Ka Gyana—Vigyana)

The treasure of Indian culture is full of invaluable pearls. The philosophy and science of yoga is an ageless jewel of these pearls whose glow has been illuminating, since the times immemorial in human history, the internal and external world of all those who adorned it in the crown of their lives. The yoga sadhanas—- methods of practicing yoga in an orderly and scientific way, have been devised by the seers of yore who had perfected the knowledge of human body and mind and experienced the eternal relationship between the individual consciousness and the omnipresent cosmic consciousness.

The mechanism of yoga works on scientific principles. There is nothing esoteric or imaginary in the development, practices and effects of yoga sadhanas. Positive effects of several practices of yoga on physical, biological and mental health have been verified in the modern laboratories too. Yoga—research is a respectable discipline in the faculties of Medicine, Psychology and Philosophy in many reputed institutions and universities across the globe at present. However, on the other side of its popularity, practicing some kind of physical fitness exercises in the name of ‘yoga’ has also become a fashionable hobby and business these days. It therefore appears important to make people aware of the fact that—- applications of yoga are not limited to physical fitness, clinical health and behavioral management only., nor is it a discipline of abstract philosophical discussions by intellectuals; rather, it encompasses all activities and works in all dimensions of human life.

The science of yoga is much deeper than any other branch of science. The sadhana procedures designed here work at the level of extrasensory, subtle and astral bodies too. Sincere and disciplined practices of yoga involve maximum use of the power of intrinsic faith, courage, earnest desire and determination. These aim at gradual arousal and activation of the enormous potentials of human body, mind and the inner sentiments. The nectar of yoga sadhanas helps the tree of life blossom like a Kalpavraksha - the heavenly tree which fructifies all desires of the divine beings.

The philosophy of yoga aims at the "yoga" (literally meaning "conjugation") of the soul with the supreme eternal consciousness. Importance of yoga has been glorified by Lord Krishna in the holy Gita (6| 46) as -

Tapasvibhyo Adhiko Yogi, Jna nibhyo Apimato Adhikah|

Karmibhyashca Adhiko Yogi, Tasmad yogi Bhava Arjuna||

Meaning: "Yogi—- a devotional expert of all practices and knowledge of yoga, is superior to those who refine the self by adopting ascetic disciplines and penance; much as knowledge is superior to the knowledgeable. The success of a yogï is greater than that of the people engaged in creative activities and dedicated actions aimed at excellent results. Therefore, you (addressing to Arjuna) must try becoming a true yogi".

Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya has reinvestigated the philosophy of "Raj Yoga" developed by Maharshi Patanjali in the ancient times. He has analyzed the feasibility and applications of the practices of Yama, Niyama, asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, Samadhi in the modern times taking into account the attitudes, modes of living and circumstances prevailing in the world today. He has deciphered and presented the gamut of yoga sadhanas in a easy-to-understand, lucid style. He has also introduced some new sadhanas of special relevance to improvement of bodily and psychological health in the present times.