My thoughts on International Yoga Day …
Yoga means to unite. Strictly speaking, there must be at least two entities to unite. In our delusive state, we perceive duality – the notion of “I” uniting with “Him.” However, in reality, there is only One. Thus, yoga means the experience of Oneness.
How do we experience the Oneness? The modifications in our mind hinder us from experiencing it. Therefore, the goal of yoga is “Chitta Vritti Nirodha“, which means the cessation of mental fluctuations. When our mind becomes completely calm, what remains is only consciousness. This is the eternal I – the Oneness or Cosmic Consciousness. Correct practice of yoga techniques under a qualified guru can help us realise this.
The yoga practice that we commonly see with physical postures is Hatha Yoga. Hatha Yoga corresponds to the asana limb of the eight limbs of the Patanjali Yoga Sutra. This practice prepares us for the more advanced stages of pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana, and eventually Samadhi.
The same goal can be achieved through selfless work (Karma Yoga), devotion ( Bhakti Yoga) or knowledge (Jnana Yoga).
The ultimate goal of all forms of Yoga is to realise Oneness. Cosmic Consciousness is our true nature. All other benefits of yoga, such as improved health, concentration, memory, or other siddhis, are side benefits that naturally arise as we work towards the supreme goal. Why settle for interim goals when we can strive for the ultimate realisation?