The Science of
Yoga
To become a Yogi one has to first sit in the right
posture in the right place. The right place should be pure (free from
impurities, dirt and dust), the seat should be fixed and neither very low, nor
very high, covered with kusha
grasses, deer skin and cloth, one over the other.
For Yoga intense
concentration is the key. Dhyana is
continuous thought of an entity, preferably God or His divine play. Absence of
any thought is also dhyana but that
requires even higher concentration as that would mean the dissolution of
mind.
The right seat is essential as it helps in concentration.
Places devoid of impurities are essential as they do not divert the mind. All
these however are for one who is a beginner in the path of Yoga. For an established Yogi, neither the place, nor time nor
these details matter as he is able to commune with God according to his own
will.
There, in that seat with one pointed concentration and devotion,
controlling the mind and senses one should meditate for communion or Yoga and in
the process get rid of the dirt accumulated within.
The effect of all the desires of this life and impressions
or Sanskaras of past lives is to make
the mind and the soul impure and dirty. Sanskaras also originate from desires.
In Chapter 3 we have seen that the Self or Atman is like a mirror covered with the
dirt of desire. Therefore the purpose of Yoga is to get rid of that accumulated
dirt which is also called sin and to purify the body, mind and soul.
One should sit straight in the Yoga posture with body, head and
neck in the same straight line without any bending or movement. This posture
helps in developing concentration. The gaze should be fixed at the tip of nose,
without minding anything else in the vicinity.
Its not the tip of the nose that matters, but intense
concentration. To make sure that the eyes do not wander a steady gaze at a
particular point is recommended. One can also close eyes and
meditate.
Lord Krishna said, “A Yogi, with serene and calm mind, devoid
of any worry or anxiety, firm in the vow of celibacy or Brahmacharya, will thus devote his
entire concentration on Me and aspiring Me, the Supreme Lord beyond all the
universe. Thus harmonized and in constant contemplation of the Self with one
pointed devotion, the Yogi gets profound bliss called Nirvana which resides in Me.
“
Sri Krishna
then explained to Arjuna who all can
become a Yogi and what happens in the
Yogic state.
One who takes too much food, or one who fasts too much, or one who
sleeps or stays awake too long cannot become a Yogi. To be a yogi one has to be moderate in every
undertaking – in eating and in resting, in activities and in sleep. Thus by
harmonizing and balancing every act one can remove miseries through Yoga.
This is because any of the above when done in excess leads to
disharmony and dysfunction of body and mind. A dysfunctional body and mind are
not at all effective for Yoga.
That mind, which, bereft of all desires, is rested in Atman or Self and is completely
controlled from onslaught of passions, is said to be Yukta or in harmony (with the Supreme
Being).
The Yogi thinks of a
lamp sheltered from wind which remains steady and does not flicker and imposes
that state to himself, i.e. his mind is undisturbed from the turbulences of the
sense world.
Such a mind is placid through the practicing of Yoga and takes great delight in
beholding the Self or Atman in self.
When great joy, boundless and beyond the comprehension of the realm
of senses is realized by one, he finds himself firmly entrenched in the Supreme
Truth.
One who has attained such a state does not care for other (worldly)
gains as they are trivial compared to that boundless gift of joy and peace. In
that state one does not waver even under the influence of the heaviest of the
grieves.
That state devoid of any sorrow and comprised almost entirely of
bliss is called Yoga. One should toil unto that state with steadfast and
determined will.
In order to reach that state one should get rid of all desires and
longings (of name, fame, wealth, power etc.), and should control one’s mind and
senses.
Gradually one should arrive in that state with a steady intellect,
with mind drawn inward towards Self and with all thoughts subdued.
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