Yoga and Self realization :: Part 1
(An independent view)

Ph Ibomcha Singh *

4th International Day of Yoga by Assam Rifles on 21 June 2018 :: Pix - PRO Cell IGAR(s)

Origin of Yoga

I imparted this imperishable yoga (of self realization) to Vivasvan (Sun God), Vivasvan taught this to (his son) Manu and Manu transmitted it to (his son) Iksvalcu. Bh. Gita-IV/1 "Thus handed down in regular succession, the royal sages know it. This yoga by long lapse of time, declined in this world, 0 subduer of enemy." Bh. Gita-N/2 "That ancient yoga itself, which is this has been taught to you by Me to day, considering that you are My devotee and friend also. Certainly this yoga is a profound secret." Bh.Gita-IV/3

Yoga is one of the six schools of thought, the other five are
i) Nyaya of Gautam Muni,
ii) Vaise sika of Kanada Risi
iii) Sankhya of Kapila Muni,
iv) Purva mimansa of Jaimini Muni and
v) Uttara mimansa of Veda Vyasa.

Types of Yoga

In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentioned the following types of yoga :-
i) Abhyasa Yoga - III/8, XII/9
ii) Anannya Yoga - XIII/ 10
iii) Karma Yoga - III/3
iv) Jnana Yoga - III/3
v) Buddhi Yoga - II/49, X/10, XVIII/57
vi) Bhakti Yoga - XIV/ 26
vii) Sanyasa Yoga - IX/ 28
viii) Sankhya Yoga - V/4

Nowadays there are nine different popular types of yoga:-
i) Mantra yoga
ii) Tantra yoga
iii) Laya yoga
iv) Kriya yoga
v) Vihangam yoga
vi) Siva yoga
vii) Hatha yoga
viii) Raja/ Asthanga yoga and
ix) Kundalini /Sahaja yoga.

Again some followers of the Bhagavad Gita regard all the 18 chapters as different types of yoga. All yoga branches are under two groups -
i) Abhava yoga and
(ii) Maha yoga : Hatha yoga and Kundalini yoga belongs to Maha yoga.

Meaning of yoga

Yoga is a sanskrit word, it is derived from the root word `Yuy. Some other meanings of yoga are as follows :-
i) Samatwam yoga Uchyate - yoga is evenness of mind Bh. Gita-II/48 (in regard to success and failure).
ii) Yoga Karmasu Kausalam - Yoga is the skillness in work. Bh. Gita -II/50
iii) Yoking
iv) Add together
v) To acquire what is lacking of wealth
vi) Union of Atma and Paramata (spirit and supreme spirit)
vii) Actualization of self realization.

How is yoga achievable

Yoga is neither physical exercise nor mental acrobatic. Yoga is not religion. Yoga is like a status achievable by any person irrespective of caste, creed, age and food habit. Yoga is achievable if practised under a perfect teacher or guru.

Yoga is also achievable if practised under the guidance of a person who has realized the truth and experience vibration, spandan, param chaitanya, cool breeze of Holy ghost or cosmic energy. Know that, by prostrating thyself by questions and by service the wise those who have realized the truth, will impart that knowledge to you." Bh. Gita/IV/34

How to get yoga?

"This subtle system is the blue print drawn by Divine Architect. God realized that unless this instrument is connected to the Divine, all the endeavour to spiritual ascent is futile". - Saint Kabira Behind the gross human body there is a subtle body which does not perish even after the death of the human being.

In this subtle body there is a subtle instrument or kundalini instrument. It is the blue print drawn by the divine Architect. It has seven energy centres, three energy channels and one main source of energy.

This source of energy is called Tao in China, Zen in Japan, Ethena in Greece and Kundalini in India. Modem science calls it Physio nuclear energy and primordial energy. It is in coil form, like a female cobra, facing downward waiting for its awakening. In spirituality it is the divine mother but in dormant state.

To be continued....