Yoga: More than Just an Exercise

Maranatha Baptist Bible College Yoga: More than Just an Exercise Submitted to: Mr. Trainer Comparative Religions HUCC 226 December 6, 2011 By Holly Buell

Yoga is a growing phenomenon in American culture. The latest yoga in America study shows that 15.8 million Americans practice some form of yoga. 1 What is the point of yoga? John Tunney, a yoga teacher, answered the question by saying The short answer is that yoga makes you feel better. Practicing the postures, breathing exercises and meditation makes you healthier in body, mind and spirit. Yoga lets you tune in, chill out, shape up -- all at the same time. 2 Many Americans practice yoga to work out while relaxing themselves. The problem with this mentality is that it completely breaks the union of yoga and its Hindu roots. Yoga is a practice that is used by many Hindu believers for worship. There are many different types of yoga, and they are for more than getting in shape. People who are involved with yoga must understand the history and different types of yoga before they practice yoga. The techniques of Yoga date back more than 5,000 years. In ancient times, the desire for greater personal freedom, health and long life, and heightened self-understanding gave birth to this system, causing this practice to spread throughout the world. The word Yoga literally means, To join or yoke together 3 and it brings the body and mind together into one harmonious experience. It is said that the practice of yoga may lead to the union of the human with the divine - all within the self. The aim of yoga is the transformation of human beings from their natural 1 Dayna Macy. Yoga Journal Releases 2008 Yoga in America Market Study. http://www.yogajournal.com/advertise/press_releases/10 2 John Tunney. Why do Yoga? http://www.yogasite.com/why.htm 3 American Yoga Association. General Yoga Information. http://www.americanyogaassociation.org/ 2

3 form to a new and perfected form. 4 According to Hindu Wisdom s website Yoga does not create this reality, which is above the mind, but only prepares the mind to apprehend it, by assisting in the transformation of the mind from an ordinary mind full of noise, like a whole army of frenzied and drunken monkeys to a still mind. 5 Yoga, in the traditional sense, is about setting the mind free from the busyness of life. In order for a person to reach a perfected enlightened form, he or she must focus the energies of the mind. This can be accomplished through the practice of yoga. The actual word "yoga" was first mentioned in the Rig Veda, the oldest of sacred texts known to man. This Vedic book dates back to approximately 1,500 BCE. According to Yoga- Insight s website This collection of hymns, or mantras, defined yoga as a "discipline" or a type of "yoking" (in other words a type of bondage) without going into detail about what exactly these "yoking" practices entailed. In later books "yoga" is mentioned again, but this time as the practice of controlling one's breath. 6 From approximately 500 BCE to 800 BCE, yoga played a more important role to the Upanishads. The Upanishads seemed to imply that the only way a student could become enlightened was to sit at the foot of his teacher. The Upanishads were taught to sacrifice the ego through selfknowledge, action (karma yoga) and wisdom (jnana yoga), instead of through sacrifice as Vedic philosophy believed. In fact, yoga was a common form of discipline rather than an exercise in 4 Hindu Wisdom. Yoga and Hindu Philosophy. http://www.hinduwisdom.info/ Yoga_and_Hindu_Philosophy.htm 5 Ibid. 6 Yoga-Insight. The History of Yoga: The story behind a 5,000 year-old art. http://www.yogainsight.com/history/

4 relaxation. 7 The idea was to discipline the body and mind and focus on teachings of Hinduism. This is very different than the reasons for practicing yoga today. Today yoga is simply an exercise, rather than a way of worship and self- discipline. The greatest book on yoga is possibly the Bhagavad Gita. The Gita was delivered by Lord Krishna on the eve of one of the fiercest battles fought on Indian soil. The Bhagavad Gita has been described as being a book of yoga. It emphasizes self-discipline and control over the senses as essential techniques of yoga. The Gita defines it as the balance of the individual and universal consciousness. Lord Krishna said in the Gita, The wavering, restless mind goes wandering on and he advised Arjuna: you must draw it back and have it focused every time on the soul. Lord Krishna later continues by describing yoga as a harmony. He writes, "a harmony in eating and resting, in sleeping and keeping awake: a perfection in whatever one does." The yoga that Lord Krishna expounds in the Gita is the karma (action) yoga of self-control, and bhakti (devotion) yoga. 8 Within classic yoga there are eight steps, or limbs, that are followed. The first is yama, meaning restraint. The idea of yama is to refrain from violence, lying, stealing, and hoarding. The second is niyama, meaning observance. Niyama is about purity, contentment, tolerance, study, and remembrance. The third is asana; which is physical exercises. The fourth is pranayama; which includes breathing techniques. The fifth is pratyahara; which is the preparation 7 Yoga-Insight. The History of Yoga: The story behind a 5,000 year-old art. http://www.yogainsight.com/history/ 8 Hindu Wisdom. Yoga and Hindu Philosophy. http://www.hinduwisdom.info/ Yoga_and_Hindu_Philosophy.htm

5 for meditation, described as withdrawal of the mind from the senses. The sixth is dharana; which includes concentration or being able to hold the mind on one object for a specified time. The seventh is dhyana; which is meditation- the ability to focus on one thing (or nothing) indefinitely. The eighth, and last, is samadhi; which is absorption or realization of the essential nature of the self. 9 Classic yoga did not simply focus on one avenue of meditation, but on many. Modern Western Yoga classes, however, generally simply focus on the third, fourth, and fifth steps. Many Hindus would argue that modern yoga classes are missing out on a full experience of yoga. 10 This is one way modern yoga has split from its roots in Hinduism. Many people today partake in a form of yoga known as Hatha yoga. Hatha Yoga is the physical movements and postures, plus breathing techniques. 11 The word "hatha" comes from the Sanskrit terms "ha" meaning "sun" and "tha" meaning "moon". Thus, it is known as the branch of Yoga that unites pairs of opposites. Hatha mainly focuses on the third and fourth steps of classic yoga. Hatha Yoga tries to achieve balance between body and mind, as well as attempting to free the more subtle spiritual elements of the mind. 12 The main benefits of practicing Hatha yoga are found in the more physical realm, and this is why the majority of modern yoga students are involved with Hatha yoga. 9 American Yoga Association. General Yoga Information. http://www.americanyogaassociation.org/ 10 Yogi Baba Prem. There is no Christian Yoga. http://yogibabaprem.sulekha.com/ blog/post/2006/10/thereis-no-christian-yoga.htm 11 American Yoga Association. General Yoga Information. http://www.americanyogaassociation.org/ 12 ABC of Yoga. Hatha Yoga: The Yoga of Postures. http://www.abc-of-yoga.com/styles-of-yoga/hathayoga.asp

6 There are four other major forms of yoga. The first is Raja yoga. Raja yoga is called the royal road, because it incorporates exercise and breathing practice with meditation and study. This helps to produce a well-rounded individual. 13 This yoga is essentially the path of meditation. The idea is of being able to remove one's own consciousness from its awareness of this world and to focus only on the ultimate reality of the cosmos. This is quite difficult to accomplish. The difficulty is to overcome one's awareness first of their surroundings, and then of their own body and its activities (such as breathing). Once this is accomplished a person must take control of their mind and focus it on Brahman. The goal is achieved when through concentration and meditation, all separateness of the world disappears and a unity of atman and Brahman appears. 14 The idea behind Raja yoga is found in the Bhagavad Gita. In chapter six, Lord Krishna said, When a man loses attachment to sense-objects and to action, when he renounces lustful anxiety and anxious lust, then he is said to have climbed to the height of union with Brahman. 15 Lord Krishna was showing his followers that they needed to put off anxiety and focus on the gods. Lord Krishna later explained the way to this height of union and enlightenment. He said, The yogi should retire into a solitary place, and live alone. He must exercise control over his mind and body. He must free himself from the hopes and possessions of this world. He should 13 American Yoga Association. General Yoga Information. http://www.americanyogaassociation.org/ 14 Huston Smith. Hinduism: Living the Religious Life. http://uwacadweb.uwyo.edu/ religionet/er/hinduism/hrlife.htm 15 The Song of God: Bhagavad Gita. (New York: The New American Library, 1951), 63.

7 meditate on the Atman unceasingly. 16 Lord Krishna repeatedly explained the significance of meditation as a path of understanding. Raja yoga can include up to all eight of the classic steps of yoga. Through meditation and some physical yoga, Raja yoga helps the student to become balanced and focused. Another form of classic yoga is Jnana yoga. Jnana yoga is considered the most difficult path; it is the path of wisdom. 17 There are three main steps in Jnana yoga. The first is learning. The student is taught about the identity of atman and Brahman through instruction and studies of holy writings. Once the intellectual understanding of the concept has been achieved, the yogi moves to the next level. The second step is that of thinking. The yogi is taught to embody the teaching he has received. Professor Huston Smith gave this example to explain the discipleship given to students. He said, The teacher often encourages this process, for example, by pushing the student to think about the "I," "me," and "my" that always crop up in a person's speech. 18 The goal of the second stage is to bring the student to the ability to separate his or her eternal soul (the Self) from the temporal self within. The third step is to sever oneself from oneself. In other words, once it is understood that each person s eternal atman is trapped in a temporary body, the goal is to relocate one's identity in the atman. In the beginning stages of this step, the student begins to think of him or herself in the third person. Professor Huston Smith said that Rather than thinking, I am taking a bath, they think, John is taking a bath. A person thus becomes an 16 The Song of God: Bhagavad Gita. (New York: The New American Library, 1951), 65. 17 American Yoga Association. General Yoga Information. http://www.americanyogaassociation.org/ 18 Huston Smith. Hinduism: Living the Religious Life. http://uwacadweb.uwyo.edu/

8 observer of their temporary body, rather than its motivator. 19 The goal is the split of the eternal Self from the temporary and earthly one. After this there is nothing that separates the student s atman from Brahman. In chapter two of the Bhagavad Gita Lord Krishna talked about the idea of Jnana yoga. Lord Krishna wrote, When your intellect has cleared itself of delusions, you will become indifferent to the results of all action, present or future. At present, your intellect is bewildered by conflicting interpretations of the scriptures. When it can rest, steady and undistracted, in contemplation of the Atman, then you will reach union with the Atman. 20 Lord Krishna wanted his followers to have clear untainted wisdom. Once this perfect intellect was reached, his followers could have a true experience with the atman. Lord Krishna also wrote Even a mind that knows the path can be dragged from the path: the senses are so unruly. But he controls the senses and recollects the mind and fixes it on me, I call him illumined. 21 Lord Krishna was showing that the importance of Jnana yoga is to focus on the gods for knowledge. Only when a person focuses on the wisdom of the gods, can he or she reach a state of enlightenment. religionet/er/hinduism/hrlife.htm 19 Huston Smith. Hinduism: Living the Religious Life. http://uwacadweb.uwyo.edu/ religionet/er/hinduism/hrlife.htm 20 The Song of God: Bhagavad Gita. (New York: The New American Library, 1951), 41. 21 Ibid, 42.

9 The next form of classic yoga is Karma yoga. Karma yoga is all movement and all work of any kind that is done with a focus on a personal concept of God. 22 Karma is a yoga of selfless action. 23 Karma yoga includes action in which the ego is given up to the desire to serve the divine by serving others. It is also the path of doing the right thing. Karma yoga includes actions by the individual from life to death. When Karma yoga is practiced in the right means, it does not harm anyone. The goal is to help and heal others. Karma yoga is an expression of love to all creatures. The student must remember that he or she is simply a tool being used by the divine. The student must simply offer good fruit to the divine. 24 This is another path of salvation. Karma yoga is also discussed in the Bhagavad Gita. Lord Krishna wrote, Your motive when in working should be set on others, by your example, on the path of duty. 25 Lord Krishna wanted his followers to have a focus on other people. In order for Hindu students to understand their inner self, they must focus on their neighbors around them. Lord Krishna also explained a need for students to focus and devote daily actions to the gods. Lord Krishna also wrote, Shake off this fever of ignorance. Stop hoping for worldly rewards. Fix your mind on the Atman. Be free from the sense of ego. Dedicate all your actions to me. If a man keeps following my teaching with faith in his heart, and does not make mental reservations, he will be released from the bondage of his karma. But those 22 American Yoga Association. General Yoga Information. http://www.americanyogaassociation.org/ 23 Hindu Wisdom. Yoga and Hindu Philosophy. http://www.hinduwisdom.info/ Yoga_and_Hindu_Philosophy.htm 24 Peter Marchand. Karma Yoga. http://www.sanatansociety.org/yoga_and_meditation/karma_yoga.htm 25 The Song of God: Bhagavad Gita. (New York: The New American Library, 1951), 47.

10 who scorn my teaching, and do not follow it, are lost. 26 The goal of Hindu students is to achieve good karma in life. Lord Krishna promises his followers that they can be released from the captivity of karma by simply living a life centered on work for him. Karma yoga is more of a lifestyle. Through focus and hard work, students can reach enlightenment. The last major form of classic yoga is Bhakti yoga. Bhakti yoga is the practice of extreme devotion by concentration upon one s concept of God. 27 Bhakti yoga can be practiced by both new followers and experienced yogis. Bhakti yoga is the very activity of a superior energy. 28 Bhakti yoga is the path of devotion to a god, or the path of the love of a god. A person centers on a specific god or goddess (such as Ganesh or Saraswati) and expresses their love for him or her. The goal is not simply to say, I love Kali or just to perform acts of love, but to truly love them, to devote oneself to them. Bhakti takes many forms. It can be in the constant repetition of the god's or goddess' name during the day. This helps to enhance the student s awareness of the divine s role in life. It can be through the giving of gifts to the god at his temple or through the worship of that specific god. It can also be a pilgrimage to a site sacred to the goddess' life. The 26 The Song of God: Bhagavad Gita. (New York: The New American Library, 1951), 48. 27 American Yoga Association. General Yoga Information. http://www.americanyogaassociation.org/ 28 A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. Easy Journey to Other Planets: By practice of supreme yoga. (Los Angeles: The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust, 1972), 11 and 18.

11 goal is a nearness to a specific god or goddess. 29 According to Lord Krishna, Bhakti yoga is a major pathway leading to salvation. 30 Krishna wrote Those whose minds are fixed on me in steadfast love, worshipping me with absolute faith. I consider them to have the greater understanding of yoga. 31 Students that display devotion in worship are said to have a higher level of understanding. Krishna also wrote, The faithful practice it with devotion, taking me for their highest aim. To me they surrender heart and mind. They are exceedingly dear to me. 32 Lord Krishna holds his faithful servants closest to his heart. He desires his followers to be fully devoted to him. Bhakti yoga can be displayed in many avenues of life, and offers a great pathway to understanding and release of the inner Self. It is apparent that historic classic yoga and modern yoga are very different. Classic yoga has deep Hindu roots and is a major form of worship, while modern yoga focuses on physical exercise. The four major forms of yoga, karma, raja, jnana, and bhakti, are popular ways to enlightenment. Modern yoga students must remember that yoga is a deeply religious practice and cannot simply be torn from its beginning state. 29 Huston Smith. Hinduism: Living the Religious Life. http://uwacadweb.uwyo.edu/ religionet/er/hinduism/hrlife.htm 30 Amanda K. Coomaraswamy. Myths of The Hidus and Buddhists. (London: George G. Harrap and Company, 1916), 217. 31 The Song of God: Bhagavad Gita. (New York: The New American Library, 1951), 97. 32 Ibid, 100.

Works Cited Primary Sources: The Song of God: Bhagavad Gita. New York: The New American Library, 1951. Secondary Sources: ABC of Yoga. Hatha Yoga: The Yoga of Postures. http://www.abc-of-yoga.com/styles-ofyoga/hatha-yoga.asp American Yoga Association. General Yoga Information. http://www.americanyogaassociation.org/ Coomaraswamy, Amanda K. Myths of The Hidus and Buddhists. London: George G. Harrap and Company, 1916. Hindu Wisdom. Yoga and Hindu Philosophy. http://www.hinduwisdom.info/ Yoga_and_Hindu_Philosophy.htm Macy, Dayna. Yoga Journal Releases 2008 Yoga in America Market Study. http://www.yogajournal.com/advertise/press_releases/10 Marchand, Peter. Karma Yoga. http://www.sanatansociety.org/ yoga_and_meditation/karma_yoga.htm Prabhupada, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami. Easy Journey to Other Planets: By practice of supreme yoga. Los Angeles: The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust, 1972. Smith, Huston. Hinduism: Living the Religious Life. http://uwacadweb.uwyo.edu/ religionet/er/hinduism/hrlife.htm Tunney, John. Why do Yoga? http://www.yogasite.com/why.htm Yoga-Insight. The History of Yoga: The story behind a 5,000 year-old art. http://www.yogainsight.com/history/ Yogi Baba Prem. There is no Christian Yoga. http://yogibabaprem.sulekha.com/ blog/post/2006/10/there-is-no-christian-yoga.htm 12