Tag: yoga

  • The Yoga of Self-Control

    Yoga means union. One aspect of yoga according to sage Patanjali is called pratyahara, which means self-control or withdrawal of the senses. In Chapter Eight of the Bhagavad Gita (verses 11 to 15), Lord Krishna gives the description of the Yoga of Self-Control that can leads us to the Supreme state. This Yoga is practiced…

  • Yoga of God Realization

    In Chapter 8 of the Bhagavad Gita, Shri Krishna addresses an important question posed by Arjuna: How are You (the indestructible) to be realized at the time of death by those of steadfast mind? (Gita 8-2.2) In response, Shri Krishna gives a reply over several paragraphs. At first, Krishna says, He who departs from the…

  • Yoga of the Indestructible

    The Bhagavad Gita is based on a dialogue between the student, Arjuna, and the teacher, Lord Krishna. The scripture unfolds in the form of questions and answers. Prince Arjuna is paralyzed by inaction while in the midst of the battlefield of action. His doubts appear as questions, and Lord Krishna responds with explanations of various…

  • What is True Yoga?

    Chapter 6 of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita is titled, “The True Yoga”. In this chapter, the teacher, Shri Krishna, teaches his pupil, Arjuna, the nature of True Yoga. It begins with the explanation of the true nature and spirit of renunciation, and the relationship of renunciation to desireless action.

  • On Developing Indifference

    The quality or bhavana of upeksha is the fourth quality that Patanjali prescribes for the spiritual seeker, in addition to karuna (compassion), maitri (friendship) and mudita (joy). The literal meaning of upekShA (उपेक्षा) is “overlooking, disregard, negligence, indifference, contempt or abandonment”. At first glance, indifference or negligence seems to imply that we should be insensitive…

  • The Attitude of Joy in Life

    The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali describe four bhavanas or human traits that are essential for our spiritual growth. Two of these traits – compassion and friendship – were discussed in previous articles. This article focuses on the third trait – Joy. The particular sutra that encourages us to acquire and remain in a state of…