Yoga: Difference between revisions
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==Yoga in other traditions== |
==Yoga in other traditions== |
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The goals of yoga are expressed differently in different traditions. In [[Hinduism]], with its variegated viewpoints and sects, [[Self-Realization]] and [[God-Realization]] are used interchangeably, with the underlying belief that the true nature of self (truth, consciousness, and bliss), revealed through the practice of yoga, has the same nature as the universal self, which may or may not be identified with a 'creator God' depending on the philosophical standpoint of the practitioner. In [[Buddhism]], which does not postulate a creator-type god, yoga may help people deepen their [[wisdom]], [[compassion]], and [[insight]]. In Western nations, where there is a strong emphasis on [[individualism]], yoga practice may be an extension of the search for meaning in self, and integration of the different aspects of being. |
The goals of yoga are expressed differently in different traditions. In [[Hinduism]], with its variegated viewpoints and sects, [[Self-Realization]] and [[God-Realization]] are used interchangeably, with the underlying belief that the true nature of self (truth, consciousness, and bliss), revealed through the practice of yoga, has the same nature as the universal self, which may or may not be identified with a 'creator God' depending on the philosophical standpoint of the practitioner. In [[Buddhism]], which does not postulate a creator-type god, yoga may help people deepen their [[wisdom]], [[compassion]], and [[insight]]. In Western nations, where there is a strong emphasis on [[individualism]], yoga practice may be an extension of the search for meaning in self, and integration of the different aspects of being. |
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For the average person still far from enlightenment, yoga can be a way of increasing one's spiritual awareness, or cultivating [[compassion]] and [[insight]]. While the [[history of yoga]] strongly connects it with [[Hinduism]], some proponents claim that yoga is not a religion itself, but contains practical steps which can be found in the esoteric spiritual practices of all religions, as well as those who do not consider themselves religious. |
For the average person still far from enlightenment, yoga can be a way of increasing one's spiritual awareness, or cultivating [[compassion]] and [[insight]]. While the [[history of yoga]] strongly connects it with [[Hinduism]], some proponents claim that yoga is not a religion itself, but contains practical steps which can be found in the esoteric spiritual practices of all religions, as well as those who do not consider themselves religious. |
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===Yoga and |
===Yoga and Buddhism=== |
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The influence of Yoga pervades the whole of Buddhism. <ref name=Heisig>Zen Buddhism: A History (India and China) By Heinrich Dumoulin, James W. Heisig, Paul F. Knitter (page 22)</ref> In relation to views of the Self, yoga's ''asmita-samapatti'' is designed to eradicate wrong views of the Self much as Buddha did in ''Anatta-lakkhana-sutta''. Of particular interest is a comparison of the Buddhist [[eight-fold path]] and the eight limbs of Patanjali's Yoga. Their moral precepts (the ''sila'' of Buddhism, the ''yama'' and ''niyama'' of yoga) share the Hindu principle of non-violence (''ahimsa''); their final steps closely relate<ref> 6. Buddhist ''Samma Vayama'' (Effort) & Yogic ''Dharana'' (Concentration), 7. Buddhist ''Samma Sati'' (Mindfulness) & Yogic ''Dhyana'' (Meditation) and 8. Buddhist ''Samma Samadhi'' & Yogic ''Samadhi''</ref>; ultimately their steps lead to an indistinguishable goal - the cessation of mental fluctuations, ''citta vritti nirodha''. |
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Movazeneh ([[Persian language|Persian]]) is the [[Sufi]] art of balancing and harmonizing the body. It is unique to the [[Maktab Tarighat Oveyssi Shahmaghsoudi]] (School of Islamic [[Sufism]]), developed by the present Sufi master of the school, [[Salaheddin Ali Nader Shah Angha]]. The practice of Movazeneh focuses the awareness of the practitioner on one single point. Through concentrated movements this awareness is expanded from that single point to the entire body, allowing the person to experience the present moment. While practicing Movazeneh, one experiences the simultaneous monitoring and awareness of all the physiological, psychological, and electromagnetic activities that are taking place in each moment of the movements. |
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====Yogacara Buddhism==== |
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In addition [[Yogācāra]] (Sanskrit: "yoga practice"), also spelled yogāchāra, is an influential school of philosophy and psychology that developed in [[India]]n [[Mahayana]] [[Buddhism]] starting sometime in the fourth to fifth centuries C.E., also commonly known as [[Consciousness-only]]. |
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====Zen Buddhism==== |
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Zen is a form of [[Mahayana Buddhism]]. The Mahayana school of Buddhism is noted for its proximity with Yoga. <ref name=Heisig/> In the west, Zen is often set alongside Yoga, the two schools of meditation display obvious family resemblances. <ref> Zen Buddhism: A History (India and China) By Heinrich Dumoulin, James W. Heisig, Paul F. Knitter (Page xviii) </ref> The melding of Yoga with Buddhism -- a process that continued through the centuries-- represents a landmark on the path of Yoga through the [[history of India]]. This phenomenon merits special attention since the Zen Buddhist school of meditation has it's root's in yogic practices. <ref>Zen Buddhism: A History (India and China) By Heinrich Dumoulin, James W. Heisig, Paul F. Knitter (page 13). |
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Translated by James W. Heisig, Paul F. Knitter. Contributor John McRae. Published 2005 World Wisdom. 387 pages. ISBN 0941532895 [Exact quote: "This phenomenon merits special attention since yogic roots are to be found in the Zen Buddhist school of meditation."]</ref> Certain essential elements of Yoga are important both for Buddhism in general and for Zen in particular. <ref name=Knitter/> |
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[[Image:Yogini 10th century.jpg|thumb|225px|right|A 10th century sculpture of a Yogini from the [[Smithsonian Institute]]]] |
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====Tibetan Buddhism==== |
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Yoga is central to [[Tibetan Buddhism]]. In the [[Nyingma]] tradition, practicioners progress to increasingly profound levels of yoga, starting with [[Mahayoga|Mahā yoga]], continuing to [[Anuyoga|Anu yoga]] and ultimately undertaking the highest practice, [[Atiyoga|Ati yoga]]. In the [[Sarma]] traditions, the [[Anuttara yoga]] class is equivalent. Other tantra yoga practices include a system of 108 bodily postures practiced with breath and heart rhythm timing in movement exercises is known as [[Trul khor]] or union of moon and sun (channel) prajna energies, and the body postures of Tibetan ancient yogis are depicted on the walls of the Dalai Lama's summer temple of [[Lukhang]]. |
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===Yoga and Tantra=== |
===Yoga and Tantra=== |
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{{Main|Tantra}} |
{{Main|Tantra}} |
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Yoga and [[Tantra]] have influenced one another over time. They are both families of spiritual texts, practices, and lineages with origins in the Indian subcontinent and both have been popularized in the West.<ref>Mindfulness Yoga: The Awakened Union of Breath Body & Mind - Page 6 by Frank Jude Boccio</ref><ref>Yoga: The Indian Tradition By Ian Whicher, David Carpenter (page 8)</ref> |
Yoga and [[Tantra]] have influenced one another over time. They are both families of spiritual texts, practices, and lineages with origins in the Indian subcontinent and both have been popularized in the West.<ref>Mindfulness Yoga: The Awakened Union of Breath Body & Mind - Page 6 by Frank Jude Boccio</ref><ref>Yoga: The Indian Tradition By Ian Whicher, David Carpenter (page 8)</ref> |
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Revision as of 02:14, 6 April 2007
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Yoga (Devanagari: योग) is one of the six schools of Hindu philosophy, focusing on meditation as a path to self-knowledge and liberation. Hindu texts establishing the basis for yoga include the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, the Hatha Yoga Pradipika and many others. [1][2] In India, Yoga is seen as a means to both physiological and spiritual mastery. Outside India, Yoga has become primarily associated with the practice of asanas (postures) of Hatha Yoga(see Yoga as exercise), although it has influenced the entire dharmic religions family and other spiritual practices throughout the world. [1] A committed practitioner of yoga is referred to as a yogi, yogin (masculine), or yogini (feminine).
Yoga as a combination of physical, mental and spiritual exercises has been practiced for over 5,000 years.[3]
Since the Bhagavad Gita was written, the main branches of Yoga have been classified as: Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga and Raja Yoga.
History of Yoga
5,000 year old carvings from the Indus Valley Civilization depict a figure that archaeologists believe represents a yogi sitting in meditation posture.[4][5][6] The figure is shown sitting in a traditional cross-legged yoga pose with its hands resting on its knees. The discoverer of the seal, archaeologist Sir John Marshall, named the figure Shiva Pashupati.[7]
The first known written reference to yoga is in the Rig Veda, estimated by the western scholars to be at least 3,500 years old.[8] The Upanishads, (800-100 BCE), Bhagavad Gita (400-100 BCE), and the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (200 BCE-300 CE) also discuss the concepts and teachings of yoga.
Etymology
Sanskrit yoga is a derivation of Proto-Indo-European yugam, from a root yeug- (Sanskrit yuj-) meaning "to join" or "unite"; cognate to Latin iugum and modern English yoke.
The term is attested since the Rigveda in the sense of "act of yoking, joining, attaching, harnessing" but also "undertaking, business, performance". A mental sense of "exertion, zeal, diligence" is attested since the Mahabharata, and the spiritual or mystical sense of "abstract contemplation, meditation" likewise appears in the Mahabharata as well as in the Upanishads.
Bhagavad Gita
The Bhagavad Gita ('Song of the Lord'), thought to have been written some time between 400 and 100 BCE, talks of four branches of yoga:
- Karma yoga: The yoga of action in the world
- Jnana yoga: The yoga of Wisdom and intellectual endeavor
- Bhakti yoga: The yoga of devotion to God
- Dhyana yoga: The yoga of meditation
Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali are a book of 196 aphorisms compiled by the sage Patanjali at some time between 200 BCE and 300 CE.
In reference to the Bhagavad Gita classifications, Patanjali's yoga is a form of Raja yoga, as it seeks meditation as the path towards the ultimate goal. Patanjali himself referred to it as "Ashtanga Yoga" ("Eight-Limbed Yoga"), from the eight steps he set out as the practical path towards attainment of enlightenment. This eight-limbed concept became an authoritative feature of Raja yoga from that point forward, and is a core characteristic of practically every Raja yoga variation taught today. Patanjali's Eight Limbs of yoga practice are:
- (1) Yama (The five "abstentions"): violence, lying, theft, (illicit) sex, and possessions
- (2) Niyama (The five "observances"): purity, contentment, austerities, study, and surrender to god
- (3) Asana: Literally means "seat", and in Patanjali's Sutras refers to seated positions used for meditation. Later, with the rise of Hatha yoga, asana came to refer to all the "postures"
- (4) Pranayama ("Life Force Control"): Control of prāna, life force, or vital energy
- (5) Pratyahara ("Abstraction"): Reversal of the sense organs
- (6) Dharana ("Concentration"): Fixing the attention on a single object
- (7) Dhyana ("Meditation"): Intense contemplation of the true nature of reality
- (8) Samadhi ("Liberation"): Super-conscious state of enlightenment
Hatha Yoga Pradipika
Hatha Yoga is a particular system of Yoga described by Yogi Swatmarama, a yogic sage of the 15th century in India, and compiler of the Hatha Yoga Pradipika. Hatha Yoga is a development of — but also differs substantially from — the Raja Yoga of Patanjali, in that it focuses on shatkarma, the purification of the physical as leading to the purification of the mind (ha) and prana, or vital energy (tha). [9][10] In contrast, the Raja Yoga posited by Patanjali begins with a purification of the mind (yamas) and spirit (niyamas), then comes to the body via asana (body postures) and pranayama (breath). Hatha yoga contains substantial tantric influence, [11][12] and marks the first point at which chakras and kundalini were introduced into the yogic canon. Compared to the seated asanas of Patanjali's Raja yoga which were seen largely as a means of preparing for meditation, it also marks the development of asanas as full body 'postures' in the modern sense. [13]
Hatha Yoga in its many modern variations is the style that most people actually associate with the word "Yoga" today.[14] Because its emphasis is on the body through asana and pranayama practice, many western students are satisfied with the physical health and vitality it develops and are not interested in the other six limbs of the complete Hatha yoga teaching, or with the even older Raja Yoga tradition it is based on.
Yoga philosophy
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In all branches of yoga, the ultimate goal is the attainment of an eternal state of perfect consciousness. Within the monist schools of Advaita Vedanta and Shaivism this perfection takes the form of Moksha, which is a liberation from all worldly suffering and the cycle of birth and death (Samsara) at which point there is a cessation of thought and an experience of blissful union with the Supreme Brahman. For the dualistic bhakti schools of Vaishnavism, bhakti itself is the ultimate goal of the yoga process, wherein perfection culminates in an eternal relationship with Vishnu or one of his associated avatars such as Krishna or Rama.
Common to most forms of yoga is the practice of concentration (dharana) and meditation (dhyana). Dharana, according to Patanjali's definition, is the "binding of consciousness to a single point." The awareness is concentrated on a fine point of sensation (such as that of the breath entering and leaving the nostrils). Sustained single-pointed concentration gradually leads to meditation (dhyana), in which the inner faculties are able to expand and merge with something vast. Meditators sometimes report feelings of peace, joy, and oneness.
The focus of meditation may differ from school to school, e.g. meditation on one of the chakras, such as the heart center (anahata) or the 'third eye' (ajna); or meditation on a particular deity, such as Krishna; or on a quality like peace. Non-dualist schools such as Advaita Vedanta may stress meditation on the Supreme with no form or qualities (Nirguna Brahman). This is in many ways analogous to Buddhist meditation on Emptiness.
Yoga in other traditions
The goals of yoga are expressed differently in different traditions. In Hinduism, with its variegated viewpoints and sects, Self-Realization and God-Realization are used interchangeably, with the underlying belief that the true nature of self (truth, consciousness, and bliss), revealed through the practice of yoga, has the same nature as the universal self, which may or may not be identified with a 'creator God' depending on the philosophical standpoint of the practitioner. In Buddhism, which does not postulate a creator-type god, yoga may help people deepen their wisdom, compassion, and insight. In Western nations, where there is a strong emphasis on individualism, yoga practice may be an extension of the search for meaning in self, and integration of the different aspects of being.
For the average person still far from enlightenment, yoga can be a way of increasing one's spiritual awareness, or cultivating compassion and insight. While the history of yoga strongly connects it with Hinduism, some proponents claim that yoga is not a religion itself, but contains practical steps which can be found in the esoteric spiritual practices of all religions, as well as those who do not consider themselves religious.
Yoga and Buddhism
The influence of Yoga pervades the whole of Buddhism. [15] In relation to views of the Self, yoga's asmita-samapatti is designed to eradicate wrong views of the Self much as Buddha did in Anatta-lakkhana-sutta. Of particular interest is a comparison of the Buddhist eight-fold path and the eight limbs of Patanjali's Yoga. Their moral precepts (the sila of Buddhism, the yama and niyama of yoga) share the Hindu principle of non-violence (ahimsa); their final steps closely relate[16]; ultimately their steps lead to an indistinguishable goal - the cessation of mental fluctuations, citta vritti nirodha.
Yogacara Buddhism
In addition Yogācāra (Sanskrit: "yoga practice"), also spelled yogāchāra, is an influential school of philosophy and psychology that developed in Indian Mahayana Buddhism starting sometime in the fourth to fifth centuries C.E., also commonly known as Consciousness-only.
Zen Buddhism
Zen is a form of Mahayana Buddhism. The Mahayana school of Buddhism is noted for its proximity with Yoga. [15] In the west, Zen is often set alongside Yoga, the two schools of meditation display obvious family resemblances. [17] The melding of Yoga with Buddhism -- a process that continued through the centuries-- represents a landmark on the path of Yoga through the history of India. This phenomenon merits special attention since the Zen Buddhist school of meditation has it's root's in yogic practices. [18] Certain essential elements of Yoga are important both for Buddhism in general and for Zen in particular. [1]
Tibetan Buddhism
Yoga is central to Tibetan Buddhism. In the Nyingma tradition, practicioners progress to increasingly profound levels of yoga, starting with Mahā yoga, continuing to Anu yoga and ultimately undertaking the highest practice, Ati yoga. In the Sarma traditions, the Anuttara yoga class is equivalent. Other tantra yoga practices include a system of 108 bodily postures practiced with breath and heart rhythm timing in movement exercises is known as Trul khor or union of moon and sun (channel) prajna energies, and the body postures of Tibetan ancient yogis are depicted on the walls of the Dalai Lama's summer temple of Lukhang.
Yoga and Tantra
Yoga and Tantra have influenced one another over time. They are both families of spiritual texts, practices, and lineages with origins in the Indian subcontinent and both have been popularized in the West.[19][20]
Tantra has roots in the first millennium, and incorporates Shiva and Shakti worship. It focuses on the kundalini, a three and a half-coiled 'snake' of spiritual energy at the base of the spine that rises through chakras until union ('samadhi') between Shiva and Shakti is ultimately achieved.[21] These concepts were formally introduced into yoga with the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, and because of the subsequent popularity of Hatha Yoga, many Hindu and western yoga teachers now accept these essentially tantric concepts within the yogic philosophy, and this is the most obvious major intersection between tantra and yoga today. The acceptance of tantric kundalini teachings into modern yoga was reinforced by the New Age movement which accompanied (and simultaneously reinforced) the rise of popularity of yoga in the West.[13]
The actual method of Tantra is quite different to traditional Raja Yoga. It emphasises mantra (Sanskrit prayers, often to gods, that are repeated), yantra (complex symbols and archetypal geometric pattering or sacred geometry housing deity, manifesting in a plethora of forms with a discernable syntactic pattern), and rituals that range from simple murti (a statue housing a deity) or image worship to meditation on a corpse or of coitus in a charnel ground - which is challenging for some, but simply an active meditation with the intention to resolve the perceived duality of the creative and destructive universal principle.
See also
Types of Yoga
- Ashtanga Yoga
- Bhakti Yoga
- Hatha Yoga
- Purna Yoga, Integral Yoga or Supramental Yoga
- Karma Yoga
- Kriya Yoga
- Kundalini Yoga
- Laya yoga
- Mantra Yoga or Japa Yoga
- Natya Yoga
- Nada Yoga
- Raja Yoga
- Tantra Yoga
Tibetan schools of Yoga
Modern schools of Yoga
- Anahata Yoga
- Ananda Marga
- Anusara Yoga
- Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga or Krishnamacharya's yoga
- Bikram Yoga
- Cardiac yoga
- Chair Yoga
- Iyengar Yoga
- Kripalu
- Krishnamacharya's yoga
- Naked yoga
- Pranava yoga
- Sahaja Yoga
- Satyananda Yoga
- Sivananda Yoga
- Surat Shabd Yoga
- Vagyoga
- Yin Yoga
- Yoga Chi Gung
- Yoga in Daily Life
Related topics
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References
- Donatelle, Rebecca J. Health: The Basics. 6th ed. San Francisco: Pearson Education, Inc. 2005.
- Feuerstein, Georg. The Shambhala Guide to Yoga. 1st ed. Boston & London: Shambhala Publications 1996.
- Saraswati, swami satyananda (November 2002 (12th edition))"Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha" ISBN 81-86336-14-1
- Mittra, Dharma Sri. Asanas: 608 Yoga Poses. 1st ed. California: New World Library 2003.
- Usharabudh, Arya Pandit. Philosophy of Hatha Yoga. 2nd ed. Pennsylvania: Himalayan Institute Press 1977, 1985.
- Theory And Practice of Yoga: Essays in Honour of Gerald James Larson By Knut A. Jacobsen, Gerald James Larson by Knut A. Jacobsen and Gerald James Larson. Published 2005. Brill Academic Publishers. ISBN 9004147578
- Yoga and The Portal By Swami Harinanda by Swami Harinanda. Jai Dee Marketing. ISBN 0978142950
Notes
- ^ a b c Zen Buddhism: A History (India and China) By Heinrich Dumoulin, James W. Heisig, Paul F. Knitter (page 13)
- ^ Qigong: Essence of the Healing Dance - Page 268 by Garri Garripoli
- ^ The Power Of Yoga. Sunday, Apr. 15, 2001 By Ricahrd Corliss. Official Website of the Time Magazine.
- ^ Singh, S.P., Rgvedic Base of the Pasupati Seal of Mohenjo-Daro, Puratattva 19: 19-26. 1989
- ^ Kenoyer, Jonathan Mark. Ancient Cities of the Indus Valley Civilization. Karachi: Oxford University Press, 1998.
- ^ Archaeologist Jonathan Mark Kenoyer’s description of the yogi seal from his online slide show and narrative
- ^ Marshall, Sir John, Mohenjo Daro and the Indus Civilization, London 1931
- ^ Frawley, David, Yoga and Buddhism. Hinduism Today, February, 1998.
- ^ Living Yoga: Creating a Life Practice - Page 42 by Christy Turlington (page 42)
- ^ Guiding Yoga's Light: Yoga Lessons for Yoga Teachers - Page 10 by Nancy Gerstein
- ^ Mindfulness Yoga: The Awakened Union of Breath Body & Mind - Page 6 by Frank Jude Boccio
- ^ Yoga: The Indian Tradition By Ian Whicher, David Carpenter (page 8)
- ^ a b Hatha Yoga: Its Context, Theory and Practice By Mikel Burley (page 16)
- ^ Feuerstein, Georg. (1996). The Shambhala Guide to Yoga. Boston & London: Shambhala Publications, Inc.
- ^ a b Zen Buddhism: A History (India and China) By Heinrich Dumoulin, James W. Heisig, Paul F. Knitter (page 22)
- ^ 6. Buddhist Samma Vayama (Effort) & Yogic Dharana (Concentration), 7. Buddhist Samma Sati (Mindfulness) & Yogic Dhyana (Meditation) and 8. Buddhist Samma Samadhi & Yogic Samadhi
- ^ Zen Buddhism: A History (India and China) By Heinrich Dumoulin, James W. Heisig, Paul F. Knitter (Page xviii)
- ^ Zen Buddhism: A History (India and China) By Heinrich Dumoulin, James W. Heisig, Paul F. Knitter (page 13). Translated by James W. Heisig, Paul F. Knitter. Contributor John McRae. Published 2005 World Wisdom. 387 pages. ISBN 0941532895 [Exact quote: "This phenomenon merits special attention since yogic roots are to be found in the Zen Buddhist school of meditation."]
- ^ Mindfulness Yoga: The Awakened Union of Breath Body & Mind - Page 6 by Frank Jude Boccio
- ^ Yoga: The Indian Tradition By Ian Whicher, David Carpenter (page 8)
- ^ Tantric Yoga: The Royal Path to Raising Kundalini Power By Gavin Frost, Yvonne Frost
External links
- Yoga links at Curlie