Universal Principles of Yoga
By Paul Jerard
Yoga and Yogic philosophy is occasionally misunderstood because some people have not been informed of the universal principles that are not threatening to any belief or disbelief. Many people who do not practice Yoga are often surprised to find detailed dietary suggestions contained within their Yoga training. Yoga aids the student toward better health in every possible aspect. So, Yoga requires and in depth explanation.
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Let’s start with the meaning of Yoga, which literally means “unity” or “union.” Your next question might be, “Unity with what?” Yoga does help unify the mind and body, but it also unifies the spirit or soul within you with God. The soul is sometimes known as the “Atman” and can also be referred to as pure or true consciousness. Yoga is not a religion, but it can be practiced in harmony with any religion.
Before we go any further; it should be noted that many students from a variety of religions have practiced Yoga and feel a deeper connection with God as a result of the mind, body, and spirit unification process. Therefore, Yoga is doing no harm to anyone of any religion. Yoga philosophy does not preach a “Better than thou” doctrine. This has been mankind’s excuse to wage war, since history was first recorded and even before.
The concept of another person’s religion, nationality, ethnic background, race, and gender; being less, have always been convenient reasons for bigotry, slavery, and cruelty. Tolerance of others is not a new idea in Yogic philosophy.
There is no group that has the exclusive rights to Yoga. India is the birth place of Yoga and the people of India have gladly shared their gift with the rest of the world. There is no exclusive group that practices Yoga or teaches Yoga classes. Yoga was not designed to be an exclusive practice and Yoga has evolved for the best over 5,000 years to this day.
For the sake of being “politically correct,” many Yoga teachers omit the spiritual aspect of Yoga in their Hatha Yoga classes. This is fine, since the masses of some cultures object to learning about a method to connect to God. However, what does it say about a culture that is to busy to talk or think about God?
It means many things and some societies are showing signs of systematic spiritual illness. However, if you teach Hatha Yoga under these circumstances, you might be best to leave religion outside your classes. Unless, you are teaching Bhakti Yoga or something similar such as Jewish, Moslem, or Christian Yoga, the union of mind, body, and spirit does not usually occur in a typical Hatha Yoga class.
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Universal Principles of Yoga, Part 2
By Paul Jerard
The emphasis, in most Hatha Yoga classes, is on the physical body. As I have explained to some of my colleagues, “Some form of union is better than no union at all.” This indicates something ancient Yogis knew thousands of years ago. The path of Hatha Yoga will be much easier to follow than the paths of Bhakti Yoga, Raja Yoga, Karma Yoga, and Jnana Yoga.
There are many styles of Yoga, but let’s look at some of the main Indian Yoga styles and their approach to unity. There are many other Indian Yoga styles, and no disrespect is intended by not mentioning them. Many styles of Yoga do use components found in other styles, so each style has many facets. Meditation is one of the most common facets found in almost all forms of Yoga.
Bhakti Yoga: Is unity through devotion, love for God, or loving service. This is the most widely practiced form of Yoga within India. However, Yoga practiced for devotion to God is practiced by many religions. These Yoga classes are most often sectarian in nature and include members with one religious belief.
Bhakti can also be misplaced when a person gives too much devotion to material gain and temporary worldly pleasures. The Bhakti Yoga practitioner knows that the true path, toward a connection with God, is through loving service and devotion to God. The “holy man” who preaches hate, is not a Bhakti Yoga practitioner.
Pope John Paul II could have been considered an example of a Bhakti Yoga practitioner. Within a spiritual country, such as India or Saudi Arabia, you will also see many examples of Bhakti Yoga. Although, many Saudis might not agree with the description, they are devoted to Allah (God). Many Moslems will travel a great distance for a Hajj or Umrah. This is an example of loving service to God.
Sometimes devotion can be to a prophet, saint, or Guru, who is living or not, but most often devotion, dedication, and love toward God, Brahman, Krishna, Allah, Jehovah, Yahweh, or a Supreme consciousness is the central idea. In truth, mankind has spent far too much time waging war over the name of God.
Jnana Yoga: Is unity through knowledge, but this is much more than intellectual pursuit. Jnana Yoga is a method to turn knowledge into pure wisdom. Knowledge is not always practical or pure wisdom.
Today, many children have access to multiple forms of media, so they are knowledgeable, but are they very wise? Children are young and need time to develop wisdom. How many times have you met a person who was “book smart,” but lacked common sense in daily decision making? Awareness, logic, and pure wisdom are cultivated through meditation, self-analysis, self-realization, and developing a deeper connection with God.
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Universal Principles of Yoga, Part 3
By Paul Jerard
Hatha Yoga: Is unity through physical mastery, but Hatha Yoga uses many of the aspects of other Yoga styles. This is the most common form of Yoga outside of India. In the Hatha Yoga family tree are many popular Hatha sub-styles such as: Iyengar, Bikram, Sivananda, Restorative, Power, and Vinyasa Yoga.
There are many books and videos about Hatha Yoga on the market. Yet, there are still many misunderstandings about Hatha Yoga. Since Hatha Yoga is the most popular form of Yoga in the world, it has been labeled as many things.
When most people outside of India refer to Yoga, they are most often referring to Hatha Yoga. Some celebrities endorse variations of Hatha Yoga for its healing properties, while some journalists still scoff at the idea of Yoga as preventative medicine. Some doctors refer their patients to Yoga classes, but a rare few may still compare Yoga to “snake oil.”
Yoga has been referred to as a “cure all” for everything that troubles mankind. In truth, Yoga is the most comprehensive health maintenance system ever developed and it continues to evolve to this day. Hatha Yoga’s strength is that it is a “well rounded” in every aspect of preventative medicine.
Yoga has come a long way in the Western Psyche, but is still accused of being a “front” for the proliferation of Hinduism. The fact is, Hatha Yoga is a separate practice from religion, but also Hatha Yoga could be integrated into any religious practice. Hatha Yoga is a separate entity from religion.
Strangely, Yoga has sometimes been compared to “witchcraft.” The first time I read that one, I burst into laughter, but a few people must feel strongly about it, if they take credit for writing such claims. Just like anything else people have difficulty understanding, Yoga can be misunderstood. When one of my first Yoga students stated that she got rid of migraine headaches, after practicing particular Yoga techniques, I never thought the devil would receive credit for it.
A few of the more vigorous and contemporary Hatha Yoga styles have limited meditation practice within the class structure. This is not a rule, but the students are just more interested in “getting a workout.” Pilates is one of Yoga’s 20th Century offshoots and has no meditation practice at all. On the other hand Ashtanga Yoga classes are very vigorous and do contain meditation, as part of the lesson plan.
Hatha Yoga’s best known component is its postures (Asanas). However, Pranayama, philosophy, bandhas, mudras, mantras, and meditation can be commonly found in Hatha Yoga classes. With so many sub-styles of Hatha Yoga, there is always a style to match the needs of all Yoga students.
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Universal Principles of Yoga, Part 4
By Paul Jerard
Karma Yoga: Is unity through work and particularly through the act of selfless service. Along with Jnana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, and Raja Yoga; Karma Yoga is often considered to be one of the four most advanced forms of Yoga. To take selfless action, without expectations, or seeking a reward, is one of the keys to Karma Yoga and also enlightenment.
When I think of Karma Yogis, the first that would come to mind is Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, also known as Mahatma Gandhi. His model of peaceful resistance for civil rights has been successfully copied since, but most importantly, his actions were for the highest moral reasons. He did not seek fame, but fame did come to him. His selfless acts did cost him his health and, unfortunately, his own life. India and the world will always miss his rare wisdom.
You do not have to be enlightened, or give up your life, to follow the path of Karma Yoga, but if you can let go of attachment to the outcome of your action; you are on the path. This one task is most difficult and requires acts of loving kindness to friends, strangers, and those who do not wish you well.
Karma Yoga also requires mindfulness and forgiveness. Why should you give so much of yourself? Surprisingly, the Karma Yogi does receive a priceless reward, but most people do not come to this realization. By giving, forgiving, showing kindness, being mindful, and letting go of attachment, the Karma Yogi experiences freedom. This is freedom from hate, guilt, fear, and greed.
Think of “The Middle Way” as taught by Siddhartha Gautama, also known as “The Buddha.” He taught avoidance of extremes; whether it is pleasure or pain. When you stop hating, you are releasing your own pain from within the depths of your soul. So, you are forgiving, but you are also releasing the burden of hate.
Remember also that when you give in to hate, greed, fear, and guilt; the consequences of your actions will eventually be realized. Therefore, the path of Karma Yoga should be a part of each of our lives. Give to those in need and do not expect a reward. Your reward is that you are in a position to give.
The highest form of Karma Yoga is selfless service to God. It does not matter what name you choose call God, the principle is the same. Selfless service is taking the action to help others. If you can learn to love others, you will learn to love yourself, and establish an even deeper love for God.
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Universal Principles of Yoga Part 5
By Paul Jerard
Kundalini Yoga: Is unity through awakening psychic nerve force, which indicates the depth of this Yoga style. Kundalini Yoga is sometimes referred to as the “Mother of all Yogas.” On the surface Kundalini Yoga might resemble Hatha Yoga, but the emphasis on the subtle body, chakras, mantras, meditation, and Pranayama is presented in a uniquely powerful way.
Kundalini Yoga was cloaked in secrecy until Yogi Bhajan gave a lecture in Los Angeles during January of 1969. Until that time, most information about Kundalini Yoga had been exchanged verbally from teacher to student. So, this was the beginning of Kundalini Yoga teaching “going public.”
The awakening of Kundalini energy starts with focusing on dormant energy at the base of the spine within the first major Chakra; also known as the Muladhara Chakra. Through asanas, coordinated Pranayama, Japa (repeating mantras), and meditation, the Kundalini energy is sent up the spine to the Sahasrara Chakra at the crown of the head.
Samadhi, also known as intuitive enlightenment, is one of the most sought after results of Kundalini Yoga practice. Therefore, Kundalini attracts a much different type of student and Yoga teacher from what is most commonly found in a Hatha Yoga class. This is neither right, nor wrong, but most Hatha Yoga students are not usually pursuing a spiritual transformation process.
As a side note: Kundalini has taken a few verbal assaults, from religious fundamentalists, for being a bit mystical and a little harder to understand. Based upon my own experience, Kundalini Yoga sessions will purge negative energy from your mind and body. Only positive results can be gained in the study of Kundalini Yoga, under the supervision of a competent Kundalini Yoga teacher.
Mantra Yoga: Is unity through sound. Mantra Yoga is also referred to as Japa Yoga and the repeating of particular Mantras will cause sensory withdrawal (Pratyahara). This is, in fact, easier for most people to accomplish than meditation and it allows the Mantra Yoga practitioner to remove negative energy from the body, mind, and spirit.
In Sanskrit Mantra literally means “tool for thinking” or “tool for thought.” The purpose of Mantra Yoga is to achieve salvation through unity with the supreme consciousness, which you many people refer to as God, Brahman, Yahweh, Jehovah, or Allah. The repeating of Mantras, which is also known as Japa, is in fact prayer. So, Mantra Yoga may not look like much “from the outside looking in,” but it is a deeply spiritual, powerful, and rewarding Yoga practice, in its own right.
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Universal Principles of Yoga, Part 6
By Paul Jerard
In all religions, it is believed singing or chanting prayers, hymns, or Japa, will bring about salvation. Within the Vedas, the verses are also called mantras. To go a bit further, every religion practices a form of Mantra or Japa. If you have been to a church, temple, shrine, ashram, or mosque, you will hear prayers, chanting, and singing.
So, what happened to the concept that Yoga is not a spiritual practice? Well, it is, but some popular physical forms do not address spiritual health. Pilates is a popular “Yoga off shoot” that does not address spiritual health. Some of the contemporary Hatha Yoga styles do not contain much spiritual benefit. I teach Chair Yoga classes for physical and mental benefits only. However, as you can see, by what you have previously read, many of the main Indian Yoga styles do address mental, physical, and spiritual health.
The main point is that these forms of Yoga are not threatening to any religion at all. Yoga can be practiced by anyone of any religion, without the worry of a conflict. Now, if you are an atheist, you may prefer to practice a form of Yoga that will not enhance your spiritual health. It is every Yoga student’s prerogative to choose a style of Yoga or a Guru that fits his or her needs.
However, if you ever find a Guru who does not embrace spiritual health, what does that tell you?
Let’s look at a few other points of interest found in Mantra Yoga. The Mantra Yogi has three methods of practice. They are Balkhari, Upanshu, and Manasik.
The Balkari method is chanting in a voice that can easily be heard. The immediate benefit is to withdraw into meditation easily. It is much easier to meditate when you can remove outside thoughts, problems, and concerns. The Upanshu form of chanting is performed in a low voice, similar to a whisper. The Manasik form of chanting is one of my personal favorites and can be performed mentally. Some consider this to be difficult, but it does lead to higher states of consciousness. Since this is such a “low key” form of Japa, you can easily fit it into your busy day. If you pray in silence during the day, you have already practiced in this way.
Some Mantra Yogis use a Rosary or “Mala.” Most of the Malas that I have seen have 109 beads. The 109th offset bead is known as a Sumeru or Guru. This is where Japa begins and ends. Also worthy of note, is that Roman Catholics use a Rosary for prayers and meditation. This is also a deeply spiritual practice. The Mala or Rosary has been a helpful tool for enhancement of spiritual health regardless of which culture you are from or which religion you practice.
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posted by Cheryl Levesque @ 4:43 PM
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