Yoga=Union

 Like many other people in our Ethics Across the Continents course, I began with the understanding that Yoga was a form of exercise-mostly used for strength and stability. I had little knowledge that the breathing exercises that accompany most of yogic practice are the basis of a very intricate science.

Yoga means "union" of the body and mind through breath (energy), as well as union with others, nature, and the divine. Yoga teaches us that in order to "be at one" with ourselves, we need to seek understanding and exercise wisdom over ourselves and our impulses. The yogic path is one that can potentially lead to better health as well as happiness in our minds, bodies and spirits. 

Yoga is prior to hinduism, beginning before 3000 B.C. 

The basics of yoga can be simplified as follows: Asana, refers to alignment principles, the energetic force, and exercise such as sun salutations. Pranayama is the part that deals with observing and practicing 3 part breaths. Dhyana teaches correct posture, breathing, relaxing, as well as sensory awareness. However the full eight limbs of yoga are: 

1.Yama-self restraints

2. Niyamas-Things to do

3. Asana

4. Pranayama

5. Pratyahara-detatchment from the world

6. Dharana-steadying of the mind

7. Dhyana 

8. Samadi-distinguished contemplation

Samprajnata samadi is accompanied by reasoning, reflecting, and rejoicing. Asamprajnata samadi is the firmly convinced practice of complete cessation of all mental modifications. This can also come through faith, strength, memory, contemplation or by discernment. Achieving ultimate samadi depends on the extent to which you practice and by total devotion to God. The keen and intent practitioner will achieve samadi very quickly. The time necessary for success further depends on whether the practice is mild, medium, or intense. 

Isvara is the supreme Purusha, unaffected by any afflictions, actions, fruits of actions of by any inner impressions of desires. In other words, he is all knowing-he is knowledge itself. The word expressive of Isvara is the sound "OM." Without you repeating it, this basic sound is always vibrating in you, its the seed in which all other sounds manifest. This is why OM represents God in the fullest sense. Its a variation of OM as Christians would see as "Amen." 

Its important to remember that Yogic practice is like an obstacle race, many obstructions are purposefully put on the way for us to pass through. Achieving full samadi is sometimes, something only possible for extremely dedicated Yogis. Purusha is not possible without complete detachment-something very difficult for most people. Its important to ask yourself : "If you eliminate all identifications of yourself, who are you really?" 

You then are able to seed that you're the same as those around you, if you detach yourself from all you identify with. 

Being a yogi is all about achieving enlightenment and liberation-but through your own methods. The more you practice the closer you are everyday to unity. 

You are the seer.