Yoga: The Path to Enlightenment

Throughout the ages, one of the most compelling aspects of the human race has been its quest for enlightenment. Ever since recorded history the profound questions of, “Who am I?” “Where do I belong in the grand scheme of things?” and, “what is the meaning of life?” has brewed within the depths of our minds. Philosophies, theologies, myths, legends and scientific theories have been created each seeking to answer these inquiries. Complex beliefs and rituals have evolved to satisfy our insatiable hunger to know the Truth. However, despite its noble intention it is this same quest that has also spawned the greatest tragedies of hatred, murder and war. Nevertheless, the failure to find a universal theology to provide a workable solution that brought about enlightenment has not curtailed the undisputed desire to know God, to obtain knowledge of our Divine Beingness and to achieve spiritual freedom.
Despite the vast variety of paths to enlightenment, perhaps Krishnamurti said it best “There’s only one path – the path of the heart”. He commented how finding that path was like walking through a field with a fresh covering of snow. The path is wherever your feet left marks

Yoga is a way of life, an art of righteous living or an integrated system for the benefit of the body, mind and inner spirit. This art originated, was perfected and practiced in India thousands of years ago. The references to yoga are available in 'Upanishads' and 'Puranas' composed by Indian Aryans in the later Vedic and post- Vedic period. The main credit for systematizing yoga goes to Patanjali who wrote 'Yoga Sutra', two thousand Years ago. He described the principles of the full eight fold yogic discipline. He composed the treatise in brief code words known as 'Sutras'. 'Yoga Sutra' is the most important basic text on Yoga. It is through this basic treatise that the essential message of yoga spread throughout the world.
Aim of Yoga is the attainment of the physical, mental and spiritual health. Patanjali has recommended eight stages of Yoga discipline. They are Yamas- Yamas (abstentions or restrains)
Niyamas- Niyamas (observances)-austerities, purity, contentment, study, surrender of the ego
Asanas- Physical postures or exercises
Pranayama- Control of vital energy (Breathing control)
Partyahara- Withdrawal of the senses
Dharana- Concentration of the mind (Contemplation)
Dhyana- Meditation
Samadhi- Attainment of The super conscious state

How can someone living in the world practice Yoga science? If you understand the fundamental principles of Yoga science and why Yoga science should be practiced, it will become easy for you to practice. First you have to decide to search. You have to feel the necessity of finding yourself. Yes, I want to know myself. Something is missing, something I could not receive from my church, from my religion. Millions of people, both in the East and in the West, are searching for Truth and Self-realization—or as the religionists put it, God. You may go to church or temple or synagogues, but the questioning mind is still there. Sometimes orthodox religions do not satisfy your needs, so you question life. When your mind questions, it means you are not fully satisfied. Life is a question in front of you. You want to know something more, but you are using this little mind, which is like a yardstick, to measure the vast universe and its mysteries. You do not understand your religion because you do not understand yourself.

Stabilizing and clearing the clouded mind, first by meditation on attitudes of lovingness, compassion, supportiveness, and acceptance.
Cultivating the qualities such as non-harming, truthfulness, non-stealing, purity, contentment, self-study and surrender.

Meditation to reduce the colorings (kleshas) of ignorance, ego, attachment, aversions and fear.

Cultivating razor-sharp discrimination to systematically move inward in a process of concentration, meditation and deep absorption.

Seeking to know Purusha, pure consciousness as separate from Prakriti, the subtlest material and all of its evolutes, which include the levels of mind and matter.