HAPPY WORLD YOGA!

HAPPY WORLD YOGA!

Dear Friends,

Well, in my last some messages I spoke to you about the Happy Meditation [also called Happy World Meditation]: what it is, how to practice it & the benefits of practicing it at the individual & global level. However, meditation is but only a part of yoga system and so if you want to reap the full fruits of meditation, then, you should know, rather follow the whole system of yoga!

What is yoga?

A balanced life is yoga.

A balanced development of body, mind and spirit is called yoga.

Yoga is connecting of the self [created being] with the God [supreme being].

Yoga is the holistic approach of developing ourselves physically, mentally and spiritually.

A truly happy life is a life based on the yoga system.

Yoga system is universal and it can be beneficially practiced by anyone.

Origin of Yoga:

Origin of yoga can be well attributed to Krishna, the prophet of God [found in the teachings of the Gita] and Siva, the destroying power of God [found in the teachings of the Siva Purana & elswhere].

Popular Yoga System:

However, the most popular and clear system of yoga is based on the yoga system propounded by Patanjali, known as the Eight Limbs of Yoga [Astanga Yoga].

Eight Limbs of Yoga [Astanga Yoga]:

The Eight Limbs of Yoga are as follows:

1.     Self Discipline [Yama]

2.     Self observances [Niyama]

3.     Yoga postures [Asana]

4.     Breathing Exercises [Pranayama]

5.     Withdrawal of the senses [Pratyahara]

6.     Concentration of mind [Dharna]

7.     Meditation [Dhyana]

8.     Realization [Samadhi]

Eight Limbs of Yoga [Astanga Yoga] discussed:

1.Self Discipline [Yama]:

1.    Non-injury [Ahimsa] : Non-injury in thoughts, words & deeds.

2.   Truthfulness [Satya] : Sincerity, Honesty, Obedience, Dutifulness etc.

3.   Non-stealing [Asteya] : Never take/use things without the prior permission of the owner.

4.    Sexual control [Brahmacharya] : Proper use of sex, Control of lust.

5.  Non-covetousness [Aparigrah] : Non jealousness & Non-greediness of others’ possessions.

2.Self Observances [Niyama]:

1.     Cleanliness [Saucha] : Neat & clean body & surroundings.

2.     Contentment [Santosha] : Be happy with what you have/get.

3.     Austerity [Tapah] : Simplicity, need based life without unnecessary luxury.

4.  Spiritual study [Swadhaya] : Study, learn & research of spiritual teachings & values.

5.   Surrender to God [Iswarpranidhana] : Take refuge in the Supreme Creator [God].

3.Yoga postures [Asana]:

[Details will be discussed later.]

4.Breathing Exercises [Pranayama]

[Details will be discussed later.]

5.Withdrawal of the senses [Pratyahara]:

Proper use of our sense organs like eyes, ears, nose, tongue & skin to promote our well being & happiness in the positive way i.e. avoidance of over indulgences of the sense organs in the sense objects.

6.Concentration of mind [Dharna]:

Practice of attention of our mind to the work at hand.

7.Meditation [Dhyana]:

[Details are discussed before and will be discussed more later.]

8.Realisation [Samadhi]: Being in Bliss. Being original. Being one.

Concluding Remarks on Yoga Practices:

So, it is suggested that before going straightway to the meditation process one should be aware of the whole system of yoga and be more or less in that spirit especially with those of Self Disciplines & Self Observances.

However, it’s OK, you are not expected to be perfect, no one is perfect in this world and so, with some mistakes & lapses here & there, you can start practicing yoga [overall] and meditation [in particular] for your own well being and also for the well being of the entire world [of which you are a part].

Happiness for all!

Regards,

Goodman

for HAPPY WORLD SOCIETY

PS: this post was originally written by Goodman on 7 September 2017