Gita key verses course 19 – What is yoga? – Gita 06 11

So, today we will continue our discussion on the sixth chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, focusing on the concept of Yoga.

A quick recap: we have been discussing the key concepts of the Bhagavad Gita, and so far, we have progressively addressed issues such as our identity, how understanding our identity affects our relationships and vision of work, destiny, and karma. In the sixth chapter, during the previous session, I talked about the mind and how it functions as an inner screen within us.

Functionally, the mind is essential because it allows us, the souls, to link with the body. It is like the software that connects the hardware of the body with the user, the soul. However, the mind is also like a person sitting next to the driver who distracts the driver. We discussed how we can learn to focus the mind through persistence, intelligence, and transcendence.

Today, I will talk about Yoga—what it is, how it can improve our physical, mental, and spiritual health, and how we can approach it. Specifically, we will discuss three aspects:

1. What is Yoga?
2. What is its purpose?
3. How can we best approach it?

Our discussion will primarily be based on verses 11 and 12 of the sixth chapter, which describe the starting stages of the process of Yoga.

The verses explain that one must sit in a place that is neither too high nor too low, on a mat of Kusha grass covered with deerskin, with the Kusha grass facing the northern direction. The mind must be focused, and one must learn to restrain the consciousness, senses, and actions. In this way, one becomes situated and engages in the practice of Yoga.

For what purpose? The purpose of Yoga is self-purification—a thorough and complete purification. These verses describe both the process and the purpose of Yoga. The process involves seclusion, physical postures, and concentration to ultimately achieve inner purification.

Now, let us look at this in more detail.

Generally, when we hear the word Yoga nowadays, the first thought that comes to mind is physical postures. Yoga is often equated with Yogasanas.

Now, is that a valid equalization? Yes, it is, but it is not a complete equalization.
Postures or asanas are actually just one limb of one type of Yoga—just one limb of one type.

Broadly speaking, in the spiritual tradition of India, Yoga has been classified into four categories. While the nomenclature and emphasis may vary, the core idea remains consistent: there are four primary types of Yoga—Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Dhyana Yoga, and Bhakti Yoga.

Each of these Yogas addresses different faculties of human existence. Let’s break this down:

• Karma Yoga focuses on action and is often referred to as the “action connection.”
• Jnana Yoga emphasizes knowledge, hence the “knowledge connection.”
• Dhyana Yoga centers on meditation, making it the “meditation connection.”
• Bhakti Yoga involves devotion, often called the “devotion connection.”

In each type of Yoga, the focus is on a particular aspect of our being to establish a connection with the higher spiritual reality, although other aspects are also involved.

In Karma Yoga, the connection is achieved through physical action. By working with a sense of detachment and duty, we establish a link to the spiritual.
In Jnana Yoga, the primary faculty used is intelligence. This involves intellectual analysis to discern between the temporary and the eternal. The process of neti, neti (“not this, not this”) is employed to reject everything impermanent and focus on the eternal reality.
In Dhyana Yoga, the emphasis is on steadying the mind. The sixth chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, titled Dhyana Yoga, deals extensively with this practice. Here, Krishna explains how the mind can be either an ally or an enemy, depending on whether it is controlled. Meditation involves focusing the mind until it attains a state of deep concentration.
Finally, Bhakti Yoga is the path of devotion, where we engage the emotions of the heart, elevating them toward the supreme spiritual reality (Bhagavan). This is often referred to as the “heart connection” or “devotion connection.”

Why are these four types of Yoga relevant to our discussion? Because postures, or asanas, are just one limb of one type of Yoga.

Now, let’s delve deeper. The asanas are part of Dhyana Yoga, which is also known as Ashtanga Yoga (the “Eight-Limbed Yoga”). These eight limbs are as follows:

1. Yama (restraints) and Niyama (observances) – ethical guidelines that define what to do and what not to do. These are akin to a doctor’s dos and don’ts for maintaining health.
2. Asana – sitting in a specific posture to steady the body.
3. Pranayama – breath control to calm the mind and regulate the life force (prana). The breath is closely linked to the mind—calming the breath helps calm the mind.
4. Pratyahara – withdrawing the senses from external objects.

Pratyahara, often misunderstood, involves restraining our senses from indulging in their cravings. For example, the eyes may crave beautiful forms, the ears melodious sounds, and so on. Feeding the senses would mean pandering to these cravings, while pratyahara means deliberately avoiding such distractions to focus inward.

Let’s consider food. While we must feed our bodies, pratyahara suggests we should avoid overindulgence or unhealthy choices. Feeding the tongue, for instance, would mean giving in to cravings for sumptuous or unhealthy foods, whereas eating in moderation is a regulated way of nourishing the body without feeding the senses.

The purpose of pratyahara is to reduce the agitation caused by external sensory input and bring the consciousness inward. For this reason, yogis often seek secluded places for meditation, as advised in the Bhagavad Gita (6.11). In solitude, they avoid exposure to tempting objects that could pull their focus outward. Techniques such as half-closing the eyes help balance awareness, preventing sleep or external distraction.

The next stages of the eight limbs include deeper levels of meditation:

• Dharana – the initial stage of concentration, where the mind begins to focus inward.

As we progress, these practices help stabilize the mind, allowing us to move toward higher states of consciousness and ultimately, self-realization.

Our mind becomes steadily focused through Dhyana (meditation), where we go deeper and become absorbed. Samadhi, in contrast, is the state where we are completely lost in meditation. In this journey, we progress through stages: starting with meditation (Dharana), situating ourselves in meditation (Dhyana), and finally experiencing complete transformation in meditation (Samadhi).

At one level, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi are progressively deeper stages of inner contemplation. Samadhi, the final stage, is where one is lost in a spiritual trance, experiencing spiritual visions and realities beyond the material realm. This concept of Samadhi will be discussed further in later verses of this chapter.

The discussion of these eight limbs serves two primary purposes:

1. To emphasize that asanas (postures) cannot be equated with Yoga as a whole. The term yoga asanas refers to postures as one part of the larger Yoga system. Asanas are just one limb of one type of Yoga.
2. To highlight that all the later stages of Yoga, particularly Dhyana, center on the mind. Progress in Yoga is directly linked to our ability to focus the mind. To the extent that we focus the mind, we progress deeper into meditation.

Thus, Dhyana Yoga is fundamentally centered on the mind, as evidenced by its final three stages: Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi.

What is Yoga?

Yoga, in essence, means connection or harmony. When we are connected, we experience harmony; when we are disconnected, we are in disharmony.

What is this connection? It is the connection between finite consciousness (ourselves) and infinite consciousness. In the practice of Yoga, the exact nature of the ultimate reality may not be fully known at first, but there is an understanding of a reality beyond the physical and material. Yoga is the process of striving to establish a connection with that higher reality.

To begin, yogis often focus on external objects, such as the tip of the nose or the space between the eyebrows (as described in Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 6, verses 13–15). These are initial focal points to draw the mind inward. The ultimate goal, however, is to focus on the divine within—the indwelling presence of Vishnu, who is described as Vishwa (universal) and Anu (atomic), the all-pervading divine present within every heart.

Yoga, therefore, is the process of establishing harmony between finite consciousness and infinite consciousness. Asanas, while important, are just one preliminary aspect of this larger process.

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The Purpose of Yoga

Yoga is ultimately meant for self-purification (Atmavishuddhaye), as stated in Bhagavad Gita 6.12: Yogam Atmavishuddhaye—Yoga is for purification.

Through purification, Yoga removes the impurities that drag and distract our consciousness. As these impurities are cleared, our consciousness becomes spiritually connected and situated. This leads to self-realization, which is the ultimate purpose of Yoga: to understand and realize who we truly are.

Yoga and Self-Realization

Self-realization involves recognizing our true spiritual identity. The foundational texts for Yoga, such as the Patanjali Yoga Sutra and the Bhagavad Gita, explain this in depth. For instance, the Patanjali Yoga Sutra defines Yoga as Yogash Chitta Vritti Nirodhaha—Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of consciousness (Chitta).

At the material level, consciousness is embodied and agitated, constantly distracted by external stimuli. The process of Yoga stills these distractions (Nirodhaha), creating a steady inner focus.

To explain further, let us revisit the metaphor of the soul as the inner seer and the mind as the inner screen. On this screen, countless distractions (mental pop-ups) arise, pulling us away from inner peace. Yoga is the process by which these distractions stop appearing, allowing the screen to become calm and steady.

When this happens, the inner screen transitions from being a window to the outer world—sometimes showing us random and agitating images—to becoming a mirror that reveals our true self. This inner reflection enables us to recognize that we are spiritual beings, parts of a greater whole.

In this state of realization, we understand not only Aham Brahmasmi (“I am spirit, not matter”), but also that we are finite spiritual entities, parts of the infinite spirit. As Krishna explains in Bhagavad Gita 15.7: Mameivamsho jiva-loke jiva-bhutah sanatanah—“All living beings are my eternal parts.”

Thus, self-realization through Yoga involves understanding our connection with the divine, which the Bhagavad Gita later identifies as Krishna.

Material Disconnection and Spiritual Connection

The purpose of Yoga, as emphasized in the eight stages (from Pratyahara to Samadhi), is twofold:

1. Material disconnection: Through practices like Pratyahara, we withdraw from sensory distractions and reduce infatuation with the material world.
2. Spiritual connection: As we progress inward, we establish a deeper connection with the divine, leading to self-realization.

When the impurities of the mind are cleared, the inner screen becomes calm and functions as a mirror. This reveals our true spiritual nature and our relationship with the divine. This inner illumination and harmonization are the ultimate purposes of Yoga.

Yoga in the Modern Context

Understanding the purpose of Yoga raises the question: where does the present-day, widespread practice of Yoga in the Western and westernized world fit in? Most people practice Yoga to perform postures for physical benefits—becoming healthier, slimmer, and fitter. While these are valid benefits, they are merely fringe benefits of the Yoga process.

When we live in harmony, all aspects of our being—body, mind, and soul—are positively impacted. Physical well-being, while valuable, is not the core purpose of Yoga. The practice of asanas (postures) may lead to better physical health and mental calm, but these are secondary outcomes. Even a calm mind, though desirable, begs the question: What is the calm mind focused on?

The essential benefit of Yoga is the spiritual joy that comes from establishing a connection with the divine. The soul’s true nature is characterized by ananda (joy), and this joy is experienced through self-realization and spiritual connection. Physical health, the primary motivation for most practitioners today, is simply a byproduct of the practice—not its ultimate aim.

Yoga’s Original Purpose vs. Current Trends

While Yoga is traditionally intended for spiritual connection, in today’s world, it has largely become a tool for physical fitness and has evolved into a lucrative industry. In many cases, the original purpose of Yoga is obscured or lost entirely.

For instance, many non-traditional forms of Yoga have emerged that focus solely on bodily postures, often with no understanding of its spiritual essence. A striking example of this is doga, a combination of “dog” and “Yoga.” The concept involves practicing Yoga with one’s pet dog, emphasizing the emotional connection with the pet rather than a higher spiritual connection. While sharing activities with loved ones, including pets, can be meaningful, such practices shift the focus of Yoga from spiritual connection to reinforcing material relationships.

Similarly, other trends such as Yoga for enhancing physical appearance or sexual performance further distort its purpose. For example, “Yoga for sex,” aimed at improving sexual performance, does not just distract from the spiritual goal—it directly defeats the purpose of Yoga. Yoga, by definition, involves material disconnection (Pratyahara) to foster higher spiritual connection. Practices that focus solely on material gains run counter to this principle.

Yoga asanas can indeed be a holistic and non-intrusive way to improve physical health, such as reducing weight or calming the mind. These benefits are positive, but when sought as the sole purpose, they lead to a diversion from Yoga’s ultimate purpose.

Yoga as a Business

In today’s image-conscious world, external appearances are often given undue importance. This societal focus on looks has turned Yoga into a multi-billion-dollar industry, driven by the promise of physical transformation. While this commercialization has popularized Yoga globally, it has also contributed to a significant divergence from its spiritual roots.

Yoga, reduced to a fitness regimen, has become a commodity, with millions of dollars spent on classes, equipment, and trendy variations. This trend highlights a growing gap between the original intent of Yoga—self-realization and spiritual connection—and its current application.

Reclaiming the True Purpose of Yoga

How should we approach Yoga in light of its original purpose? Many of us may have tried Yoga asanas, experienced some benefits, or simply heard about it. To practice Yoga in its most optimal way, we must understand and focus on its ultimate purpose: spiritual connection and self-realization.

When we practice Yoga with this higher purpose in mind, we naturally gain the physical and mental benefits as well. By focusing on spiritual harmony and realizing our core spiritual nature, we align with life’s ultimate purpose. The more we live in harmony—with ourselves and the divine—the greater the joy we experience. As a result, physical health and mental calm become natural outcomes of this alignment.

The Ultimate Purpose of Yoga

What is the ultimate purpose of Yoga? At its core, Yoga fulfills a deep human longing: the need for an unchanging object of love and an enduring loving connection. Our soul yearns to love and be loved—not just temporarily, but forever.

The Bhagavad Gita, particularly the sixth chapter, reveals that Yoga culminates in devotional meditation on the divine, specifically on Krishna. Through Yoga, one progresses toward meditating on Krishna, fulfilling the heart’s innermost need. This connection with the divine is life’s ultimate purpose and therefore also Yoga’s ultimate purpose.

By focusing on this ultimate purpose, the fringe benefits of Yoga, such as physical health and mental calm, will naturally follow as needed. The Gita recommends Bhakti Yoga as the most accessible and transformational form of Yoga, which we will explore further. It also delves into various forms of Yoga, including Dhyana Yoga, emphasizing that spiritual connection is primary. While other benefits may arise, the goal remains the establishment of a spiritual bond.

Yoga’s Two Trajectories: Physical Benefits vs. Spiritual Growth

For those who initially practice Yoga for physical benefits, two possible trajectories emerge:

1. Positive Trajectory: Spiritual Openness
   Many practitioners start Yoga for physical well-being but eventually become curious about its deeper aspects. Feeling healthier and calmer, they begin to ask:
   • What is this practice offering me?
   • Is there more to discover?

This curiosity often leads to exploration, with practitioners realizing that Yoga is rooted in spiritual traditions. By becoming receptive to spirituality, they move closer to Yoga’s ultimate purpose—spiritual connection and growth.

2. Negative Trajectory: Misconceptions or Stagnation
   Alternatively, some practitioners may limit Yoga to its physical aspects or misconstrue it as their daily spirituality. This misconception can result in two outcomes:
   • Delusion: Believing that practicing asanas alone makes one spiritual. This limits the transformative potential of Yoga, which is not merely about feeling better but about spiritualizing one’s consciousness and appreciating spiritual reality.
   • Stagnation: Focusing solely on physical benefits without exploring deeper spiritual aspects. While such practice may still offer health benefits, it lacks any true spiritual dimension.

The Role of Yoga Teachers

Some practitioners and teachers contribute to misconceptions about Yoga by emphasizing physical benefits while neglecting its spiritual essence. This distortion of Yoga’s purpose can be described as stretching the truth—a phrase that refers to presenting partial truths in a way that misrepresents the whole.

For example, if someone claims that Yoga is only for improving health or fitness, they are “stretching the truth.” While health benefits are real, focusing solely on them diverts attention from Yoga’s ultimate purpose: stretching our consciousness beyond the material and connecting with the divine.

Stretching Consciousness: The True Purpose of Yoga

Yoga is not just about stretching the body or twisting postures; it is about stretching our consciousness. Currently, our awareness is often confined to the material level, perceiving only physical and external realities. Yoga helps us expand our consciousness to:

1. Transcend the material: Move beyond physical and mental realms to the spiritual dimension.
2. Encompass the full truth: Understand the deeper realities of life, including who we are and our ultimate purpose.

By stretching our consciousness, we take in the full truth of existence:

• At the physical level, there is temporary joy through sensory indulgence.
• At the mental level, there is calm and serenity.
• At the spiritual level, there is eternal ecstasy through connection with the ultimate reality, Krishna.

Experiencing the Fullness of Yoga

The ultimate purpose of Yoga is to enable us to experience this spiritual ecstasy by connecting with Krishna. Through this connection, we perceive the divine in all aspects of reality:

• In the spiritual realm, as Krishna manifests transcendentally.
• In the material realm, as Krishna manifests through his various forms and presence.

When we align ourselves with this higher reality, we experience life’s richness and the sublime joy of being spiritual beings—parts of the all-joyful whole.

Yoga, therefore, fulfills its true purpose when it enables us to:

• Expand our consciousness to embrace spiritual truths.
• Experience the joy of connection with the divine.
• Realize the ultimate fulfillment of life.

Summary of Today’s Discussion

Three Key Themes:

1. What is Yoga?
2. What is Yoga’s purpose?
3. How is Yoga practiced today, and how can it fulfill its true purpose?

What is Yoga?

Yoga is often misunderstood as being limited to asanas (postures), but asanas are merely one limb of one type of Yoga. Today, we discussed the four primary types of Yoga:

• Karma Yoga: Utilizes the body through action.
• Jnana Yoga: Focuses on the intelligence through knowledge and wisdom.
• Dhyana Yoga: Centers on the mind through meditation.
• Bhakti Yoga: Engages the heart, the core of our being, through devotion and love.

In Dhyana Yoga, we explored its eight limbs, where asana is just one. The later limbs—dharana, dhyana, and samadhi—are centered on meditation, emphasizing the importance of focusing the mind.

The Purpose of Yoga

Yoga literally means connection, derived from its Sanskrit root. Its purpose is to purify ourselves so we can connect with:

• Who we are: Understanding our true, spiritual identity.
• Whose we are: Realizing our eternal relationship with the divine.

Practicing Yoga consistently calms the inner screen of the mind, much like a mirror clearing up. This clarity helps us see ourselves for who we truly are, leading to sublime joy.

How Yoga is Practiced Today

Modern Yoga often focuses on physical health and fitness. While it can be a non-intrusive way to maintain health or slimness, reducing Yoga to just physical benefits can lead to divergence or distraction:

• Divergence: Yoga becomes a business, reinforcing material pursuits like seeking better appearances or worldly pleasures.
• Distraction: Focusing only on fringe benefits diverts attention from Yoga’s ultimate purpose of spiritual connection.

Integrating Spirituality into Modern Practice

How can today’s Yoga practice contribute to spirituality?

• If the physical and mental well-being gained from Yoga inspires deeper exploration of its traditions, this is positive.
• However, if it leads to complacency—assuming one is already spiritual—it deprives practitioners of Yoga’s full benefits.

Ultimately, Yoga aims to establish a connection with the indwelling divine, Krishna. By focusing on the heart’s longing to love and be loved, practitioners can enjoy Yoga’s fringe benefits without being distracted by them.

Addressing Common Questions

1. Is it okay to practice Yoga for physical health or mental calm to aid spiritual progress?

Yes, but it should align with the principle of Yukta Vairagya (appropriate renunciation). This means:

• Using material tools or practices (like Yoga) in a way that furthers spiritual growth without becoming attached to them.
• For instance, just as we use modern technology (phones, laptops, Zoom) for spiritual discussions, Yoga can promote physical and mental stability, supporting spiritual focus.

However, this must not come at the cost of core spiritual practices, such as devotion or Bhakti. If Yoga dominates one’s time and overshadows spiritual practices, it becomes counterproductive.

2. Why is Ashtanga Yoga associated with the seventh limb (dhyana) and not the eighth limb (samadhi)?

The term dhyana has both a technical and a general meaning:

• Technically, dhyana refers to a specific stage in the Yoga process where one practices deep meditation.
• Generically, dhyana means focus or absorption, which is the driving principle that carries one through all stages of Yoga.

For example:

• In asana, one practices focus by calming and aligning the body.
• In pranayama, the focus may be on controlling and observing the breath, though not necessarily on spiritual reality.

Dhyana, therefore, is the guiding thread of Yoga, even before reaching the culmination in samadhi.

Final Thoughts

Yoga’s ultimate purpose is not merely physical health or mental calm but spiritual connection. By connecting with Krishna and fulfilling the soul’s longing for eternal love and joy, we experience the true richness of Yoga.

Practicing Yoga with this focus ensures that:

• We benefit from both its spiritual and physical aspects.
• We avoid getting distracted by superficial goals.

1. Dhyana as the Driving Principle

Dhyana, or meditation, serves as the driving principle that helps practitioners progress through various limbs of Yoga. In this context, Dhyana Yoga emphasizes not just the technical stage of dhyana but the broader process of meditation that propels one forward on the path of Yoga.

2. Kundalini Yoga

What is Kundalini Yoga?

• Kundalini refers to a subtle energy within the body, distinct from the physical and mental levels.
• It is part of the yogic model of the self, described as a life force or energy that flows through different channels in the body.

Potential Benefits and Risks:

• When activated properly, Kundalini energy can lead to extraordinary experiences or even grant subtle powers.
• Improper activation, however, can have serious counterproductive effects on the body and mind.

Is Kundalini Yoga Recommended for Devotees?

• Kundalini powers are not inherently spiritual but extraordinary. They can distract practitioners from the ultimate spiritual goal.
• While subtle powers may appear fascinating, they can become intoxicating and divert attention from devotion.

Bhakti’s Perspective:

• On the path of bhakti yoga, the focus is on activating spiritual power, not seeking or awakening subtle powers like Kundalini.
• For serious spiritual practitioners, Kundalini Yoga should be approached with caution and only under proper guidance.

3. Pranayama, Yoga, and Concentration on the Holy Name

Can Pranayama and Yoga Help with Chanting?
Yes, practices like pranayama and yoga can help calm the body and mind, making it easier to focus on chanting the maha-mantra. However, their effect is primarily felt at the physical and mental levels, where most people’s consciousness tends to reside.

Why Do These Practices Help?

• When the physical and mental levels are in turmoil, they dominate our consciousness. By addressing these levels, pranayama and yoga provide immediate relief, making the mind more receptive.
• This calmness can enhance focus during spiritual practices like chanting.

Guidelines for Devotees:

• It is okay to practice pranayama or yoga for a few minutes before chanting, as long as they uplift and support spiritual practices.
• Be mindful not to let these practices overshadow the primary purpose of chanting and devotion.

4. Spiritual Health and Physical Health

Does the Soul’s Health Impact Physical Health?
Yes, a spiritually satisfied soul contributes to physical well-being in several ways:

• Contentment from spiritual connection reduces unhealthy cravings for physical pleasures, like overeating or overindulgence.
• A spiritually grounded person learns to respect the body as a tool for spiritual growth, avoiding habits that harm physical health.

Example: Overeating and indulgence in sensory pleasures often lead to physical maladies. Spiritual satisfaction naturally curbs these tendencies.

Additional Questions Addressed

What is the Difference Between the Mental and Spiritual Levels?

• This is a nuanced question and will be discussed in detail in a future session.

Lord Shiva as Adiyogi (the First Yogi):

• Lord Shiva is considered the god of yoga. Devotees can seek his blessings to practice yoga if the purpose is bhakti yoga.
• The role of various devatas and their connection to bhakti will also be covered in a later chapter of the Gita.

Final Thoughts

Yoga, when practiced constructively, serves as a valuable life tool. While physical and mental benefits are more easily perceived, the true purpose of Yoga lies in fostering spiritual connection and growth.

By focusing on the ultimate goal of bhakti yoga, devotees can harness Yoga’s benefits without being distracted by subtle powers or material gains.

Thank you for your attention and participation! Hare Krishna!