The Concept of Liberation in Yoga Philosophy

Abstract

              Yoga is a way to unite the self with God. The word yoga appears in many sacred Indian scriptures, including both śruti (revealed texts) and smṛti (remembered texts). In particular, yoga is explained in Indian philosophy, especially in the Yogasūtras written by the great sage Patañjali. In his teachings, Patañjali places great importance on devotion to God, known as Īśvara-bhakti. He claims that only via sincere and persistent dedication can yogis obtain a state of eternal enjoyment, free of all pains and illness, collectively referred to as kleśa. Patañjali outlines a disciplined path that yogis must follow, known as Aṣṭāṅgayoga, or the eightfold path of yoga. This system emphasizes devotion to God, where the sacred sound om is chanted as a symbol of the divine, representing God in the form of nirguṇa Brahman, or the formless aspect of the Supreme. This path is called rāja yoga, the royal path of meditation and inner realization.

Rāja yoga is divided into two parts. The first is the external or indirect path, which includes practices like moral conduct, personal discipline, physical postures, breath control, and withdrawal of the senses. These prepare the body and mind for deeper spiritual work. The second part is the internal or direct path, which includes concentration, meditation, and ultimate absorption into spiritual consciousness. These inner practices help the yogi move inward toward union with the Divine.