YOGA AS A PATH OF SPIRITUAL ADVANCEMENT AND SELF REALIZATION

Abstract

What is the supreme goal of human existence? It is here that yoga occupies a unique position and gives a categorical answer to this vital question. Yoga not only gives an integrating ideal but also provides techniques for attaining the goal of self-realization. Yoga-psychology is the nucleus of Indian psychology as a whole. Yoga is so very practical that can be lived every moment in life. Yoga is neither a sect nor a religion nor merely an abstract philosophy. If philosophy is the vision of truth, then yoga is its practical side making for its realization.  To many it signifies some deep breathing exercises or bodily postures. But yoga is not so much a mode of physical exercises. In fact a man without limbs can practice yoga. Yoga is not only a view of life but also a way of life. Being a yogi he has to be transformed and renewed in life and mind. Yoga is a unique synthesis in which physical culture, spiritual discipline, ethics and psychology are harmoniously integrated into one. Thus, rightly conceived and correctly interpreted, yoga is the art of healthy living- physically, mentally, ethically, and spiritually. Yogasiddhi is the gospel of perfect life.

 There are three motives which impel a man to the practice of yoga:

1. Desire to escape from the burden of life
2. Desire for psychic power.
3. Search for one’s reality.

Search for reality or self-exploration is the only satisfactory motive for pursuit of yoga. Meditation has been the spiritual discipline of yogis in India since ancient times. The practice of meditation constitutes the very core of spiritual life and it is often referred to as ‘dhyanayoga’.  In this connection Swami Akhilananda states: ‘Apart from its religious value, the practice of meditation has a tremendous influence in building up the total personality of man.’