Yoga and Yogic Scriptures

Notes

1
YOGA AND YOGIC SCRIPTURES
Yoga, obtained as a traditional legacy, has remained an integral part of Indian culture since
ancient times. It is not only a priceless heritage, but a healthy lifestyle, a secret gift, which
teaches human beings the art of living life. Yoga is not just an exercise but an art to make life
holistic and blissful. Our saints and sages have been following the Yogaic lifestyle since time
immemorial. As a matter of fact, during the past few decades, Yoga has come to occupy a place
in our daily lives beyond the confinement of Ashrams and Sages.
In this unit we will study the theories of Yoga and its Origin.

Objectives

After studying this unit, you will be able to:

discuss the general introduction of Yoga
clarify the true meaning of Yoga
define the term Yoga
describe Yoga Philosophy
explain the different streams of Yoga

1.1 YOGA: AN INTRODUCTION

The images of Saffron clad Saints and Sages appear the moment one thinks of Yoga. Though
few believe it to be the domain of Saints and Sages only, others take it as a miracle or black
magic; but in general, Yoga is considered to be a therapy for health and fitness. However, all
these are misconceptions; let us now try to understand Yoga in its true essence.

Philosophy and Physiology of Yoga — (495)

1
 Yoga and Yogic Scriptures

Yoga is an art and science of living which brings balance between body and mind. It is an
Notes important part of Indian traditional wisdom. Yoga has been an integral part of our lifestyle
since ancient times which attracts people because of its scientific base and effectiveness in
improving health and general wellbeing of the practitioner. Maharshi Patanjali wrote in Patanjal
Yoga Sutra “Tada Drashtuh Swarupewasthanam”(^rnk nz"Vq% Lo#is·oLFkkue~^^) - //PYS-
1.3//
It means the ultimate goal of human life is to achieve the state of self-realisation and it is the
goal of Yoga as well. Yoga helps us to achieve self-realisation.
Yoga, literally is vast & comprehensive in nature. It has multiple definitions as per our Shastras.
Yoga primarily means ‘to unite’, ‘to be united’ or ‘union’ etc. The word ‘Yoga’ originates from
the original Sanskrit word ‘Yuj’ which means ‘union with self’.

Union of ‘Body with Mind’, ‘Mind with Soul’ and ‘Soul with Universal Soul’ is called
Yoga.

As we have indicated the meaning of Yoga being vast and comprehensive, let us explore the
viewpoint of some thinkers to understand its meaning. Yoga is a science of discipline; it helps
the mind, body and soul to attain divine grace.

Yoga is a spiritual discipline based on micro science which brings balance between body and
mind. It is an art of healthy living that helps in material and spiritual development, which is
evident in the history of 2700 years old Sindhu Saraswati Civilization.

Maharshi Patanjali, the great Yogic philosopher, stated in the first shloka of Yoga Darshan
“Atha Yoganusashasnam” (^vFk ;ksxkuq'kklue~* ) - /PYS-1.1//. It means ‘Let us begin the
organized and disciplined traditional science of Yoga’. In other words, Yoga is the science of
disciplined living according to the laws of nature.
Let’s explore some major disciplines of Yoga to understand its meaning in depth.

1.2 DEFINITION OF YOGA

In the introduction of Yoga, you read that the word ‘Yoga’ originated from the original Sanskrit
word ‘Yuj’ which means ‘to unite’. Through it, we unite ourselves with others. In other words,
Yoga can be used as a ‘tool to unite one self with the universal self’.

Detailed and elaborate descriptions of Yoga are found in Upanishads, Mahabharata and
Bhagwat Gita. There are amazing details about Gyana Yoga (Yoga of Knowledge), Bhakti
Yoga (Yoga of Bliss), Karma Yoga (Yoga of Action) and Raja Yoga (Yoga of Mind) available in
Bhagwat Gita.

Let’s discuss some definitions of Yoga:

Yoga Teachers’ Training Programme

2
 Yoga and Yogic Scriptures

1. Yogashchittavritti Nirodhah /PYS 1.2/

Notes
;ksxf'pRro`fRr fujks/k% ¼ik-;ks-n- 1@2½
According to Maharshi Patanjali, Yoga is the science of liberating the mind from fluctuating
thoughts. You must have noticed that the mind is mostly unstable. This type of instability
happens due to fluctuating ‘Vrittis’ (Instinct) which means ‘to bring the mind to use’. The
way we think and feel about something is called ‘Vrittis’ (Instinct). For example, pleasant
feelings or positive thinking develops in our mind when we see pleasant things. This type
of feeling is called Raaga Vritti. On the contrary, the feeling of sadness and disappointment
that occurs due to the physical or mental appearance of any kind of unpleasant event is
natural, and is called Dwesha Vritti. Some Vrittis (Instincts) crop up in our mind, which
are the outcome of our past actions and response of the sense-object-contact (Indriya-
anubhuti) in the present.
You may ask what is sense-object-contact (Indriya-anubhuti). They are of five types-Sound,
Touch, Sight, Taste and Smell, which generate Kama (lust or desire), Krodh (anger), Lobh
(greed), Moha (attachment), Ahankara (ego) and Dwesha (hatred or resentment).
The mind presents only those outcomes of our sense-object-contact (Indriya-anubhuti)
before the soul, which are approved by the instincts (Vritti). Raaga and Dwesha Vrittis
will continue to dominate our lives as long as we follow our Instincts (Vrittis); considering
ourself to be just/conscious due to ignorance. These are called external Vrittis of mind.
The fluctuation of mind will cease over a period of time, if one diverts attention from
external objects and internalizes it by practice of Yoga. The process of concentration and
completely pacifying the instincts (Vrittis) is called Yoga Chitta Vritti Nirodha.
2. Yogah Karmasukaushalam.
/ Srimad Bhagwad Gita -2/50//
;ksx% deZlqdkS'kye~
¼Jhen~Hkxonxhrk&2@50½
-
It means ‘perfection in action’ is Yoga. While defining
Yoga in Shrimad Bhagwat Gita, Lord Krishna said
that one should perform actions with perfection and
without attachment or any expectation of result. In
other words, action should always be intended for a
noble and right cause. Prohibited deeds like stealing,
jealousy and dishonesty etc. are not considered as
action in this context.
Failure to perform action with perfection leads to a
neverending cycle of birth and death. One who
Fig.11 Message of Yogeshwar Krishna

Philosophy and Physiology of Yoga — (495)

3
 Yoga and Yogic Scriptures

performs actions with desire and expectations, is born again and again to experience the
Notes results of the action. The self, therefore, is not freed from the bondage of action as well as
its results; hence the cycle of birth and death continues.
3. Samatwam Yoga Uchhyate (Srimad Bhagwad Gita- 2:48)

leRoa ;ksx mP;rs ¼Jhen~Hkxon~xhrk&2%48½

It means Samatwabhav is Yoga. Samatwa means ‘to remain in a state of ease in all situations
such as happiness-sorrow, gain-loss’. It is seen that in happy hours we behave differently
than normal situations and develop ego. Similarly, in adverse conditions most people feel
disappointed, frustrated and depressed and pity themselves. In both conditions, they do
not maintain self-control and become emotional. Maintaining peace and stability of mind
in both favorable and adverse situations and continuing to move towards the goal is
Samabhava or Samatwa in Yoga .

4. Yoapanpranyoraikyam swarjo retaso tatha /

Suryachandramsoyorgo Jivatm Parmatmanoh //
Evam Tu Dwandwajalsaru Sanyogo Yoga Uchchate //

(;ks·ikuizk.k;ksjSD;a Lojtks jsrlks rFkkA

lwj;kZpunzelks;ksZxks thokReijekReuks%AA
,oa rq }U}tkyl: la;ksxks ;ksx mPprsAA )
- Yoga Shikhopanishad
It means union between ‘Apana and Prana’, ‘Ida Nadi with Pingal Nadi’, ‘Sun energy with
moon energy’ and ‘individual soul with universal soul’ is called Yoga.
Every living being has a soul that works as a vital force for the entire body and mind.
Body and mind do not work on their own because they are unconscious. But soul is
conscious and body and mind appear to be conscious because of the presence of the
conscious, soul. Body is made of five elements viz. space, air, fire, water and earth. The
union of the individual soul with these five elements is called birth and disconnection is
called death.
Soul is a source of energy that has no birth or death, rather the body takes birth or dies.
Good karmas transform the individual self to Punyatma and bad karmas to Paapatma.
By continuous practice of Yoga, the body gradually attains a state of stability and good
health and the mind becomes pure and calm. Ultimately, the practitioners start realizing
the existence of self in real sense. Only after realization of the true form of the individual
self, one will be able to have a glimpse of the God within.
Once the individual soul becomes pure and stable, it will be able to experience
oneness with the universal soul. The more we get closer to the universal soul, the more we
start experiencing the ultimate bliss. The state of union between the soul and the universal
soul is called Yoga.
Yoga Teachers’ Training Programme
4
 Yoga and Yogic Scriptures

In-Text Questions 1.1 Notes

1. What is the meaning of Yoga?

.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
2. Explain the definition of Yoga according to Srimadbhagwat Gita.
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................

1.3 HISTORY OF YOGA AND MAJOR YOGIC SCRIPTURES

It is difficult to ascertain the exact time of origin of Yoga but its presence has been in existence
for thousands of years. Yoga is the contribution of our ancient sages and saints. Their exploration
through Sadhana and ultimate achievement of self-realisation was later coded in an organized
format for the greater good of humanity, which is relevant and popular even in today’s scientific
and materialic era.

1.3.1 History of Yoga

History of Yoga is very old; it has been in existence since ancient times. According to Yagyawalya
Smriti (12/5), Hiranyagarbho Yogasya Wakta Nanya Puratanah. It means Hiranyagarbha is
the first preacher of Yoga. This is also mentioned in Mahabharata.
“Sankhyasya wakta Kapilah Paramarshi S Uchhyate /
Hiranyagarbho Yogasya Wakta Nanya Puratana //”
- Mahabharata- 2/394/65

(^^lka[;L; oDrk dfiy% ijef"kZ l mP;rsA

fgj.;xHkksZ ;ksxL; oDrk ukU;% iqjkru%AA^^ )
egkHkkjr 2@394@65
It is mentioned in chapter 4 of Srimadbhagwadgita:

1. Imam wiwswate Yogam Proktawanhamwyayam /

Viwswanmanwe Prah Manusikshwakwebrawit //

Philosophy and Physiology of Yoga — (495)

5
 Yoga and Yogic Scriptures

bea fooLors ;ksxa izksäokugeO;;e~A

Notes fooLokUeuos izkg euqfj{okdos·czohr~A
Lord Krishna said, “I explained this imperishable science of Yoga to Surya (Sun), Surya
explained it to his son - Vaiwashwat Manu and Manu imparted it to his son king Ikshwaku.”
2. Evam Paramparapraptmimam Rajarshyo Widuh /
Sa kaleneh Mahata Yogao Nashtah Parantapa//

,oa ijEijkizkIrfeea jkt"kZ;ks fonq%A

l dkysusg egrk ;ksxks u"V% ijUriAA
O Arjun ! This is how sages came to know about Yoga, but it almost disappeared from the
earth for a long time.

3. Sa Evayam Maya Teddh Yogah Proktah Puratanah /

Bhaktoasi me Sakha Cheti Rahasyam Hrotaduttmam //

(l ,ok;a e;k rs·| ;ksx% izksä% iqjkru%A

Hkäks·vfl es l[kk psfr jgL;a àksrnqÙkee~AA )
Since you are my disciple and dearest friend, I am teaching you the same ancient Yoga
because it is an utmost secret science and worth keeping in secrecy.

4. Aparam Bhawato Janma Param Janma Wiwaswatah /

Kathametadwijaniyam twamadau Proktawaniti //

vija Hkorks tUe ija tUe fooLor%A

dFkesrf}tkuh;ka RoeknkS izksäokfufrAA
Arjuna said, “You have taken birth only recently, but Sun was there since ages, how can I
believe that you taught Yoga to Sun?”

5. Bahuni my Vyatitani Janmani Tawa Charjuna /

Tanyaham Veda Swarni na Twam Tettha Parantapa //

cgwfu es O;rhrkfu tUekfu ro pktqZuA

rkU;ga osn lokZaf.k u Roa rsRFk ijUriAA
Lord said, “O Arjun! You and I have passed through many births; I remember them all.
You don’t know about this.”
6. Ajopi Sannavyayatma Bhutanamishwaropi san /
Prakritim Swamadhisthay Sambhavamyatmamayaya //

Yoga Teachers’ Training Programme

6
 Yoga and Yogic Scriptures

vtks·fi lUuO;;kRek Hkwrkukeh'ojks·fi lu~A

izÑfra Lokef/k"Bk; lEHkokE;kReek;;kAA Notes

“Despite being imperishable, an unborn form and the lord of all the living beings, I manifest
by controlling the Prakriti (Nature) with the help of Yoga.”

7. Yada Yada Hi Dharmasya Glanirbhawati Bharat /

AbhuyutthanamDharmasya Tadatmanam Srijamyaham //

;nk ;nk fg /keZL; XykfuHkZofr HkkjrA

vH;qRFkkue/keZL; rnkRekua l`tkE;ge~AA
“O descendant of Bharata ! Whenever righteousness is on the decline, unrighteousness is
in the ascendant, then I manifest myself.”

8. Paritranaya Sadhunam Vinashaya Cha Duskritam /

Dharmasansthapnartharya Sambhawami Yuge Yuge //

ifj=kk.kk; lk/kwuka fouk'kk; p nq"Ñrke~A

/keZlaLFkkiukFkkZ; lEHkokfe ;qxs ;qxsAA
“I am born from age to age for the protection of the virtuous, extinction of the evil-doers
and for establishing Righteousness (Dharma) on a firm footing.”
It establishes that Yoga was a part of life since ancient times. In Bhagwat Gita, Yogeshwar
Srikrishna has described Jnana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Karma Yoga and Raja Yoga in detail.
In his book titled ‘Mohenjo-daro and Indus Civilizations’, Marshal (1931) has narrated
that evidences found in the excavation of the Mohenjo-daro and Indus Civilizations suggest
that Yoga was in practice at that time. The Statue of Pashupati seated on an Asana and that
of the meditating Yogi are direct evidences to prove it .
In his book ‘A Search in Secret India’, Paul Brunton mentioned that the Yog is living in
remote part of the Himalayas are still in practice of Yoga. Swami Rama also discussed
these practices in his book ‘Living with the Himalayan Masters’.

1.3.2 General Introduction of Some Classical Texts on Yoga

Let us discuss the general introduction of some of the important Yogaic texts:
All the Indian Philosophies are paths of wisdom. Every philosophical theory is a step in the
path of ultimate wisdom. One must follow these basic steps to reach the higher stage.

Philosophy and Physiology of Yoga — (495)

7
 Yoga and Yogic Scriptures

1. ‘Yoga Sutra’ by Sage Patanjali

Notes ‘Yoga Sutra’ by Sage Patanjali is an important work that explains the basic elements of
Yoga.

Fig.1.1: Yoga Sutra

There are four chapters in Yoga Sutra:

(a) Samadhi Pada (51 sutras)
In this chapter, sage Patanjali explains the structure of Yoga, Chittavritti (modifications
of mind), Samadhi and its secrets.
(b) Sadhna Pada (55 Sutras)
In the second chapter, sage Patanjali explains Kriya Yoga, five Kaleshas (causes of
pain and misery), techniques to mitigate the Kalesha, and Ashtanga Yoga etc.
(c) Vibhuti Pada (55 Sutras)
In this chapter, sage Patanjali has explained Dharana (Concentration), Dhyana
(meditation), Samadhi (communion), Sanyam (self-control) and various Siddhis related
to self-control.

Yoga Teachers’ Training Programme

8
 Yoga and Yogic Scriptures

iv. Kaivalya Pada (34 Sutras)

Main topic of the fourth chapter is Kaivalya (Solitude), attainment of Siddhi Notes
(communion), Chitta Nirmana (shaping the mind), Atma-bhava (self-realisation),
Bhavana Nivritti (Cessation of desires), Dharma-medhaa (Righteousness) but Samadhi
etc. The specialty of Yoga philosophy is that it is not only theoretical, but a practical
subject too.
2. Gherand Samhita

The seven steps of Yoga, explained by Maharshi Gherand in Gherand Samhita are called
Saptang Yoga. There are indication of Ashtang Yoga in various other texts. But in some
texts on Hatha Yoga only six steps of Yoga have been discussed. Gorakhnath in his classical
text ‘Gorakh Shatak’ has explained six steps of Yoga (Shadang Yoga).

Gherand Samhita explains the process of detoxification of the body, called Shat-karma
which includes: Neti (Nasal passage cleaning), Dhauti (Cleaning of digestive system),
Wasti (Cleaning of large intestine), Nauli (exercises for abdominal organs and kidneys),
Kapalbhati (Cleaning of brain) and Tratak (a form of concentration technique). In the next
chapter, 32 Asanas have been explained which bring stability and strength to the body. In
the third chapter, 25 Mudras have been explained. Fourth chapter explains Pratyahara
(control of sense). Fifth chapter explains 8 Kumbhakas (breath retention) as Pranayama
(control of breath). The sixth chapter explains three types of Dhyana (meditation); viz.
Sthul Dhyana, Sukhshma Dhyana and Jyoti Dhyana. The last and seventh chapter explains
Samadhi (communion).

Rishi Gherand has named this process as ‘Ghatastha Yoga’. Gherand explains that
Ghatastha Yoga is based on body. Ghata means Ghada (pot made of mud). Usually, when
we talk about pot, we think about its outer form without knowing the material filled inside;
it might be empty or filled with water or grains etc. Anything can be there inside the pot,
but when we say Ghat (pot), generally the outer form comes to our mind. In case of the
body, we take utmost care for its comfort and satisfaction. We wear clothes to protect it
from cold; remove clothes and use fan or A/C when it feels hot; we sleep when our body
gets tired. We see and feel all these external activities of the body, but generally no one
knows the internal elements of the body.

The body has been created by an amazing union of various elements. This union may be
named as Prakriti, Brahmas or God. When we practice Yoga, it directly affects the brain
and activities of the brain get pacified. Practising Yoga influences the mind and controls
its fluctuations resulting in peace of mind after which we can refine our Karma (deed) and
Samskara (past action). So, it is important to understand the micro and macro elements
that form our body. It is said that Ghatastha Yoga begins when we recognise these micro
and macro elements.

Philosophy and Physiology of Yoga — (495)

9
 Yoga and Yogic Scriptures

3. Srimadbhagwadgita
Notes Different types of Yoga and its definitions have been explained in Srimadbhagwadgita.
It clearly explains Karma Yoga as Samatwabhawa, (state of indifference), Anasakta karma
(detached action), Ishwar arpita Karma (action with surrender to God) etc. -
Srimadbhagwadgita 2/48.

Yogastha Kuru Karmani Sangantyaktawa Dhananjaya /

Siddhyasiddhayoh Samo Bhutwa Samatwam Yoga Uchyate //

^;ksxLFk dq: dekZf.k laxaR;Drok /kuat;A

fl);fl);ks % leks HkwRok leRoa ;ksx mP;rsAA
It means O Dhananjay! Perform your duties established in Yoga, renounce attachment and
be even-tempered in success and failure; evenness of temper is called Samatwam Yoga.
In the next shloka 2/49 lord Krishna says:

Durena hyavaram karma budhi-Yogad dhananjaya

Buddhau saranamanvichchha kripanah phalahetavah. 2/49

nwjs.k áoja deZ cqf);ksx)uTt;A

cq)kS 'kj.kefUoPN Ñi.kk% Qygsro%AA
It means action with a selfish motive is far inferior to Yoga in equanimity. Do you seek
refuge in this equipoise (balance of forces of interest) of mind, O Dhananjay! For poor
wretched are those who are instrumental in making their action bear fruit.
In the shloka 2/50 lord Krishna says,

Buddiyukton Jahatih Ubhe Sukritduskrite /

Tasmadhogaya Yujyaswa Yogah Karmasu Kaushalam //

^cqf);qDrksa tgkrhg mHks lqÑrnq"ÑrsA

rLek|ksxk; ;qT;Lo ;ksx% deZlq dkS'kye~*
It means “Endowed with equanimity one sets in this life both good and evil. Therefore,
strive for the practice of this Yoga of equanimity (Samatwa Yoga). Skill in action lies in
the practice of this Yoga.”
There is another definition of Yoga in shloka 6/23:
Tam Vidyad dukh SanYoga Viyog Yoga Sangytam /
Sa Nishchayen Soktashyo Nirvishanchetsa //

Yoga Teachers’ Training Programme

10
 Yoga and Yogic Scriptures

^ra fo|kn~nq%[k la;ksx fo;ksx ;ksx lafKre~A

l fu'p;su lksDr";ks ;ksxks fufoZ".kpsrlkAA Notes

It means, Yoga is free from worldly bondage, and the attachment and misery caused by
that bondage. One needs to know it and achieve with patience, enthusiasm and
determination.
In second chapter of Srimadbhagwadgita, following qualities of equanimous (Sthitaprajna)
persons are given:
i. Forgiving
ii. Kind-hearted
iii. Determined
iv. Karma Yogi
v. Liberated
vi. Yogi
vii. Devotee of God
viii. Divine
ix. Wise.

4. HathYoga Pradipika
Swami Swatmarama took it forward in HathYoga Pradipika by explaining four parts of
Yogas mentioned below:
Asana, Pranayama, Mudra and Nadanusadhan.
Practice of Hatha Yoga is done to achieve the state of Raja Yoga. (HYP 2/76).
It envisages elements of Interruption (Badhak) and Perfection (Sadhak), (HYP 1/15,16).
Lesson One
Out of 15 Asanas explained in this chapter, Siddhasana and Padmasana are given more
importance. At the end of the lesson, usage of good diet or bad diet for the practitioner of
Hatha Yoga is explained in detail.
Lesson Two
In the first part from shloka i.e. 1 to 20 Pranayama, utilities and importance of Pranayama
and Nadishodhan is explained. In the second part, i.e. from shlokas 21 to 37, Shatkarma
and Astha-Kumbhaka (eight breath retention techniques) are explained in detail.

Philosophy and Physiology of Yoga — (495)

11
 Yoga and Yogic Scriptures

Lesson Three
Notes Ten Mudras and Kundalini are explained in this lesson.
Lesson Four
In this lesson, Naad, Nadanushandhan and Samadhi are explained in detail.
5. Vasisht Samhita
In Vasisht Samhita, Maharshi Vasisht has explained 14 Nadis (Nerves). Out of the14, Ida,
Pingla and Sushmna are considered as the most important Nadis (Nerves). Along with
that, he has explained Yama (self control) too.
Pranayama has been explained in two different ways:
(i) Sahit Kumbhak (ii) Keval Kumbhak
Along with all this, Pratyahara (Sense Control), Dharana (Concentration) and Dhyana
(Meditation) etc. are also explained in Vasisht Samhita.

In-text Questions 1.2

1. Fill in the blank.

a. According to sage Patanjali, there are four chapters of Yoga ..........., ............,..........,
and ..............
b. In Gorakhshatak written by Gorakhnath, ...................................... is explained.
c. In Gherand Sanhita, Pranayama is explained in the ........................... chapter.
d. Stithprajna is explained in the ................. chapter of Bhagwadgita.
e. There are ........................... lessons in HathYoga Pradipika.

1.4 MAJOR TRADITIONS OF YOGA

You have learned about Yoga and four chapters of Patanjal Yoga.
The ultimate goal of Yoga is to help the human being lead a divine life, move ahead in the path
of spirituality and follow a step by step approach to achieve success in self-realisation and
supreme bliss. Here are some Yogaic traditions to understand Yoga further:
1. Hatha Yoga, 2. Ashtanga Yoga 3. Karma Yoga, 4. Bhakti Yoga 5. Jnana Yoga
1. Hatha Yoga
A systematic practice is devised in Yoga to train and optimize the physical body by which
a practitioner achieves full control over the physical body and gradually achieves control

Yoga Teachers’ Training Programme

12
 Yoga and Yogic Scriptures

over Prana and Mind. Ultimately, control of Prana and mind leads to self-realization and
eternal bliss. This system of practice is called Hatha Yoga. Notes
The following are the main parts explained in Hatha Yoga Pradipika:
a. Asana b. Pranayama c. Mudra d. Nadanushandhan
Sage Gherand has explained seven tools of Hatha Yoga in Gherand Samhita.
a. Shatkarma for the purification of the body
b. Asana for Dridhta (firmness)
c. Mudra for Sthirta (Steadiness)
d. Pratyahara for Dhairya (Preseverance)
e. Pranayama for Sharirik sphurti (lightness)
f. Dhyana for Atma Sakshatkar (Self realisation)
g. Samadhi for Nirliptata and Mukti (attainment of liberation)
2. Ashtanga Yoga
Sage Patanjali suggested eight steps of Yoga for spiritual development of human life,
which is popularly called Ashtanga Yoga. It is also called Raja Yoga.
The following are the eight parts of Ashtanga Yoga:
a. Yama (Self Control)
b. Niyama (Self Purification)
c. Asana (Physical Posture)
d. Pranayama (Breath Control)
e. Pratyahara (Sense control and Internalisation of senses)
f. Dharana (Concentration)
g. Dhyana (Meditation)
h. Samadhi (Transcendence)
3. Karma Yoga
Karma is very important in human life. Life without Karma is useless or purposeless.
Bhagwad Gita suggests Karma or action should always be our priority. By nature, Karma
is a mixure of Shat and Ashat. Every action essentially has positive and negative effects.
Still, Classical Texts suggest doing the righteous action.

Philosophy and Physiology of Yoga — (495)

13
 Yoga and Yogic Scriptures

Good and bad karma have their own type of results. Good action brings good result and
Notes bad action leads to bad result. But both (good and bad) actions are bondage to soul.
According to Bhagwad Gita, our soul will not have bondage if we do not expect results of
our action. In this way, Action without attachment, expectation of Profit & Loss, happiness
& sorrow, prestige and insult etc is called Karma Yoga. Nishkama Karma (action without
desire) is more necessary than performance of duties with expectation; which is accepted
as an essential tool for self realization.
4. Bhakti Yoga
Bhakti Yoga advocates realizing God in every form, every name and every situation.
Reverence and Faith are two main elements of Bhakti. Faith and Reverence in God are
prerequisites for realisation of God. Loving God without any expectation is called pure
devotion. Worldly pleasures become tasteless once we overcome all expectations. At this
point one becomes closer to God. This is the speciality of Bhakti Yoga; hence, it is considered
as the best among all streams of Yoga.
5. Jnana Yoga
With the help of self realization, when a Yogi stops taking ownership of the action done by
body, sense and mind and starts believing in the omnipresent God as the cause of every
action and reaction; it is called Jnana Yoga. It is called Karma Sanyasa Yoga as well
according to Bhagwad Gita. In this Yoga, the Yogi remains at bliss by doing self observation
and contemplation.
Even though Jnana Yoga and Karma Yoga use different tools and methods of Sadhana,
ultimately both reach the same state of realization required to attain eternal bliss.
In this process, the negative ego caused by darkness of ignorance is destroyed by the light
of knowledge and wisdom. Ignorance ignites desire and greed that leads to karma bondage.
Practice of Jnana Yoga removes ignorance, and ultimately liberates the yogi from karmic
bondage. Complete liberation from karmic bondage is possible by Gyan Yogi.

In-Text Questions 1.3

a. Name the main parts of Hatha Yoga.

....................................................................................................................................
b. What is the essence of Karma Yoga?
....................................................................................................................................
c. Explain the various elements of Jnana Yoga.
....................................................................................................................................
d. Name the major Yoga traditions.
....................................................................................................................................
Yoga Teachers’ Training Programme
14
 Yoga and Yogic Scriptures

WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNT Notes

In this unit, we learnt that-

Yoga is a science of discipline which is the best path for human development. At the same
time, it is an art to establish a connection with the supreme soul. We have learned different
definitions of Yoga: Yogaschittavritti Nirodhah (PYS- 1/2).
It means the science and art to control the fluctuation of mind is Yoga.
Shrimadbhagwadgita has given detailed descriptions of different types of Yoga. Some
important definitions are given below:

Yogasthah Kuru Karmani Sangantyaktwa Dhananjaya /

Siddyasiddayo: Samo Bhutwa Samatwam Yoga Uchyate //
- Srimadbhagwadgita 2/48
One should act in a state of Yoga which is being detached from the fruit of action or the
good or bad result of action. This is called Samatwam Yoga.
· In the next shloka 2/49 Lord Krishna says that action done in the state of Jnana Yoga
(Yoga of Knowledge) has higher weightage. So one who is in a state of balance should
follow the Yoga of knowledge, because action with intention of fruit leads to misery. To
achieve perfection in action, one needs to free oneself from good or bad action, which is
called Karma Yoga.
Buddhiyukto Jahatih Ubhe Sukritdushkrite /
Tasmaddhogaya Yujyaswa Yoga Karmashu Kaushalam
- Srimadbhagwadgita 2/50
There is another definition of Yoga in shloka 6/23:
Tam Vidhaddhukh SanYoga ViYoga Yoga Sangitam
Sa Nishchyen Soktshyo Yogao Nirvisnchetsa
It means Yoga is free from worldly bondage of attachment and misery caused by that
bondage. One needs to know it and achieve it with patience, enthusiasm and determination.
We have learned very important points about Yoga as well as different types of Yoga.
There are five major traditions of Yoga which are as follows:
1. Hatha Yoga
2. Ashtanga Yoga (Raja Yoga)
3. Karma Yoga
4. Bhakti Yoga
5. Jnana Yoga

Philosophy and Physiology of Yoga — (495)

15
 Yoga and Yogic Scriptures

Notes Terminal Questions

1. What is Yoga? Explain any three definitions of Yoga.

2. Explain all chapters (Pada) of Patanjali Yoga Darshan.
3. Describe the parts of Yoga given in Gherand Sanhita, Hatha Yoga Pradipika and Vasisht
Sanhita.
4. Explain the main traditions of Yoga.

Answers to In-text Questions

1.1

1. Meaning of Yoga is to Unite or union

2. Perfection in action is Yoga
1.2
a. i. Samadhi Pad
ii. Sadhana Pad
iii. Vibhuti Pad
iv. Kaivalya Pad
b. Ashtanga Yoga
c. Fifth
d. Second
d. Five
1.3
1. 1. Asana 2. Pranayama 3. Mudra 4. Nadanushandhan
2. Action without attachment, expectation of Profit & Loss, happiness & sorrow, prestige
and insult etc is called Karma Yoga.
3. When a Yogi stops taking ownership of the action done by body, sense and mind with the
help of self-realisation and starts seeing all omnipresent God as the cause of every action
and reaction; it is called Jnana Yoga.
4. 1. Hatha Yoga 2. Ashtanga Yoga 3. Karma Yoga 4. Bhakti Yoga 5. Jnana Yoga

Yoga Teachers’ Training Programme

16