Universal Laws of Yoga - Part 1
by Paul
Jerard
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What is Yoga? Why do some religious fundamentalists fear Yoga? What is
the objective of Yoga? These questions about the true purpose of Yoga
always arise, but the answers are not quite clear. So, let’s get to the
heart of the matter.
Yoga is many things and there are many forms of Yoga. For example:
Bhakti Yoga (Yoga of devotion) is commonly practiced in India, but is
rarely practiced in the West. The most popular form of Yoga in the West is
Hatha Yoga (Yoga of physical mastery).
It is understandable that Hatha Yoga and its many sub-styles would take
hold in the West, especially on the American continents. Physical mastery,
in and of itself, is much easier to absorb than over 5,000 years of Indian
culture. The physical aspect of Yoga is the easiest to master, but the
study of Yoga is a long journey.
Bhakti Yoga, as mentioned earlier, is the Yoga of Devotion and more
emphasis is placed on spiritual and mental health. Religious practices, of
any faith, will be much more pronounced within a group of Bhakti Yoga
practitioners.
To put it simply, Yoga is the union of mind, body, and spirit for
complete health. There are far more benefits to be realized through the
constant practice of Hatha Yoga, or any other kind of Yoga, but this is
the foundation of “unity.” Physical mastery is constructive and, at the
very least, keeps us healthy.
Please bear in mind that all forms of Yoga may overlap in aspects of
complete and whole health, but the emphasis within each style will be
different. For example: In a Hatha Yoga class, physical, mental, and
spiritual mastery may be practiced. The aspects taught depend on the
curriculum, the exact style of Hatha Yoga, and the Yoga teacher.
Once a Yoga practitioner embarks on the path of unity, self realization
and tranquility are acquired. The Yogic path is filled with many steps
before self realization, tranquility, and oneness with God. The following
are some of the steps we should take toward self-improvement.
Purify your inner being by freeing yourself from vanity, intolerance,
anger, attachment to material, and the ego. We are only human and
self-perfection is a difficult road to travel, but we must keep going one
step at a time. What do we do when we make a mistake or sin? We pick
ourselves up, learn from our mistakes, and amend our behavior.
© Copyright 2006 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Paul Jerard is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at:
Aura Wellness Center, in North Providence, RI. He has been a certified
Master Yoga teacher since 1995. He is a master instructor of martial arts,
with multiple Black Belts, four martial arts teaching credentials, and was
recently inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He teaches Yoga,
martial arts, and fitness to children, adults, and seniors in the greater
Providence area. Recently he wrote: Is Running a Yoga Business Right for
You? For Yoga students, who may be considering a new career as a Yoga
teacher. http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html
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