WHAT IS SAMPOORNA YOGA?
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How does Yoga Work?
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Yogi Hari Swami Sivananda Swami Vishu-Devananda
Sampoorna Yoga - is the yoga of fullness was founded by Shri Yogi Hari. It integrates Yogi Hari’s teachings from his gurus; Swami Sivananda, Swami Vishnu-Devananda, and Swami Nada-Brahmananda, to bring the branches of Hatha, Raja, Karma, Bhakti, Jnana and Nada Yoga together to purify and harmonize all aspects of the human personality so that the light of the soul shines forth in its Divine splendor
Hatha Yoga- The word Hatha means "ha"- sun and "tha" moon conveys a feeling for balance of complementary influences, involving combination of surrender and effort. Hatha yoga uses the body as a tool for inner exploration. The goal is to purify the body to gain control of the mind through the use of Asana (postures), Mudras (gestures), Pranayama (breath control) and Kriyas (cleansing techniques
Raja Yoga (Ashtanga) - is that branch of yoga that analyses the mind and aims to gain control over it. Ashtanga Yoga is also known as Raja Yoga. Raja means "king", "the highest". In that sense all the paths of yoga could be called Raja Yoga, as in their own way they all lead to the highest state of realization. In Maharishi Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras defines 8 steps to attain the peak of concentration (the Eight Limbs of Yoga)
Yamas- Observation of a moral social code: non violence, truthfulness, honesty, moderation in sensual pleasures, non covetousness
Niyama - Observation of a personal moral code: purity, physical and mental cleanliness, contentment, austerity, study of scriptures
Asana (Physical Postures)- Being able to remain in a steady posture, effortlessly in order to steady mind and body for limbs 4-8 so the body is no longer a distraction.
Pranayama- Breath control
Pratyahara- Capacity to withdraw mind and senses from the external world. Arises naturally as first 4 limbs are established
Dharana-Concentration. The object of concentration must be carefully chosen that is why the tradition recommends the repetition of a mantra and concentration on the representation of the corresponding deity. Concentration remains unbroken for 12sec and increases.
Dhyana- Meditation: uninterrupted flow of thought towards Devine unbroken concentration for 2 min or more. Naturally comes no more awareness of time and space.
Samadhi - Contemplation: concentration until the distinction between the observer/object disappears
Bhakti Yoga- Is the devotional path with worship and service toward the Devine and/or Guru (spiritual teacher). Bhakti yoga uses the heart and the natural feeing of love to reach the highest state of evolution. Everyone and everything is included in his warm love.
Through Bahaki Yoga negative emotions or Mala like anger, envy, hatred, jealousy, fear, desires, and attachments, which constantly disturb the mind and bring pain and suffering are transmuted into higher feelings like compassion, tolerance, love, and inner peace. There are nine steps on the ladder of Bhakti Yoga. The highest one is absolute, unconditional self-surrender to God.
Karma Yoga- is the path of selfless service. For a karma yogi, the activities of human life is an opportunity to serve all humanity. He does not feel that the world is an illusion, does not encounter the ego-given 'highs' of success or the 'lows' of failure. Thus a karma yogi is detached while carrying out his duties on the earth.
Jnana Yoga- is the path of knowledge. Jnana yoga is the use of self study, philosophy, scriptures as well as debate and reason. A jnana yogi wants to understand the transcendental truth. He wants to solve the mystery of birth, death and the purpose of life. He discerns that the world as perceived by the senses is not real, but an illusion conjured up by the mind.
Nada Yoga- Nada Yoga refines and attunes all the bodily systems, the Nadis (the subtle channels through which energy flows), the mind and the intellect through sound vibration using external instruments. Since every aspect of our being is greatly influenced by sound vibration, the ancient Masters formulated the system of Nada Yoga, starting with the audible level (Vaikhari state) to which we can most easily relate, for purification and Self- Realization. Nada Yoga is a very practical science because it addresses our very essence.