Applied Philosophy

 Yoga for Social, personal and spiritual development


Yoga is a holistic practice that encompasses the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of being. It is a tradition that originated in India over 5,000 years ago and has since spread to all corners of the world.

Yoga can be used for social, personal, and spiritual development in a number of ways. For example, yoga can help to:

  • Improve physical health and fitness: Yoga postures, or asanas, help to strengthen and flex the muscles, improve balance and coordination, and increase flexibility. Yoga also helps to improve cardiovascular health and reduce stress.
  • Enhance mental and emotional well-being: Yoga teaches us to focus our attention and to control our breath. This can help to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Yoga also helps to cultivate positive emotions such as compassion, kindness, and self-acceptance.
  • Promote spiritual growth: Yoga is more than just a physical practice. It is also a path to spiritual development. Yoga teaches us to be present in the moment, to let go of attachments, and to connect with our higher selves.

Concept, meaning and historical tradition of Yoga

The word "yoga" comes from the Sanskrit word "yuj," which means "to yoke" or "to unite." Yoga is a practice that aims to unite the individual with the divine.

The historical tradition of yoga is complex and diverse. There are many different schools of yoga, each with its own unique philosophy and practice. However, all schools of yoga share a common goal: to achieve liberation from suffering.

Kinds of Yoga

There are many different kinds of yoga, but some of the most popular include:

  • Bhakti yoga: Bhakti yoga is the path of devotion. It focuses on cultivating love and devotion to God.
  • Jñāna yoga: Jñāna yoga is the path of knowledge. It focuses on studying and understanding the scriptures in order to gain insight into the nature of reality.
  • Karma yoga: Karma yoga is the path of action. It focuses on performing selfless actions in order to purify the mind and heart.
  • Raja yoga: Raja yoga is the path of meditation. It focuses on developing concentration and awareness in order to achieve liberation from suffering.
  • Kriya yoga: Kriya yoga is a path of yoga that combines asana, pranayama, and meditation. It is a secret tradition that was passed down orally from master to disciple for centuries.

Modern Yogis

There have been many great yogis throughout history who have made significant contributions to the tradition of yoga. Some of the most notable modern yogis include:

  • Swami Vivekananda: Swami Vivekananda was a Hindu monk who introduced yoga to the West in the late 19th century. He was a powerful speaker and writer, and his work helped to spread the popularity of yoga around the world.
  • Sri Aurobindo: Sri Aurobindo was a yogi and philosopher who developed a new form of yoga called Integral Yoga. Integral Yoga is a comprehensive practice that integrates all aspects of being: physical, mental, and spiritual.
  • Shyama Charan Lahiri: Shyama Charan Lahiri was a yogi who revived the ancient tradition of Kriya Yoga. He taught Kriya Yoga to a small group of disciples, including Paramhansa Yogananda.
  • Paramhansa Yogananda: Paramhansa Yogananda was a yogi and guru who brought Kriya Yoga to the West in the early 20th century. He was the author of the bestselling book "Autobiography of a Yogi," which introduced millions of people to the practice of yoga.
  • Shivananda: Shivananda was a yogi and guru who founded the Divine Life Society, a worldwide organization dedicated to the promotion of yoga and Vedanta philosophy.
  • Maharshi Mahesh Yogi: Maharshi Mahesh Yogi was a yogi and guru who developed the Transcendental Meditation technique. Transcendental Meditation is a simple but effective meditation technique that has been shown to have a number of benefits, including reducing stress, anxiety, and depression.

Dhyana (Meditation)

Dhyana, or meditation, is an important part of all schools of yoga. Meditation is a practice that involves focusing the mind on a single point. This can be done by focusing on the breath, on a mantra, or on a visualization.

Meditation has been shown to have a number of benefits, including reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. It can also help to improve focus, concentration, and creativity.

**Vipassana (Bauddha), Kriya Yoga Dhyana (Shyama Charan Lahiri and Paramhansa Yogananda), Transcendental meditation

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