What
is Integral Yoga ?
Every human being longs for happiness and seeks it
according to his or her own development. Some seek to satisfy the ever-changing
physical, emotional, and intellectual desires. Others, having learned from
experience, seek a permanent happiness.
What We Seek is Within Us
Through the ages Yogis have found that true and lasting happiness is in fact
our very own Nature: what we seek is actually within us. The science of Yoga
offers step-by-step practices to lead us back to that Truth. These practices
include asanas (postures), pranayama (breathing practices), kriyas (cleansing
practices), meditation, kirtan (chanting), relaxation techniques, scriptural
study, reflection, selfless service, and more.
Synthesis of Methods
Integral Yoga® is a synthesis of methods that develops
all aspects of the spiritual seeker. We engage our body, emotions, and intellect
in the practice of Yoga as we endeavor to become perfected tools for service
to all humanity. Swami Satchidananda said that the goal of the Integral Yogi
is to be “easeful, peaceful, and useful.”
The Goal of Integral Yoga
The Goal of Integral Yoga, and the birthright of every individual, is to realize
the spiritual unity behind all the diversities in the entire creation and
to live harmoniously as members of one universal family. This goal is achieved
by maintaining our natural condition of:
Frequently Asked Questions about Integral Yoga
Aspects
of Integral Yoga
Integral Yoga is a system for the harmonious development of every aspect of
the individual. The following are some of its different branches.
Raja Yoga
The path of concentration and meditation. Based on ethical perfection and
control of the mind, Raja Yoga leads ultimately to the state of samadhi, or
super consciousness.
Japa Yoga
The concentrated repetition of a mantram, a sound vibration representing an
aspect of the Divine, leading to awareness of and attunement to this vibration.
Hatha Yoga
Postures (asanas), breath control (pranayama), relaxation, and cleansing practices
(kriyas) to purify and strengthen the body and mind.
Karma Yoga
The path of selfless service. By performing duties without attachment to the
fruits of the action, the Karma Yogi becomes a conscious instrument of the
Divine Will.
Bhakti Yoga
The path of love and devotion to God, to an incarnation of the Divine or spiritual
teachers. By transcending the limited personality, one attains union with
the Divine.
Jnana Yoga
Engaging the use of the intellect – being the witness. This practice
of self-analysis cuts away attachments to the impermanent things of the world
outside and gradually loosens identification with the body, emotions, and
mind. Thus the Higher Self comes to realize absolute freedom.