Yoga: Yoga for Self-realisation

By Sri Swami Sivananda

Yoga-II

Yoga is primarily a process of self-culture. Its aim is the attainment of spiritual perfection or Self-realisation. The process of Yoga pertains to the control of the physical organs, the breath, the mind and the senses.

Practice of Yoga bestows a rich and full life. It is, in fact, the science of living a pure and healthy life.

Practice of self-restraint, mental equipoise, truthfulness, compassion, purity and selflessness constitutes the process of Yoga.

Practice of Asana, Pranayama, Bandha and Mudra also constitutes the process of Yoga.

A nation composed of physically strong and mentally healthy people can surely be great.

Physical culture should start at an early age. Both body and mind should be trained. Exercises should provide both recreation and physical and mental development.

Asanas keep the muscles supple, the spine elastic, develop mental faculties, lung capacity, strengthen the internal organs and bestow longevity.

Sirshasana develops the brain, confers good memory and improves eyesight and hearing capacity through extra circulation of blood in the brain box.

Sarvangasana develops the thyroid gland, strengthens the lungs and the heart, and makes the spine elastic.

Bhujangasana, Salabhasana and Dhanurasana increase the peristaltic movement of the bowels, remove constipation and cure the diseases of the abdomen.

Viparitakarani Mudra and Paschimottanasana tone up the pelvic muscles and the pelvic organs. They improve the digestive system. Agnisara Kriya, Uddiyana Bandha and Mayurasana also help digestion and give good appetite. Ardha-matsyendrasana is good for appetite. Ardha-matsyendrasana is good for the liver and the spleen.

Rolling from side to side in Dhanurasana gives very good abdominal massage. Matsyasana is good for the development of the lungs, the brain and the eyes; it also strengthens the upper part of the spine. Savasana relaxes the body and the mind and gives perfect poise and rest.

Women and children (above seven years) are not exempted from practising Asanas.

Every Asana should be practised only for a minute or two, but the period could be gradually extended to a limited duration as per the advice of a competent teacher.

Pranayama bestows vigour, vitality and longevity. It develops the lungs and strengthens the muscles of the chest.

First practise deep inhalation and exhalation. Then try to hold the breath as far as it is comfortably possible. Practise a few rounds of deep breathing in the early hours of the morning.

In winter practise Bhastrika Pranayama and in summer Sitali and Sitkari.

Mild practice Of Pranayama needs no dietetic regulation or any particular condition of living.

Never exert yourself. Use your common-sense. If you find any substantial benefit, continue your practice. If there is any discomfort, discontinue the practice and seek proper guidance.

Withdraw the mind from the external objects and try to fix your attention on a particular object or subject. Concentrate on the symbol of Om or on the picture of an Avatara or a saint.

Meditate on the divine qualities of auspiciousness, holiness, peace, sanctity, grace, equanimity, nobility, sincerity and selflessness. Try to cultivate these qualifies in your day-to-day life. Speak the truth always. Be kind-hearted.

Live the life of detachment and egolessness. Try to control your emotions. Try to restrain your impulses. Do not be domineering. Be humble, polite and courteous. Do not be jealous of another's prosperity. Do not be pessimistic. Do not try to become prosperous or famous at the expense of others.

Analyse your motives. Scrutinise your thoughts. Enquire into the nature of things. Do not run after the false glitter of the world. Restrain yourself. Forego personal comforts and luxuries if thereby you could be of some help to another. Always remember your essential, divine nature.

This is the process of Yoga.

From "Kundalini Yoga" by Sri Swami Sivananda. See all articles here: Sivananda Kundalini Yoga