YOGA
Yoga (from Sanskrit "connection") is a multifaceted concept at the heart of Indian culture. In the West, the word "yoga" refers to hatha yoga, the practice of performing postures and breathing exercises to improve health. It forms part of the daily practice and routine of every member of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness.
Yoga has eight limbs: yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana and samadhi. The first four are aimed at the body, the second four at the mind. Pratyahara, dharana, dhyana refer to meditation. Asana and pranayama provide knowledge about exercise and breath control. Niyama involves bringing into life what helps a person to be healthy and happy, and Yama means leaving what interferes with this.
Therefore, ISKCON members stop eating unhealthy foods, intoxicants, stimulants, and practice a healthy lifestyle and meditation.
In his book “Bhagavad Gita As It Is” A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhu gives a detailed explanation of the concept of padayoga:
“What is yoga? Yoga is a practice that allows a person to curb his insatiable feelings and focus on the Supreme."
Bhagavad Gita, 2.48 commentary.
“What is yoga? Yoga is a practice that allows a person to curb his insatiable feelings and focus on the Supreme."
Bhagavad Gita, 2.48 commentary.
There are countless methods of yoga, the highest of which is the method of bhakti yoga. “Basically, bhakti yoga is the highest goal, but to master this science, it is also necessary to understand the essence of all other methods of yoga. A yogi who strives for higher goals is on the right path leading to eternal happiness.
Those who have reached the stage of the yoga stage, stop at it and do not go further, are called karma yogis, jnana yogis, dhyana yogis, raja yogis, hatha yogis, etc.” (Bhagavad-gita, 6.47, commentator).
Those who have reached the stage of the yoga stage, stop at it and do not go further, are called karma yogis, jnana yogis, dhyana yogis, raja yogis, hatha yogis, etc.” (Bhagavad-gita, 6.47, commentator).