Episode 1: Yoga is One
Channel: Essence of Dharma
Date: 2018-05-27

The purpose of this episode is to take all the mystery and confusion out of Yoga.
Listen to this episode on Anchor.fm: https://anchor.fm/dharmasara/episodes/Yoga-is-One-e1hqq1

Apparently there are many types of Yoga, with different and contradictory theories and methods. But this is only due to motivated people's desire for distinction, fame and profit. Don't buy it; Yoga is one. How do we know?

The word Yoga comes from Sanskrit yukt, meaning to join or connect. Thus the Yoga viewpoint is not exclusive or sectarian but inclusive and universal. Ultimately Yoga means connecting the individual being with the supreme being, the soul with the supersoul. This connection is also called enlightenment, Self-realization or God-realization, liberation, nirvāna or mukti. All these terms refer to the same experience: the individual connecting with the Supreme. In any case, it means the end of rebirth and suffering (samsāra).

Because people are composed of several parts, Yoga also has several departments. Rāmana Mahārshi taught that authentic Yoga has four departments: karma, bhakti, rāja and jñāna. These four include all bona fide Yoga methods and all aspects of human life.

A bona fide Yoga method is simply an activity performed with the intention of linking the individual with the Supreme. In other words, an activity done with the same intention as Yoga itself. Any activity done without this intention is not a bona fide Yoga method.  For example, there are many groups and classes about 'yoga' that have nothing to do with connection the individual with the Supreme. Although they may be called 'yoga', they are not actually Yoga. On the other hand, there are innumerable activities that apparently have nothing to do with 'yoga'. But if they are done with the intention of linking the individual with the Supreme, they are bona fide Yoga methods.

Thus Yoga is not so much about what we do, but the intention or consciousness in which we do it. This is fitting, because enlightenment is also a state of consciousness. This is why Essence of Dharma is called a conceptual platform. It is the secret key to the state of consciousness of authentic Yoga. This means it is the most powerful and direct path to Self-realization.