Yoga and True Self

The great sage Patanjali in his work Yogasutra codified all yogic knowledge and practices which prevailed in ancient India in the form of aphorisms. He defined Yoga in a simple way as - controlling of thoughts arising in the mind(I.2). The nature or work of mind is to think or desire always. As waves are generated along the seashore, so thoughts are generated in the mind incessantly. In order to fulfill these desires man acts relentlessly. When thoughts are controlled or prevented, the outwardly moving mind turns inwards. The sphere of the activities of mind contracts and mind comes to the center. At the center of mind lies the true self or soul(atman).

True self or soul is the source of life and consciousness in all living beings. In fact soul, life and consciousness are one and the same and constitute the only truth in the whole universe. The Upanishads which contain the spiritual cream of Indian Philosophy, describe that soul(atman) is Brahman, the ultimate Reality. World is not different from being, being is not different from Atman and Atman is not different from Brahman.

When thoughts in the mind are controlled, Yogasutra describes - the the seer rests in his true self(I.3). When all thoughts cease to exist, mind becomes pure conscious. As water is purified through filtration, so mind is purified by controlling thoughts. The pure conscious mind is the true self of a being. So through the practice of Yoga one regains one's true self and nothing else.

Everything has a true self or true nature. The nature of sugar is to give sweetness, the nature of water is to give coolness and the nature of fire is to give heat. When a piece of gold is purified bu burning, it does not change over to any other thing, but becomes pure gold. Only a pure gold is appreciated and is more valuable. Similarly when the mind attains purity, it does not change over to any other thing or merge with something. When mind is pure conscious, it is pure bliss. The real nature of a being is its blissful state. In order to achieve this blissful state people of all religions wander here and there in search of God.

Religious people concieve of a God who is a divine being residing in heaven. This concept and imagination is only the reflection of true self. Heaven is the heart of a being and God is the true self. It is the true self or soul that impells an individual to seek for God. After long searches here and there, one returns to one's true self and realises Gog within.

So the aim of Yoga is to realise this true self or God. Such a God is only real and existent. He gives life and consciousness to all beings. All worlds, all beings and all souls are one and the same. This is the ultimate Truth or Reality.

The author Premansu Chand is an Indian who practices Patanjali Yoga in its purest form. He has published his first book "Quest for Truth: the spiritual and yogic way" recently. More information relating to spiritualism and yoga can be received from this book.

In The News:

Fitness centers and workout studios are starting to establish policies that prohibit shooting phone videos to protect people's privacy.
Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents
Apple recently notified a small number of iPhone customers in 92 countries that their phones may be under attack by mercenary spyware.
An artificial intelligence-powered home security system can fire paintballs and tear gas at trespassers. The camera identifies human faces and animals.
Technology expert Kim Komando gives her tips and tricks on enhancing your user experience a smartphone and other devices you use everyday.
A new camera called NUCA uses artificial intelligence to create deepfake photos of subjects by stripping away clothing in close to real time.
The Kimberley Kube trail-ready camper has a compact but spacious design and combines luxury, functionality and ruggedness for a weekend getaway.
Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
Emails instructing you to reset your password for an account may be legitimate, or they may be scams. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains.
Northrop Grumman's Manta Ray uncrewed underwater vehicle aims to revolutionize undersea missions — it glides through the ocean without human assistance.
Learn how to work Google's calendar application to streamline and organize your daily tasks from technology expert Kim Komando.
If you do not want Facebook to have automatic access to your private photos, follow our tips to protect yourself. Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson shows you how.
Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson goes into detail about Apple’s recent iOS update that allows iPhone users to instantly translate spoken language simply by using the Action Button.
Safeguarding your digital life with a reliable physical backup isn't just a precaution, it's a necessity. Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson provides the essential backup checklist.
Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson reveals how a Redditor exposed false recycling claims at their apartment, highlighting a report that only 21% of U.S. recyclables are processed.
Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson offers a travel toolkit featuring five technology tools to help you with booking flights and hotels for your summer vacation.
The bubble behind the clock on your iPhone can appear in different colors. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains what each of those colors mean.
Scammers are using the power of artificial intelligence to mimic voices of people and are using the fake voices to commit crimes, like kidnappings.
Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
Tech guru Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains the science behind the Invisibility Shield, a 6-foot shield that makes people become invisible.
The International Olympic Committee on Friday announced plans to use AI in various Olympic aspects, including athlete identification, training and judging.
Tech guru Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains an easy trick to avoid squinting while working or surfing the web by zooming in on your personal computer.
Streaming giant Roku has recently been targeted by a pair of cyberattacks, and the company confirmed over a half million Roku accounts were compromised.
The Land Aircraft Carrier combines an all-terrain, six-wheeled vehicle with a two-seat aircraft, which features electric vertical takeoff and landing.
The European Union has sent TikTok a "request for information" on the video sharing platform's newest app, TikTok Lite, under the Digital Services Act, with the aim to clean up social media.

Yoga is a Safe Solution to Weight Control

One more study tells the world, that Yoga can help... Read More

Using Yoga to Manage ADD

Exercise is a powerful tool for ADD management. Medical professionals... Read More

Paths of Yoga I

With dozens of Hollywood celebrities following in their Guru's lotus... Read More

Some Tantric Exercises to Increase General Well-Being and Sexual Abilities

A healthy anal and genital area is of great importance... Read More

Yoga Instruction - How to Find the Right Yoga Teacher for You

In order to find a quality yoga instructor, you need... Read More

What is Patanjalis Ashtanga Yoga?- Part(I)

The Sanskrit word 'Yoga' has two meaning, because it is... Read More

Basic Yoga Poses (Asanas)

In most forms of Yoga there are three components to... Read More

How to Find the Right Yoga Teacher?

I am often asked by beginners about how to evaluate... Read More

The Benefit of Pilates

Pilates can benefit your overall health and sense of well-being... Read More

The History of Yoga

The history of yoga is long and steeped in tradition.... Read More

Yogic Way of Controlling of Thoughts

As described in my earlier article... thoughts in the mind... Read More

Yoga for Relaxation

Discover the true meaning of yoga?In taking any modern yoga... Read More

Are You Willing To Follow Eight Yoga Exercises For the Lower Back?

EXERCISES FOR BACK RELIEFMany people believe that rest is best... Read More

Understanding the Different Types of Yoga

Yoga is becoming a more and more popular activity in... Read More

True Essence of Yoga

Yoga is the most prestigious field of spiritualism. People think... Read More

Discover How Yoga Will Help You Reach Your Goals ? Part 1

Time is valuable and there are a number of successful... Read More

What is Self Mastery? - Part 2

To continue with our overview of the physical component of... Read More

Yoga and Weight Training ? Never the Twain Shall Meet?

Yoga has become part of Western fitness training techniques. However,... Read More

Mind and Thoughts

Yoga is controlling of thoughts arising in the mind. When... Read More

A World of Infinite Opportunities

Many people feel that there is a limited amount of... Read More

What is Self Mastery? - Part 4

Now, let's cover the last component of self-mastery, which is... Read More

Secrets of Teaching Yoga

What you are about to read applies to teaching, in... Read More

Will Yoga Help You Lose Weight?

I suppose it was only a matter of time before... Read More

Confessions of a Yoga Teacher

The following are questions that Yoga teachers still need to... Read More

Christian Yoga?

There is an interesting article in the September 5th issue... Read More