Yoga in the broader sense refers to the different spiritual paths of jnana (knowledge), bhakti (devotion), karma (service) and raja yoga (internal practices). Yoga is the essence of the Vedic approach that involves uniting us with the greater universe of consciousness. It is the technology that applies Vedic wisdom in an experiential manner. Yoga is the main practice of Hinduism, which from its music and dance to its philosophy and medicine employs yogic methods and insights. Once one understands the Hindu roots of Yoga and the yogic orientation of Hinduism, one’s practice of yoga is enriched and one’s understanding of Hinduism becomes authentic.

I visited various Yoga centers and ashrams such as exist throughout in India. Among the most interesting was Vivekananda Yoga Kendra in Bangalore. This broad-based organization teaches Yoga in a comprehensive manner, including spirituality and psychology, and also takes a rigorous scientific perspective. It conducts large conferences bringing important people from all over the world. It shows the integrality of Yoga, Vedanta and Hinduism, which function best when used together. Such schools show how Yoga is developing in India and reaching out to the world. Many more such institutions are necessary for the future. They are more important than churches or temples.

 [ Back ] [ David Frawley ] [ Up ]