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Sunday, December 1, 2013
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
What Yoga is? 5.1 From world dictionaries (Series – Authentic Yoga Tradition-5.1 from the world dictionaries)
What Yoga is? 5.1 From world dictionaries
(Series – Authentic Yoga Tradition-5.1
from the world dictionaries)
By
Acharya Girish Jha, Mentor, Guide and Life Coach
Amazing, contradictory but true
Working for more than 33 years in the field of
yoga, Tantra and spirituality, I realized that thousands of masters had given definitions
of yoga based on their level of evolution and awakening without deviating the fundamentals.
It was amazing to find two events in the life of great master Gorakshnath, known
as one of great masters of the tradition. I am not sure how much tradition in a
city of Gorakhpur( where this master lived) is alive today but one book where
he writes that the practice of asana/s ( physical practices of yoga) are a must
for treading the path of yoga while later writing rejects any physical practices of yoga. Many masters
I met, have rejected the authorship of two books by the same master. I always
had doubt about argument of current masters about this great Gorakshnath. After
reading, contemplating and living at the feet of Himalayan master, reason of two
opposites’ narratives was revealed, which was later confirmed by my master. First
book by Gorakshnath was written when he was treading the path, got initiated and
became an ardent disciple while the other was written when he was enlightened. When
we tread the path, mind is still involved into material world. If he had given
too much stress on the practice of ‘asana’ and ‘pranayama’ or physical postures
and breathing practices, he was right. While as his later writings rejected the
physical practice because of his awakening, realization and transformation. I gave
this example to understand the true nature of yoga, Tantra and spirituality as no
single definition can ever define the true nature or essence of yoga. Because yoga
, Tantra and spirituality always talks , hints and points about what lies
beyond mind , linear language and its expression. Still we have to use, we use
the language to convey what is yoga, Tantra
and spirituality. All expressions in language is the beginning where one begins
the journey and ends in knowing the essence that transcends the mind.
We
will analyze the very meaning of word ‘yoga’ in a series of few articles. The first
in the series will understand how world best dictionaries have distorted the
meaning of yoga and Tantra. Any person likes to tread the path in the modern age,
generally refers to online to find the meaning of word in the dictionaries. When
they find the meaning is related to ‘words’ they hate to relate themselves,
they either reject yoga altogether or forget to tread on to the path.
I am writing the definition /
meanings of the word ‘yoga’ as explained /written by world famous dictionaries before
commenting on them.
A Hindu discipline aimed at
training the consciousness for a state of perfect spiritual insight and tranquility.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth
Edition copyright ©2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published
by Houghton Mifflin Company.
1. a Hindu system of
philosophy aiming at spiritual, mental, and physical wellbeing by means of deep
meditation, prescribed postures, and controlled breathing
Collins Essential English Dictionary 2nd Edition 2006 ©
HarperCollins Publishers 2004, 2006
1. yoga - Hindu discipline aimed at training the consciousness for a
state of perfect spiritual insight and tranquility that is achieved through the
three paths of actions and knowledge and devotion
Hinduism - a body of
religious and philosophical beliefs and cultural practices native to India and
based on a caste system; it is characterized by a belief in reincarnation, by a
belief in a supreme being of many forms and natures, by the view that opposing
theories are aspects of one eternal truth, and by a desire for liberation from
earthly evils
2. yoga - a system of exercises practiced as part of the Hindu
discipline to promote control of the body and mind
exercise, exercising,
physical exercise, physical exertion, workout - the activity of exerting your
muscles in various ways to keep fit; "the doctor recommended regular
exercise"; "he did some exercising"; "the physical exertion
required by his work kept him fit"
Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2008 Princeton
University, Farlex Inc.
1 any of several
systems of physical exercises based on a Hindu system of philosophy and
meditation
Kernerman English Learner’s Dictionary © 1986-2008 K Dictionaries Ltd and
partners. All rights reserved.
A Hindu theistic
philosophy teaching the suppression of all activity of body, mind, and will in
order that the self may realize its distinction from them and attain liberation
Merriam-Webster
Online Dictionary. 2009.
Yoga -a set of physical and ……..
A Hindu system of philosophy
which aims to unite the self with god
(Definition of yoga noun from the Cambridge
Advanced Learner's Dictionary)
I have intentionally highlighted the
dictionaries in ‘bold red’ to attract attention of readers as how the world
famous dictionaries have distorted the meaning of the word ‘yoga’. Any reader
or aspirant treading the path for the first time are generally mislead by their
confused, wrong, and doubtful meaning of the word ‘yoga’. One may argue that they
have tried to correlate to the existing knowledge and information available in
current age but still their explanations could not be accepted by any master or
one who knows what ‘yoga’ really is.
No reference of ‘Hindu Discipline” as written in the dictionaries
First
statement/ phrase from most of these dictionaries is ‘Hindu discipline’. Can anyone
who had written the meaning of ‘yoga’ in these dictionaries tell to their readers
that where and which texts had ever refereed the word ‘Hindu?’ we have references
of ‘yoga’ in Vedas, Upanishads, Smirtis, Sutras , Purana but there is not word
like ‘Hindu’ one find sin these groups of authentic texts. The highest
objection comes when we use ‘Hindu Discipline’ as such there is no word ‘Hindu
Discipline’. It is not only objectionable but short sightedness of authors of
the above mentioned dictionaries. I would go on record that ‘these authors have
biased against the word, discipline of yoga to keep it away from mainstream of
humanity’. But they did not succeed as yoga has attracted global attention and
being practiced in one or other form in almost every country in the world
today.
A body of religious beliefs – distortion even by Princeton University
I am appalled
by the definition and explanation of the word ‘yoga’ by experts in Princeton University
which is one of the best schools in the world. Not only I am amazed but shocked to read the
explanation of ‘yoga’ by the wise people in Princeton University that had one more
harm to them than yoga as world looks at them and accept whatever they write,
speak and teach.
First of all
if science is a ‘belief system’ then yoga is also. Second point is totally
unfounded which states ‘religious belief’. There was no religion like ‘Hinduism’
when yoga was discovered, evolved its knowledge and practices by more than 3000
masters. Even more than 1000 texts are testimony to the fact that, the word ‘Hindu’
or Hinduism’ are not found in any of these texts. Thirdly, ‘belief’ when used
with religion do more harm than any word as it becomes all exclusive. What is ‘all
exclusive’ becomes difficult to enter into domain of ‘science’ and ‘all
inclusive’. We will deal in detail about the meaning and essence of yoga in our
next article. We are restricting this article about misconception about yoga
here only.
The author
has never cared to explore the very principle of yoga and concluded writing the
popular belief – ‘physical exercise’ which is the greatest blunder he committed
not because author is a layman but writes for Princeton University. I could not
prevent laughing while he explains and mentions ‘physical exertion’ as nowhere
in any literature we find this word to explain even ‘physical practices’ of
yoga.
The next blog we
will cover “what yoga is? 5.2 real meaning’ (Series –Authentic Yoga Tradition-5.2
real meaning)
Contact Acharya Girish Jha at guruji220@gmail.com
Acharya
Girish Jha, a master teacher, mentor, guide, and blogger and life coach holds
MS, BS, Dip. Yoga, nature cure, Cert. in Research methodology, and Board
Certified Professional Counselor (APA). A deep urge for self-discovery inspired
to spend yrs. in Himalayas and with many yoga and spiritual traditions. He learnt
from more than 100 Himalayan masters, teachers and saints. He has the credit of
teaching over 100000 people during the last over 33 years, conducting over 1000
workshops, seminars, and talks, actively conducting res. projects in Asthma,
Diabetes, Stress Management, High Altitude Sickness research, meditation and
stress management, offered life coaching (integral wisdom with customized
practices) to more than 500 couples,
conducted over 300 Radio talk shows, anchored over 30 TV serials on Yoga. He
has experience of over 28000 hours of teaching (6000 hrs. of life coaching and
spiritual counseling), contributed over 200 articles/papers on yoga and yoga
research, and developed specialized practices based on conscious evolution and
transformation.
He
came to USA in 2007 on a high priority visa, now permanent resident has already
trained more than 5000 people, life coached & spiritual counseled more than
200 people; Conducted specialized programs for medical doctors of Columbia
University, NYC; stress mgmt. program for
doctors & prof. in PA; intensive customized program for inmates in
Trenton, NJ; Healthy Aging Program for seniors in senior center, new Brunswick,
NJ.
His
designed and developed programs like Turiya Rest Relaxation Program, Shanti
meditation, Personal Transformation Program., Stress Mgmt. Program. (
customized as Personal Stress , Youth Stress , Healthy Aging for seniors, and
Corporate Stress mgmt. programs) and Life Coaching ( integral wisdom of east
and west delivered includes simple, easy and effective tools and practices for
conscious evolution and transformation)
Thursday, June 20, 2013
What Yoga is not? (Series – Authentic Yoga Tradition-3)
What Yoga is not?
(Series – Authentic Yoga Tradition-3)
By
Acharya Girish Jha, Mentor, Guide and Life Coach
When
I went to first class of Yoga for a talk in NJ, people asked me “Which school
/style of Yoga you belong to.” I was surprised and also amazed to hear these
words. Later, the organizer whispered in my ear,” That is how Americans
understand Yoga.” I answered,” my dear friends, I belong to Yoga and not any
schools/styles of Yoga. The authentic yoga never divides any practices with any
school and style of yoga.” Trust me , I only teach and practice Yoga and not
any schools/styles but that embraces everything yoga has to offer you.”
The
word Yoga is the most misunderstood word in the world today. A Muslim mystic Kabir, one of the greatest
masters lived during 15th century wrote , “one is heading the monastery,
other is controlling the senses, still other is keeping a long stick( sign of
being a yoga master) in his hand, Let
every one know that one moves through his intellect and not through wisdom.”
The scathing attack conveys how much “Yoga” was distorted even during that
time. It is important to begin understanding “what Yoga is not?
What Yoga is not
A
religion
A
magic and trick
Dogma,
belief system
Physical
practices alone
Enjoyment
or renunciation
Wearing
orange color clothes, earrings, paste on head or any outer articles
Demonstrating
physiological feats like controlling heart beats, sucking milk through genitals
etc
Misconceptions about Yoga
Many
misconceptions came form the world famous English dictionaries as they used the
word not found in any texts written until 700 AD. The “Webster”, “the Oxford
American” and “The American Heritage” dictionaries explain the word “yoga” as
Hindu discipline, Hinduism and Hindu Spiritual Discipline. It is important to
note that the words “Hindu” or Hinduism” is not found in any of texts and
scriptures written over a period of 7000 years before British India. How can
then the word “Hindu” be associated with word “Yoga” needs correction?
Yoga
is not a religion but helps every religious person to awaken to divine by its
practice. Yoga practices can work in every religion as technology to strengthen
one’s own belief about religion. Therefore, one can follow any religion and
still practice Yoga to become a better religious person. Further, Yoga never
imposes any do’s and don’t, dogmas and belief systems. Rather it awakens wisdom
to perceive reality behind all do’s and don’t.
Polar bear can live beneath the snow for
more than six months, you only for few days
I
met a disillusioned practitioner of Yoga in Himalayas, who claimed that he can
live in snow for more than 20 days. He was very proud of his feats and control
over his body to withstand the chilly winter. I said to him,” revered
practitioner, then you need to practice more as Polar Bear bury himself beneath
the snow for more than six months, are they greater practitioner of Yoga than
that of You.” He looked at me with anxiety and left for his cave. This is
merely a beginning of practice of yoga where you prepare your body for higher
practices of meditation. But when you demonstrate this feat, your develop egoism
that is opposing the very principle of yoga. Many people who came to this part
of world started demonstrating feats like controlling heart beats, sucking milk
through genitals and other magical feats, have nothing to with yoga at all.
Yes, these changes certainly come during the practices of Yoga, are only
indications that you are ready for higher practices. Any demonstration will
bring you back to material world of cravings.
I can cross a river in a penny which
took you 10 years
A
Great master Ramakrishna, once asked by a practitioner, “See, I can walk on the
water and cross the river, what you can do?” He smiled and asked,” How long it
took you to practice this feat?” “Over 10 years,” person replied. The master
said to him,” it takes me a penny to cross the river by boat, why should I
waste 10 years just to acquire this feat. I have devoted to yogic discipline to
awaken peace, love and harmony. Do you live in peace all the time?” The person
walked away in anger and never returned. This is what real discipline of yoga
is where you aim at discovering your own self rather than concentrating on
acquiring powers to influence the world.
Yoga
had never been attached to any clothes, articles to wear in the past. These
articles were merely an expression that person should be offered all help in
their endeavor of yoga to reach to ultimate. Never consider a special dress or
wearing any article as representation of Yoga but always discover the if there
is change of consciousness in the practitioner towards Inner peace, Eternal
love and is passionate about divine or highest state of consciousness.
Schools of yoga is for specific
individual and styles of yoga is a misgiving
The
schools of yoga explained in texts refers only the path and practices suitable
to people having different temperament like Hatha Yoga suits to one who is
involved in physical consciousness; Jnana yoga who is involved in reasoning and
reflection ; Bhakti Yoga who is involved in emotions and sentiments and Karma
Yoga who is hyperactive etc. But what about modern schools and styles being
promoted in the name of individuals and where they lead to is a serious
question to be answered by the all the practitioner who tread the path of yoga.
The next blog we
will cover “what yoga is? ’ (Series –Authentic
Yoga Tradition-5)
Contact Acharya Girish Jha at guruji220@gmail.com
Acharya
Girish Jha, a master teacher, mentor, guide, and blogger and life coach holds
MS, BS, Dip. Yoga, nature cure, Cert. in Research methodology, and Board
Certified Professional Counselor (APA). A deep urge for self-discovery inspired
to spend yrs. in Himalayas and with many yoga and spiritual traditions. He
learnt from more than 100 Himalayan masters, teachers and saints. He has the
credit of teaching over 100000 people during the last over 33 years, conducting
over 1000 workshops, seminars, and talks, actively conducting res. projects in
Asthma, Diabetes, Stress Management, High Altitude Sickness research,
meditation and stress management, offered life coaching (integral wisdom with
customized practices) to more than 500
couples, conducted over 300 Radio talk shows, anchored over 30 TV serials on
Yoga. He has experience of over 28000 hours of teaching (6000 hrs. of life
coaching and spiritual counseling), contributed over 200 articles/papers on
yoga and yoga research, and developed specialized practices based on conscious
evolution and transformation.
He
came to USA in 2007 on a high priority visa, now permanent resident has already
trained more than 5000 people, life coached & spiritual counseled more than
200 people; Conducted specialized programs for medical doctors of Columbia
University, NYC; stress mgmt. program for
doctors & prof. in PA; intensive customized program for inmates in
Trenton, NJ; Healthy Aging Program for seniors in senior center, new Brunswick,
NJ.
His
designed and developed programs like Turiya Rest Relaxation Prog., Shanti
meditation, Personal Transformation Prog., Stress Mgmt. Prog. ( customized as
Personal Stress , Youth Stress , Healthy Aging for seniors, and Corporate
Stress mgmt. programs) and Life Coaching ( integral wisdom of east and west
delivered includes simple, easy and effective tools and practices for conscious
evolution and transformation)
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