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These are the foundational texts of yoga as we know it today. They are ascribed to the sage Patanjali, but history does not teach us to what level his authorship extends. This is the original Yoga darshana. It is called Raja Yoga today.
The Yoga Sutras are divided into four books or chapters:
- Samadhi Pada – Describes concentration and contemplation at a higher level.
- Sadhana Pada – Explains the practice or discipline of yoga. This is from where Eight-Limbed Yoga arises.
- Vibhuti Pada – Details power manifestation and progression.
- Kaivalya Pada – Explains liberation and realization.
Raja Yoga is a later term that was given to the past to distinguish the older Yoga from the newer Hatha Yoga. However, Hatha Yoga did develop from Raja Yoga. There are some differences to remember though. For instance, Raja Yoga starts with a purification of the mind which leads to the body, while Hatha Yoga has it start with the body and lead to the mind.
A student went to his meditation teacher and said, “My meditation is horrible! Either I feel distracted, my legs ache, or I’m constantly falling asleep. It’s just horrible!”
“It will pass,” the teacher said matter-of-factly.
One week later, the student came back to his teacher. “My meditation is wonderful! I feel so aware, so peaceful, so alive! It’s just wonderful!”
“It will pass,” the teacher replied matter-of-factly.
Yoga doesn’t always have to be serious. Here’s a funny Yoga Snob quiz: Link.
Also, in case you are concerned about such things as whether or not yoga is a dinner invitation to Satan from the soul: Link.
While I was researching Yoga Nidra, I came across mention of Swami Rama and the Menninger Clinic studies. As I was looking into more info about him, I was disheartened to read about the relationships he carried on with his female students (and the sexual misconduct for which he was convicted).
Of course, this isn’t entirely uncommon. The American yoga celebrity guru, Rodney Yee, got in trouble for similar situations. Sadly, this all occurred even as he’d written an article with his wife on how yoga was keeping his marriage strong.
Many Codes of Conduct for different yoga alliances and associations address this situation. It’s strange because I feel really betrayed when I hear about such things- Even without having been or even personally known a student who has fallen into such a situation.
This additional article mentions Yee’s situation as well . . . More importantly, it brings up the yamas and their extreme relevance: Compromising positions
In my opinion, you’re not a yoga instructor if you are not keeping in harmony with the whole philosophy. You can master all the moves, but if your true emphasis is not to achieve unity between all parts of yourself and the universe, then that isn’t enough to be considered a guru.
This yoga guru’s Yoga and Ayurveda Research Center has just recently began construction in Houston. Now he’s been invited to “display his yogic exercises” before Congress. The center looks like it could be something great as it offers many such things as a clinic, university, and a herbal garden.
He’s been noted as saying some controversial things, at the same time, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is quoted as having said about him:
If an individual can be credited with reviving yoga in this country (India), it is solely Swami Ramdev. Yoga can cure even fatal diseases and Swami Ramdev has definitely proved it time and again. Swami Ramdev has spread yoga to such an extent that sooner or later, one has to embrace it.
Some of those controversial things I’ve alluded to are apparently related to quotes he’s said being taken out of context about yoga and AIDS or cancer. It’s hard to tell who to trust about such things. But with this center being completed sometime next year, I’m certain he’ll gain much more popularity here in the U.S.
Breathe Yoga 