2025.04.13

Yoga is a spiritual attainment

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Both yoga and religion are deeply connected to human spirituality and have played an important role in the quest for life. While they share some common ground in advocating asceticism and preaching surrender to a higher being or to God, their paths, focuses, and ultimate goals are vastly different. Yoga seeks to gain the power to live in this world through inner transformation of the self, while religion tends to seek salvation or eternal life through faith and devotion to a more transcendent being.

Article Contents

Yoga and Religion: The Path of Self-Transformation and the Path of Faith
- Yoga: Lighting the Inner Light and Living in this World

Yoga and Religion: The Path of Self-Transformation and the Path of Faith

This article analyzes in detail the differences between yoga and religion from the perspective of yoga and Kriya yoga in particular, and deepens our consideration of the uniqueness and universality of each path. References include "Kriya Yoga: A Light on the Way" and "The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and Siddha" to clarify the differences between yoga philosophy, practice, and religion, with the aim of helping readers gain a deeper understanding of the path of self-exploration.

Yoga: Lighting the Inner Light and Living in this World

Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit word "yuj" and means "to bind" or "to connect." This suggests the fundamental purpose of yoga, which is to seek to become one with the individual consciousness and the cosmic consciousness, or the true self. The path of yoga does not seek external salvation, but focuses on making one's life more fulfilling in this life and finding true happiness through inner transformation of oneself.

One of the characteristics of yoga is that it avoids blind faith in scriptures and organizations. Practitioners of yoga place importance on understanding the truth through their own experiences and listening to their inner voice. The yogic scriptures are only guideposts, and the final decision is left to personal experience and intuition.

Also, yoga does not require ordination. It is possible to live a secular life and still achieve self-transformation through the practice of yoga. Many yoga masters have mastered the path of self-exploration and attained enlightenment while having families and working as members of society.

Yoga provides a concrete method for self-purification. Through asanas, pranayamas, and meditation, we cleanse the mind and body, regulate the flow of energy, and increase awareness. These practices are not just exercises, but are used as tools to explore the inner world of the self and get closer to the Self. Yoga provides us with "tools to facilitate the process along with maps."

Salvation through Religion, Faith, and Devotion

Religion is a system that establishes a relationship between human beings and transcendent beings, seeking inner peace and salvation through faith and devotion. There are many different types of religions, each with its own doctrines, rituals, and ethics. In general, religion emphasizes the importance of scripture and doctrine and the understanding of truth through faith.

Religions often tend to seek salvation in the afterlife. Accumulating good deeds, deepening faith in God, and following doctrine are shown as the path to salvation. In addition, some religions may require ordination or strict precepts.

Religion also plays a role in fostering a sense of community and strengthening social cohesion. People of the same faith come together to bond and support each other through rituals and events. However, some religions may also have exclusionary tendencies, which can cause friction between people of different faiths.

Breaking away from desire, aspiration, and ego

Yoga makes a clear distinction between desire and aspiration. Desire comes from the ego and arises to reinforce that you are special and superior. However, desires will never be satisfied, and you will always be dissatisfied and frustrated.

Aspiration, on the other hand, comes from a pure desire to let go of the ego and get closer to the Self. We are well aware of the shortcomings and imperfections of being bound by our ego, so we try to let go of it. All the movements that arise from aspiration are directed away from the ego. Aspiration comes from the soul, from the desire for divine love and progress. There is no irritation or frustration there.

In order to be ambitious, you first need to realize that you are tired of your habits and ignorance, and that you are no longer satisfied by satisfying your desires. Just as the Buddha gave up his status, status, honor, and possessions as a prince of a country when he was confronted with the suffering reality of "life, old age, illness and death," people begin their journey of yoga to search for answers from the desire that comes from the soul to know the truth of this world.

Kriya Yoga: The Light of Self-Transformation

Kriya Yoga is a yogic technique revived in modern times by Babaji Nagaraj and is known as a powerful tool for accelerating self-transformation. The practice of Kriya Yoga is a combination of breathing exercises, mantras, meditation, etc., which has the effect of purifying the nervous system, activating the flow of energy, and increasing awareness.

Kriya Yoga is also closely related to the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and can be seen as a way to embody the teachings of the Yoga Sutras in a practical way. "The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and Siddha" not only expounds on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, but also shows the similarities with the South Indian holy book Tirmantiram and its connection to the techniques of Kriya Yoga.

"Kriya Yoga: The Light That Illuminates the Way" is a must-have book for practitioners of Kriya Yoga, and it teaches us or reaffirms its significance. This book will provide valuable insight and guidance for those who embark on a journey of self-exploration through the practice of Kriya Yoga.

Yoga and Religion: Two Paths, One Goal

Yoga and religion follow different paths, but ultimately share the common goal of pursuing human happiness and spiritual growth. Yoga empowers us to live in this world through self-transformation, while religion brings peace of mind and salvation through faith and devotion.

Which path you choose depends on your personal values, beliefs, and experiences. The important thing is to find a path that really means to you and walk it sincerely. A deep understanding of yoga and religion will enrich your journey of self-exploration and bring you closer to true happiness.

Summary
Yoga and religion are two different paths that are deeply connected to human spirituality. Yoga seeks to gain the power to live in this world through inner transformation of the self, while religion tends to seek salvation or eternal life through faith and devotion to a more transcendent being.

Yoga avoids blind faith in scriptures and organizations, and emphasizes understanding the truth through one's own experience. In addition, it is possible to achieve self-transformation while living a secular life without requiring ordination.

Religion emphasizes the importance of scripture and doctrine and the understanding of truth through faith. It also serves to seek salvation in the afterlife and to foster a sense of community.

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