Yoga FAQs

What is the aim/objective of yoga?

The aim of yoga is a union of individual cognition centres with the universal cognition which is often referred to as 'Brahman' or the 'universal mind'.

What is the aim/objective of the yoga you teach? - Individual and social impact?

In addition to the above, the objective of yoga that I profess is to make people understand the nature of reality. The understanding will make them realign their life’s goals.

What is the science behind yoga? Is there a model of reality that logically explains the effects/results that are experienced in practising yoga?

This is the crux of the whole talk. It is important to know the model of reality. This model of reality not only explains the effects/results that are experienced but also the various states of cognition and individual salvation.

Why would deep meditative states alleviate future suffering?

The deep meditative state is a state of alternate consciousness; it is an exercise of mind and intellect. Like the body becomes strong with physical exercises and Asanas, the mind becomes strong with meditation.

How do the body and mind come under control with yoga?

Asanas are holding certain positions or forms for a long time with resistance from the body. These inculcate balance, suppleness and strength. Mental control inculcates focus and concentration and prevents undue drifting of attention.

Is Ashtanga Yoga the most scientific one? Or is there any other which is more scientific? Your reasons.

Ashtanga Yoga is one of the types of Yoga that follows a natural sequence of training the mind and body in a step-by-step fashion. Shadanga Yoga of six limbs expects physical purification before the other stages and doesn’t specifically follow the Yam-Niyam stages. It expects that a natural change will occur in the individual's conduct where external rules of discipline may not be required.

Whatever the path, all forms aim to reach the union of individual cognition with cosmic cognition, and the paths may be chosen as per the liking of the individual and the availability of a Guru.

How can yoga impact our day-to-day lives? How to improve memory with yoga?

Yoga has a higher purpose, but that doesn’t mean that its benefits are not spread across our daily lives. As the depth of Sadhana increases, one may find an increase in one’s depth of thinking, resistance to temptations, focus, concentration, peace and serendipity (good luck).

Do you need the Guru for yoga asanas or meditation? Is there any Guru Mantra required for accelerating meditation?

A Guru is a bridge between Sadhak and his aim. The role of a Guru can’t be overemphasised. A great yoga guru who could demonstrate the state of Samadhi, who can read an individual’s thoughts, and who can perceptively enter his dream and guide him are rare but present. An individual may be able to recognise their Guru if their proximity triggers a special love, bond or an emotional state between them.

There may be a case when you do not find a suitable Guru, in that case, one may start his practice from the available resources such as friends, online tutorials, reading from books etc. As his knowledge increases, he will find a Guru.

Parameters for the holistic science of yoga, such as working on Panch Koshas.

The concept of Panch Kosha is for creating individual understanding. The main aim is to reach an alternative state of consciousness that enhances understanding and establishes a connection to reality.

What will be the status of the mind in the 'Antahkarna' state?

'Anthakarna' means 'internal'. Three organs of mind, intellect and Ahamkara are considered internal, whereas ten organs of sense and action organs are external. The internal organs have two channels of communication. When the external organs are pacified, the other channel (divine channel) dominates.

What are the harmful effects of doing yoga improperly? When to avoid Yogasanas?

The improper way of doing yoga is an application of extra strain, doing it without focus or interest, with a full stomach and injuries due to falling due to lack of balance. There are many Asana, and none of them have any harmful effects. These warnings are improper. The best way is to learn. In any case, if one doesn’t do an Asna properly, one may not achieve the full benefits.

One may avoid the Asanas when one is feeling weak, injured, disinterested, sleepy or unsteady. Certain yoga postures may not be good for people with back problems, Hernia or those who are in a state of pregnancy.

How does Bhagavat Geeta help in mastering Yoga?

Geeta is the philosophy of life for the layperson. It helps to increase the understanding of life’s philosophy, purpose and process.

How do we use yogic practices to transcend the three dimensions manifesting the entire universe?

There is no need to transcend anything. It will happen as per the natural law. The idea is to realise, understand and learn. Learning comes not only from the five senses but also through meditation. That knowledge is immediately and directly known (Jnati, Jnana).

How do you connect spirituality with yoga for a beginner?

'Spirituality' is a loose term involving the word 'spirit'. 'Spirit' means 'breath'. 'Ruh' also means 'air', and the Greek word 'psyche' means 'butterfly' (meaning 'subtle body'). All of these terms mean a human cognition center. Scientists consider the human brain a source of cognition. The brain is not the source but a medium of connection between the software (soul) and the hardware (body).

Science has limits, but yoga doesn't have them. Why both together?

The ancient meaning of the word 'science' comes from the word ‘Scien-ce’, from the root word 'scene'. That means Darshana is a perspective. The modern meaning is a fixed meaning. Science uses observations based on physical senses in a larger bandwidth with the help of apparatus. Even after the information is derived by the scientists, they use their minds to draw conclusions and inferences. Yoga uses human cognition to know (Jnan, direct and immediate perception) through the language of reality.

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