The branches of Integral Yoga®
Related Links:
Daily Readings - The Yoga Sutras and The Bhagavad Gita
What is Yoga?
When the word Yoga is mentioned, most people immediately think of physical postures for relaxing and limbering up the body, this is only one small aspect of it. Physical Yoga or Hatha Yoga was primarily designed to facilitate the real practice of Yoga - namely, the understanding and complete mastery over the mind.
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali quotes it very clearly: "Yogas Citta Vrtti Nirodhah" - The restraint of the modification of the mind-stuff is yoga. Once the restraint of the mental modifications is achieved one has reached the goal of Yoga and the entire science of Yoga is based on this.
What is Integral Yoga?
(Sri Swami Satchidananda)
Integral Yoga is a synthesis of the various branches of Yoga and it has been described by Swami Satchidananda as:
"It is a flexible combination of specific methods designed to develop every aspect of the individual: Physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual. It is a scientific system, which integrates the various branches of Yoga in order to bring about a complete and harmonious development of the individual".
The goal of Integral Yoga® and the birthright of every individual is to realise the spiritual unity behind all the diversities in the entire creation and to live harmoniously as members of one universal family.
The goal is achieved by maintaining our natural condition of a
body of perfect health and strength, a mind with all clarity,
calmness and control, an intellect as sharp as a razor, a will as
strong and pliable as steel, a heart full of unconditional love and
compassion and a life dedicated to the common welfare and
realisation of the true self.
Attain this through asanas, pranayama, chanting of holy
names, mantra japa, worship, meditation, self discipline, selfless
service, study and reflection."
Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti.
"Health is your birthright, but not disease.
Strength your heritage, but not weakness.
Courage, but not fear.
Bliss but not sorrow.
Peace but not restlessness.
Knowledge but not ignorance.
May you attain this birthright, this divine heritage to shine as fully developed yogis radiating joy, peace and knowledge everywhere".
Integral Yoga, as taught by Sri Swami Satchidananda, combines various methods of Yoga including Hatha Yoga, breathing practices and relaxation techniques, selfless service, meditation, prayer, and a 5,000 year old philosophy that helps one to find inner peace and joy.
He is the author of many books, among them: Integral Yoga Hatha, To Know Yourself, and Beyond Words. He is also the subject of two biographies, Apostle of Peace and Portrait of a Modern Sage.
The practices and principles of Integral Yoga are at the foundation of Dr. Dean Ornish’s landmark work in reversing heart disease and Dr. Michael Lerner’s noted Commonweal Cancer Help program.