I. Yoga
Yoga is known as Brahmavidya (knowledge of the supreme spirit). This great knowledge
is ancient and extremely difficult to attain. For its accomplishment, many lifetimes are
required. If it were evaluated objectively, it would be defined as the supreme religion, the
global religion, the universal religion, the human religion or the eternal religion. It is true
that India is the land of its origin, but the entire world has equal claim to it. For its
accomplishment, the grace of a guru versed in yoga is necessary. This yoga is included in
the six philosophies.
Two approaches are prominent in the world: that of knowledge and that of action. Thus
yoga, too, can be of two types: jnana yoga (yoga of knowledge) and karma yoga (yoga of
action). Bhakti yoga (yoga of devotion to God) is included in both jnana and karma yoga,
because knowledge and action are useless without devotion.
There cannot be different types of yoga. But there are differences in the natures of
different sadhakas, differences of background, differences of methods used for spiritual
practice; differences in fitness for practice, and many other differences. For this reason,
multiplicity may be seen in yoga. The meaning of yoga is samadhi.
As wakefulness, dream, and sleep are three states of mind, so also is samadhi a state of
mind. This fourth state is not experienced by everyone; it can be experienced only by an
advanced yogi. There are two intrinsic divisions of yoga: sakama (with desire) and
niskama (without desire). Sakama yoga is known as ‘social religion’ or religion for the
masses, and niskama yoga is known as ‘individual religion’ or the religion of liberation.
Among the various religions of the world, only the branch of social religion is available.
But among Indian religions, both the above religions are available. This is the distinctive
feature of Indian religions. By observance of social religion, the individual, the family,
the society, and the nation are elevated. This religion is universally practicable.