True Yoga: The Discipline of Mind and Intellect
The greatest legacy that Indian culture has offered to the world is undoubtedly the science of Yoga. It is so profound and comprehensive that it can enable a person to lead a life that is balanced, complete, and even divine. Yet, the question remains: have we truly understood the real essence of this science?
This doubt arises because, whether in India or abroad, Yoga training often begins and ends with the practice of Yoga asanas, pranayama, and mudras — primarily physical postures and breath-control exercises. Most Yoga institutes and centres, operating under the banner of Yoga, largely confine their teaching to these practices. Today, we have reduced the vast and holistic science of Yoga to just asanas, pranayama, mudras, limited diet regulation, and a few stambhan kriyas (blocking techniques), without guiding learners towards its deeper dimensions.
Undoubtedly, all these practices are highly beneficial for maintaining physical health and overall fitness. But can we truly call this Yoga?
To understand, we must look at the deeper meaning of the term. The word “Yoga” is derived from the Sanskrit word “Yuj”, which literally means “to yoke” or “to unite”. Its opposite, “Viyoga”, signifies separation or disconnection. Yoga, therefore, fundamentally implies union. Even in astrology, terms like Vishayoga, Amiyoga, or Chandalyoga describe the relationship or alignment between two celestial bodies.
In the context of our ancient science of Yoga, the question arises: who is uniting with whom? The union here is not merely physical or mental — it is the union of our individual consciousness with the Supreme Consciousness.
Our Indian scriptures, such as the Vedas, Upanishads, and the Bhagavad Gita, offer numerous definitions of Yoga. A careful study of these definitions makes it clear that Yoga is not merely a physical practice; at its core, it is primarily a mental and intellectual discipline.
Let us take a look at some of these definitions:
Maharishi Patanjali, the father of Yoga, in his book Yogasutra, explains:
‘योगः चित्त वृत्ति निरोधः।’
Yoga regulates the fickleness of the mind.
Maharishi Vashishta, in Yoga Vashishtha, defines Yoga as:
‘मनः प्रसमनोपायः योगः इति अबिधीयते’
Yoga is a method to calm and please the mind.
In the Kathopanishad, Yoga is described as:
‘ताम योग मिति मन्यते स्थिरांइन्द्रियां धारणाम्’
Yoga is a discipline by which the practitioner stabilises the senses and subdues them.
The Shrimad Bhagavad Gita also offers many definitions of Yoga, such as:
‘योगः कर्मसु कौशलम्’
Yoga is the skill of performing action (karma) selflessly.
‘समत्वम् योगः उच्चते’
Maintaining composure in every situation is Yoga.
‘योगः भवती दुःख निवारक’
Yoga is meditation to relieve sorrow.
‘योगस्तु दर्शनाय न तु प्रदर्शनाय’
Yoga is for self-realisation, not for display.
‘संयोगो योगो इत्युक्तो जीवात्म परमात्मानोः’
Yoga is the union of the soul and the Supreme Soul.
‘योगो मनसः समाधि’
The highest Yoga is the state of Samadhi of the mind.
It is noteworthy that in none of these definitions is the physical body mentioned. In essence, Yoga is a practice — or sadhana — performed with the mind and intellect to cultivate a life that is completely healthy, happy, peaceful, and divine.
In its true sense, Yoga is the sacred practice of uniting our soul with the Supreme Soul — connecting, interacting, empowering, and enriching through that union. It is the ultimate path for character building and the cultivation of virtues and values.
This ancient science of Yoga, taught by God Himself, is known as RajYoga.
Rooted in spiritual knowledge, RajYoga is a complete and comprehensive form of Yoga, guided by four primary aims:
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Self-realisation through self-reflection — developing deep awareness of the self as a soul through introspection and spiritual understanding.
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Establishing a relationship with the Supreme Soul and experiencing the divine virtues and powers of God.
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Understanding the eternal world drama played between man, matter, and God, and practising Rajyoga meditation leading to world realisation.
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Understanding the significance of the current phase of the world cycle in the form of “Kalachakra” and developing sensitivity towards the value and responsibility of time.
Today, there are very few institutions in the world that offer training in such a complete, comprehensive, and intuitive form of RajYoga. Among them, Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya has made a remarkable contribution to the authentic teaching and practice of this profound spiritual discipline.
If one truly seeks happiness and inner peace, wishes to make life joyful and fragrant, desires clarity and right direction in life, hopes to nurture harmonious and fulfilling relationships, aspires to maintain a healthy body and calm mind, and longs to realise oneself as a soul and experience God, then this spiritual university is truly worth visiting.
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