Holy Science of Yoga: (A Handbook for Sadhakas)

By Chandra Om

An inspiring, practical and comprehensive text on the knowledge, method and practice of classical yoga, designed and written for the yoga sadhaka. Uplifting and penetrating, The Holy Science of Yoga is a directive to spiritual development and Self-realization.

Outlining the universal path of yoga for the serious practitioner, this rare and unique text covers all aspects of yoga sadhana, including the 8 Limbs and 9 forms of yoga, the purification processes, karma and reincarnation, yogic diet, the Guru-disciple relationship, ethics and morality, mantra and numerous personal subjects which the sadhaka faces as spiritual life deepens.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Nov 2, 2020
• ISBN: 9781098340339

Book preview

Om

~ Science of Yoga ~

Yoga is the science of Self-realization. Its purpose is to lead the practitioner from identification with the individual self, entangled in the misperception of personality and individualism, to the remembrance of the eternal, changeless Self that exists beyond the play of names and forms. When practiced with sincerity of heart, tenacity of application and under the guidance of an illumined preceptor, the system of yoga brings unparalleled results. As the student evolves through the progressive states of consciousness, the absolute unity of God is revealed and the student is able to move beyond an abstract, mental idea of the Divine into direct experience (nirvikalpa samadhi).

The yoga system consists of philosophical meditation, bodily disciplines, mental control and asceticism and those who practice it are called yogis. Yogis that take the search for freedom into the innermost part of their soul are called sadhakas. Surrender to God is the highest yoga and the purpose of all practice.

The yogi undertakes the process gradually and systematically, ascending the ladder of yoga step by step. As dispassion and discrimination are cultivated, the highest wisdom and conscious realization of non-duality are experienced—that the one unborn, undying Intelligence is the substratum of all that exists. This harmonious unification of body, mind and soul allows the full awakening and realization of the love of God to be born within the heart and mind of the practitioner. As the immensity and beauty of the Self is experienced, all false concepts of distinction between the mind, senses and God are clearly seen and the sadhaka uncovers the self-luminous and all-pervading Witness within.

Yoga is not a religion, but the science of all religions. All-embracing and all-inclusive, it is a complete and practical spiritual method for everyone, irrespective of race, gender, creed, age or sectarian ideas. Transcending all doctrines and secular beliefs, the teachings and practices of yoga unite people in all parts of the world, without disturbing their personal faith or religious practices. There is one Universal Being, adored and worshiped in church, synagogue, temple and mosque alike. The realization that this ever-free, actionless consciousness dwells within and animates all of creation is the goal of sadhana.

Our natural state is meditation. The mystical knowledge of divinity hidden behind the mind, breath and senses is revealed when the false identity of I is eliminated. Meditation is the door opener to this transcendent reality. Through the process of purification, Self-inquiry and contemplation, the Supreme Consciousness beyond characteristics is directly experienced and as the misperception of personal identities falls away, the practitioner effortlessly abides in the unified state, not merely in the suspicion or hope of it.

While yoga creates an internal environment that allows the individual to reach their highest level of physical health, the belief that yoga is a series of bodily postures is superficial, erroneous and has unfortunately caused a great misunderstanding in the modern era. The asanas (postures) found within the hatha yoga system are a small, yet powerful component for the practitioner, but they are just that—a small component within the vast science.

Yoga first begins with the purification of character and conduct, the cleansing of one’s physical and mental nature. As the impurities are removed, the illusory equipments of experience (body, mind, senses) disappear along with all sense of ownership (ego). Recognizing that the paths of personal desire and Self-knowledge are inherently contradictory, the sadhaka consciously withdraws the senses from the subjective world. As discrimination between the seer and the seen becomes more and more subtle, the entire phenomenal world is discovered to be nothing but the Self.

You are deeply blessed. Many lifetimes we each pass through before the seeds of our karmas ripen to awaken in us the sweet seed memories of our eternal nature. If there is even a whisper of sincere devotion in the heart of the student, God sends a preceptor who can help them spiritually in this physical realm. You have within you every resource to succeed. Be patient, sincere, humble and single-minded. Stay positive. Work hard and never give in to doubt. Allow any obstacles to strengthen you. Attune your consciousness to the Self within and hear the divine whisper always filling your being. Learn to rest in the glorious silence. Sadhana should make you ever cheerful, concentrated, peaceful and balanced.

Lose any sense of I-ness. Remove false concepts and awake to the light beyond duality and distinctions. In all you do, offer all actions and their fruits to the one Self dwelling in all. Repeat the name of God deep within the heart and allow the individual light to merge with the supreme light. Feel that you are serving the Lord in all names and forms. Meditate upon the Infinite Consciousness that illumines all experiences and realize the Self now—in this very moment!

~ Yama and Niyama ~

Foundation of Spiritual Practice

The foundation of yoga is yama and niyama. These are the moral and ethical guidelines of yoga—the first and second stages, comprising the ten disciplinary precepts that serve as the sadhaka’s guidelines for right conduct in life. Applying these principles helps to purify the sadhaka’s actions and thoughts by removing rajas (excessive and selfish activity) and tamas (darkness or ignorance), so sattva (illumination) may prevail.

By cultivation of these ten canons (which are universal and non-sectarian in nature), inner and outer purity are increased, and compassion and universal love are developed. Progress in yoga depends on exemplary personal character, and one’s relation to people, animals and the world around them. As observance of yama and niyama deepens, selfishness lessens and we begin to see that we are all the same, feeling as one with all God’s creatures.

Without yama and niyama, the mind will never fully settle, we cannot succeed in meditation, and we experience very little spiritual bliss. Yama and niyama are the beginning of purification. Impurities bring discomfort, pain and suffering, the greatest of all impurities being ignorance of our true nature. As the physical, mental and spiritual impurities are removed through proper living and observance of yama and niyama, the body, mind and nerves are strengthened and the prana may then travel unobstructed and safely, eradicating the misperceptions of individual existence. The sadhaka soon moves beyond the shackling confines of mind and ego, eventually experiencing direct perception of God.

The mind likes to do what it wants. In the earliest stages of sadhana, it may not appreciate the disciplines and restraints placed upon it. It is not an easy thing to control the mind, but it can be done. This is part of why consistency and sattvic determination are so important, especially in the beginning. The resolves and vows taken by the yogi through yama and niyama transform the mind by forming new habits and patterns directly targeted against the lower tendencies. This is yama.

Have firm and unshakable faith in the existence of the Absolute, which supports all three periods of time and is without beginning, middle or end. Strive for Self-realization through constant practice, self-control, purity, concentration, meditation and above all—observance and practice of yama and niyama. Offer every action to the Lord, (the Supreme Self) with no desire for the fruits.

Many people these days equate yoga with postures and breathing. This is not sufficient for spiritual progress. The sadhaka must be loving and kind, forgiving and repentant—ever-engaged in self-reflection and seeing all of creation as the omnipresent, imperishable Lord. Foundation in yama and niyama is what is needed for this. Observe yama and niyama and shine as a yogi in this very birth!

Stage I: Yama

There are five yamas or ethical restraints. Observance of these principles disciplines the five organs of action (arms, legs, mouth, organs of procreation and organs of excretion). Part of the discipline is to cultivate these as part of daily action as well as during formal practice.

Ahimsa – Nonviolence

Of all the virtues espoused in the science of yoga, there is none higher than ahimsa. Non-harming is the golden thread that runs through all yoga sadhana and the foundation on which yogis build a deep inner spiritual life.

The one message of all saints and sages is the message of unconditional love. Practice of ahimsa develops this pure, universal love and is the highest of traits found in the mind, speech and actions of all perfected souls. There is only one religion—the religion of love, of peace. There is only one message—the message of unconditional and universal love.

Ahimsa is the supreme duty of a yogi and the bedrock from which all other virtues are born. If you are established in ahimsa, you have automatically attained all virtues. Ahimsa is not merely non-killing; the true meaning is complete harmlessness in thought, word and action, including criticism of any creature.

It is often easiest to begin developing ahimsa as it relates to the physical. As you reflect on your actions before enacting them, you begin to make higher choices. Very soon the mind