The Yoga school, attributed to the sage Patanjali, is one of the six classical schools of Indian philosophy. It offers a disciplined approach to harmonizing the body, mind, and senses, aiming for ultimate freedom or liberation (Mukti). Unlike some other schools, Yoga integrates belief in a personal God who serves as a guide and teacher.
References to Yoga philosophy are found in ancient texts like the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, Chandogya Upanishad, and Katha Upanishad, making it a deeply rooted tradition in Indian thought.
Yoga is fundamentally a dualist philosophy, similar to the Samkhya school. It identifies two primary realities:
The interplay of these two realities underlies human experience. A living being (Jiva) is a union of Purusha and Prakriti, manifesting in various forms. Liberation occurs when Purusha disentangles from Prakriti, achieved through awareness and discipline.
Yoga adopts the Guna theory from Samkhya, which explains the qualities influencing the universe and human behavior:
Yoga emphasizes cultivating Sattva to achieve clarity and align with Purusha, overcoming the imbalance caused by Rajas and Tamas.
The ultimate goal of Yoga is liberation (Moksha), freeing the self from the bondages of ignorance and material existence. This is accomplished through systematic practices, self-discipline, and knowledge. Yoga combines techniques and the understanding of reality to transcend limitations and achieve awareness of one’s true nature.
Yoga’s ethical framework is rooted in two sets of principles:
Yoga outlines an eightfold path (Ashtanga Yoga) to liberation, which involves:
Although closely related to the Samkhya school, Yoga incorporates the concept of a personal God, adding a theistic dimension. While Samkhya emphasizes knowledge as the sole path to liberation, Yoga advocates combining knowledge with disciplined practices and personal experience for self-realization.
Yoga philosophy acknowledges three reliable sources of knowledge:
Yoga encompasses several branches, each emphasizing a specific aspect of practice:
The Yoga school of Indian philosophy offers a comprehensive framework for achieving harmony, self-realization, and liberation. By integrating ethical principles, physical practices, and meditative techniques, it provides a timeless guide to understanding oneself and the universe.
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