The Essence of Yoga
When
you hear someone utter the word "yoga" perhaps the image that might
form in your mind is that of a man (or woman) seated cross-legged on
the ground or stretching his back or twisting his spine or even standing
on his head. That familiar image is derived from one of the branches
of yoga known as Hatha Yoga. We have been inspired by a famous saying
from Hatha Yoga: the regular practice of Hatha Yoga can bestow on the
yogi "a slim lissome body, a radiant complexion, joyous face, sonorous
voice, sparkling eyes and positive good health." One of the greatest
yogis of all time, the Buddha has said "Arogya Paramalabha" which means
"Good health is the most precious gain". (Dhammapada verse 204).
Having practiced Hatha Yoga for several decades we are convinced that the said claim of the Hatha yogis is absolutely true. Actually, Hatha Yoga can bestow even greater blessings: a calm mind and contentment leading to spiritual exhilaration and enlightenment. Again in the words of the Buddha "Santutthi Praman Dhanam" which means "Contentment is the greatest treasure". (ibid)
Hatha Yoga can take you there, whilst filling your entire being with love, light and compassion.
There
are several forms of yoga apart from Hatha yoga: Sankya, Raja, Kundalini,
Gnana, Bakti, Karma, Avatar, Mantra and Tantra to name only a few. The
essence of all these different forms of yoga is sometimes referred to
as "Viveka" which denotes "peace, calmness and happiness". It has been
claimed by some yogis that we are living in an "Aviveka-world'" which
is the opposite of Viveka. Aviveka denotes that our minds are on fire,
are confused and depressed. According to these yogis what our Aviveka-world
needs right now is a large dose of Viveka. But who can guide us on this
path? What clues and cues could we follow? It is precisely at this point
that we need clarity and direction. Hence the convening of the World
Yoga and Meditation Congress in Sri Lanka in July 2004.
Hence the convening of the first World Yoga and Meditation Congress in Sri Lanka in July 2004. Now the 2nd congress from 4 – 11 June 2006.
The Essence of Meditation
The two Abhidhamma or Old Wisdom schools of Buddhism are the Sarvastivada and the Sthavira (Pali, Theravada - a term still used for the doctrines of Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia). The mission of elders to Sri Lanka led by the Indian Emperor Asoka's son, the Buddhist saint Mahinda (in 250 B.C.), established the Theravada; a small counterpart on the mainland retained the name Sthavira after the more dominant Old Wisdom school known as Sarvastivada. The difference in doctrine was metaphysical and slight: the name means "all exists" (Sarvam asti). The Theravadins simplified the doctrine to mean, "the past exists, the future exists, the present exists," but in fact the existence is latent or potential. The basis of the Theravada doctrine is the Abhidhrama (Pali, Abhidhamma) listing of the twelve bases of cognition (the Ayatanas): the six senses (five external; sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell; one internal, mind), and the corresponding data (form, sound etc).
YOGA EIGHTFOLD PATH & BUDDHIST EIGHTFOLD PATH
The World Congress will juxtapose yogic meditation vis-a-vis Buddhist meditation. We shall explore the yogic eight-fold path (The famous Ashtanga Yoga): Yama and Niyama the "Ten Commandments" of Yoga; Asanas (postures); Pranayama (breath-control); Pratyahara (Sense-withdrawal); Dharana (preliminary-concentration); Dhyana (intermediate-concentration); and Samadhi (supreme concentration with difference or Sabhikalpa Samadhi and without difference or Nirbhikalpa Samadhi). We shall also explore the Buddhist eight-fold path (the Noble Eight-fold Path the famous Arya Ashtanga Magga): Samma Dhitti (right views); Samma Sankappa (right thoughts); Samma Vacha (right speech); Samma Kammanta (right deeds); Samma Ajiva (right livelihood); Samma Vayama (right effort); Samma Sathi (right mindfulness); and Samma Samadhi (right concentration);. All of which would naturally lead to Pragnna or insight wisdom which would in its turn pave the way to Nibbana (Sanskrit, Nirvana).You will see that both yoga and Buddhist paths have exactly eight steps leading up to Samadhi. Samadhi is akin to a pair of spectacles all yogis must wear to 'see' the 'invisible' - to become one with the very source of creation - or Nirvana.
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