THE TREE OF CLASSICAL YOGA/HINDUISM

Classical (Dharma) Yoga is an ancient and contemporary recipe for complete wellness. These progressive (and overlapping) religious practices of Hinduism take into consideration all aspects of one's being: Karma Yoga (ethical/moral wellness); Bhakti Yoga (devotional/emotional wellness); Hatha Yoga (worshipful postures/physical wellness), Raja Yoga (meditation/Spirit/Soul wellness) and Jnana Yoga (study and introspection/mental wellness). There are other aspects of Yoga within these classic Yogas such as Mantra Yoga and Nada Yoga (chanting and music, respectively, to create an overall sense of wellness).

Almost identical to the word "religion;" i.e., "to link-back" to the Spirit, the Sanskrit word "yoga" essentially means "to yoke" to the Spirit. Incorporating the Spirit/Soul is fundamental in a meaningful program of integrated wellness. As long as they do not claim to be the only valid religion, the many great religions and their unique (though similar) practices have always been a primary source of wellness in the lives of countless individuals. Without religion/spirituality (yoga to the Hindu), one truly misses a most vital link to balanced wellness.

Karma Yoga: The ethical roots of wellness.

Ethics are the vital roots of the healthy tree of wellness. Without a healthy moral attitude or foundation, we lay ourself open to varying degrees of dis-ease: physical, emotion, mental and spiritual. It is not without reason that all spiritual/religious traditions offer similar ethical codes as a necessary preparation for complete wellness. In the Hindu/Yogic religion, Karma Yoga is the first yoga of ethical wellness. Without these vital ethical roots, growth is stunted and any other form of Yoga (or attempt at wellness) becomes shallow, at best.

One popular Hindu ethical code is called the Yamas (restraint) and Niyamas (cultivation) or the "Thou Shalt Nots" and the "Thou Shalls:" Do not be violent; Do not steal; Do not Lust; Do not Lie; Do be pure; Do seek contentment; Do cultivate devotion; Do Study and Do religious disciplines. Logically, following ethics is good Karma creating an overall sense of wellness. Unethical actions (bad Karma) is counterproductive and creates varying types and degrees of illness. In seeking individual and collective wellness, understanding the necessity for well-nourished ethical roots promotes growth and helps maintain overall wellness of individuals and societies at large.

Bhakti Yoga: The devotional tree of wellness.

With the foundational roots of ethics, the developing tree of devotion is a next natural step in a complete wellness program. Very simply, devotion is spiritually directed emotion. The emotions are, of course, strong positive and negative motivating factors in everyone's life. Through the strong emphasis on devotion, the many spiritual/religious traditions wisely spiritualize the emotions (though admittedly not always wisely applied). For example, Hindus greet each other with "Namaste;" i.e., "I bow to the Soul in you." This Soul is defined as Satchidananda (Light/Energy/Love). These soulful qualities are not only a focus in all religions but also sought by the so-called "nonreligious." Appreciating the science of heat energy, devotional fervor produces the warm soothing glow of Spiritual Love and inner Light that helps heal the emotions, mind and body. True spirituality and religion always go together.

HATHA YOGA: The importance of posture/attitude in wellness.

With ethical roots (Karma Yoga) and devotion (Bhakti Yoga) sprouting, Hatha Yoga is an important support in the Hindu tree of wellness. Ha/tha means sun/moon. In Hatha Yoga, the Hindu (or student of Hinduism) assumes various worshipful asanas (postures). There are asanas to the natural world Surya Namaskar (Sun Pose) and Chandrasana (Moon Pose); to the many creatures Bujangasana (Snake Pose); to Hindu Gurus (Goraksasana) and to Hindu Spirit Beings Natarajasana (Siva), to name a few. The sun/moon (male/female) reference is also the natural observation of the maleness and femaleness of creation and Divinity. Each one of us, male and female, are also a mixture of these two qualitites. Overall wellness and Spiritual-Realizations come from a positive balance of these two natures.

A part of Hatha Yoga study is Kundalini Yoga which further explores the nerve currents, the brain hemispheres, and spiritual centers or chakras within everyone. Hatha Yoga asanas are highly beneficial for strengthening and stretching the body as well as toning and relaxing the mind and emotions to the goal of developing an attitude of perceiving the Spirit flowing through all things. Posture, or the manner in which one conducts oneself, is a way to and an outcome of comprehensive wellness. Rather than a mere photogenic pose or a superficial stance, genuine Hatha Yoga can be a positive tool to help one stand tall and be well through life's journey.

RAJA YOGA: MEDITATE FOR WELLNESS

Raja Yoga is the royal (raj) state of meditation. True meditation is concentration on the Spirit/Soul. Yoga is accurately defined as union of Atmana (individual Soul) with Brahman (Greater Soul). In the developing Hindu tree of wellness, Raja Yoga is likened to the unfolding flowers. With ethical roots (Karma Yoga) and a devotional trunk (Bhakti Yoga) reaching up, the flowering of meditation (Raja Yoga) is the next natural phase of spiritual/religious life in general (and Hinduism specifically). Like a stake that supports the developing devotional tree, the popular Hatha Yoga (worshipful postures) of Hinduism is an important adjunct for the meditator or Raja Yogi.

Like the beauty and often delicate fragrance of a flower, the meditator uncovers the inner vision and inherent joy. One's awareness unites with the pure Energy, Light and Love (Satchidananda) that is the Soul. As the Soul, one may become absorbed into a Greater Source (call it what you will) of Energy, Light and Love. The meditator may also perceive other Spirit Beings of varying intensity. Some religions call these Spirit Beings Angels and Archangels. In Hinduism, these Spirit Beings are called Devas (Shinning Ones) and Maha (Great) Devas. The meditator may also enter into an Absolute experience (call it what you will) which naturally defies description.

The ability to meditate is a natural outcome of adhering to a spiritual/religious life-style. In the essence of the Soul is found true stress reduction. Diving into the inner well of the Spirit, being immersed in the waters of Soulful experience, naturally fosters wellness.

JNANA YOGA: The Fruit of Wellness.

Jnana (knowledge) Yoga is the culminating Hindu Yoga of Enlightenment. Jnana is twofold: intellectual study and the innate wisdom of the Soul. If you have followed this series [which can be found on www.classicalyoga.org], from the roots of ethics (Karma Yoga); to the trunk and many branches of devotion (Bhakti Yoga); to the flowering of the Spirit (with the support of Hatha Yoga: worshipful postures) in meditation (Raja Yoga); one reaches the fruit of Enlightenment. In light, we are meant to be. We are the Soul of Love/Light/Energy. Spirituality/religion is, essentially, about linking-back (religio) to this wisdom. With this understanding, one can appreciate the spiritual/religious process in general as well as developing respect for the specific spiritual/religious paths.

If one sincerely seeks the Spirit, one will find the path that is right for them. One may have been born into a religion and continue following that path. Others may not have been born into a religion or feel that their religion of birth does not seem to fit and thus seek another path. If we remember the soulful wisdom of the N.A.T. principle, the inevitable spiritual/religious tendencies will fall into a Enlightened wellness; i.e., one's religion is not No way ("new-age [yoga] universalism"); and not The way (fundamentalism); but A way.

Removing some obstacles to Wellness

Gleaned from the innumerable pages of Hindu/Yogic philosophy, one finds some solutions to the age-old human problems of greed, anger, lust, pride, delusion and arrogance. To help remove greed, practice selfless service which induces peace and a clear mind. Logical thought clears the way to peace and a generous nature. To help reduce anger, seek to control (work with) the five senses and elements; i.e., smell, taste, sight, touch hearing and earth, water, fire, air, ether. In examining lust, convert it to love through religious devotions which lead to introspection. To help alleviate pridefulness, develop healthy pride (self-esteem) which also builds one's "indurance." To assist in removing delusion, develop concentration through organization. Live a balanced life of spirit and matter. To help erase arrogance, practice one's chosen religion while appreciating the religion of another.

Within Hinduism, and made popular by Gandhi, are also the recognition of seven pitfalls (on the path of wellness): Religion without sacrifice; politics without principle; science without humanity; pleasure without conscience; commerce without ethics; wealth without work and knowledge without character.

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