Lord Krishna is considered to be one of the greatest spiritual leaders in the Hindu religion. He has talked about yoga in great detail in the Bhagavad Gita, one of the most revered texts in Hinduism. In this article, we will explore the teachings of Lord Krishna about yoga and its significance in our lives.
Yoga is a spiritual practice that originated in ancient India. It is a practice of self-discipline that involves physical postures, breath control, and meditation. The word yoga is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘yuj’, which means to unite or to join. Lord Krishna describes yoga as the path to self-realization and union with the divine.
“Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self” (6.21). Lord Krishna emphasizes that the ultimate goal of yoga is to attain self-realization or the realization of the true self. He asserts that the human soul or Atman is immortal and divine, and through yoga, one can experience the oneness of the soul with the Supreme Being or Brahman.
According to Lord Krishna, Moksha is the ultimate goal of human life and can be attained by following the path of yoga. In the Bhagavad Gita, he explains that yoga is not just about physical postures or breathing exercises, but it is a holistic approach to life that involves the harmonization of body, mind, and spirit.
He says, “Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self” (6.21). Lord Krishna emphasizes that the ultimate goal of yoga is to attain self-realization or the realization of the true self. He asserts that the human soul or Atman is immortal and divine, and through yoga, one can experience the oneness of the soul with the Supreme Being or Brahman.
In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna explains the different paths of yoga and their significance. He describes three main paths of yoga: karma yoga, bhakti yoga, and jnana yoga. Karma yoga is the path of selfless action, bhakti yoga is the path of devotion, and jnana yoga is the path of knowledge.
He emphasizes the importance of karma yoga, which involves performing actions without attachment to the results. He says, “One has the right to work alone but never to the fruits of that work. You should never engage in action for the sake of reward, nor should you long for inaction” (2.47). Lord Krishna teaches that detachment from the fruits of action is the key to achieving inner peace and spiritual growth.
Lord Krishna also stresses the importance of bhakti yoga, which involves devotion and love for God. He explains that devotion is the most direct path to union with the divine. He says, “Fix your mind on me, be devoted to me, offer reverence to me, and you shall certainly reach me. This is my pledge to you, for you are dear to me” (18.65).
Jnana yoga, the path of knowledge, involves self-inquiry and the realization of the true nature of the self. Lord Krishna teaches that the ultimate goal of yoga is the realization of the self as one with the divine. He says, “When a man sees the Atman (self) in all beings, and all beings in the Atman, then he attains to the highest Brahman” (6.29).
Lord Krishna also explains the importance of meditation in yoga. He says, “When meditation is mastered, the mind is unwavering like the flame of a lamp in a windless place” (6.19). Meditation is a powerful tool for quieting the mind and connecting with the divine.
Lord Krishna emphasizes that all these paths of yoga lead to the same destination – self-realization and liberation. He says, “There are different paths, but they all lead to me. O Arjuna, I am the ultimate goal of all yoga” (BG 10.10).
In conclusion, Lord Krishna’s teachings about yoga emphasize the importance of self-discipline, devotion, and self-realization. Yoga is not just a physical practice, but a spiritual path that leads to union with the divine. Through karma yoga, bhakti yoga, and jnana yoga, we can cultivate inner peace, happiness, and spiritual growth. The teachings of Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita continue to inspire and guide practitioners of yoga today.
For in-depth studies of Yoga Philosophy you might want to join our Internationally Certified Yoga Teacher Training India courses. Feel free to contact us for the same.
