The Bhagavad Gita is one of the most revered texts in the Hindu philosophical thought. It contains a dialog between Lord Krishna, who is presented as God incarnate, and the warrior prince Arjuna. The text captures the philosophy, psychology, and practical guidelines on how we can engineer our day-to-day life. The goal of life, as presented in most Hindu scriptures, is to attain Self-realization which is to recognize our true nature as being beyond identification with the mind-body complex.

The Gita contains a variety of concepts and ideas that can help us lead a very purposeful and fulfilling life. These concepts are usually folded into four paths or approaches in life that can help us in our spiritual growth and evolution:

1. Karma yoga (path of action)
2. Jnana yoga (path of knowledge)
3. Bhakti yoga (path of devotion)
4. Dhyana yoga (path of meditation)

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Karma and reincarnation

Karma (actions), karma-phala (fruits of actions), and saṃsāra (cycles of birth-death-reincarnation) are fundamental tenets of Indian philosophical thought and offer deep insights into the moral, ethical, and spiritual foundation of human existence.

In common parlance, we hear statements like, “what goes around comes around” or “as you sow, so shall you reap”. These may be thought of as simplified versions of the theory of karma.

The Sanskrit word “karma” is derived from the root word “kṛ” (कृ) and literally means “action” or “deed”. The theory of karma represents the principle of cause and effect. Stated simplistically, the theory of karma can be summed up as “good karma leads to good results whereas bad karma leads to bad results”. The Sanskrit word for good or benevolent deeds is “puṇya”, and for bad deeds it is “apuṇya” or “pāpa”. The concept of puṇya and pāpa are also linked to dharma (righteousness) and adharma (non-righteousness).

Essentially, karma emphasizes the principle of moral accountability, highlighting the importance of ethical, virtuous conduct and responsibility for one’s actions. It is the karma that we do, that keeps us in the endless cycle of birth, death and rebirth called saṁsāra. The philosophy of ‘karma’ maintains a close connection between karma, the soul and rebirth. It is believed that the soul, in reality, is indestructible and ever pure. However, due to our inborn ignorance, the soul gets attached to the subtle body and goes through cycles of rebirth. At the time of death, the physical body, comprising of the five elements – earth, water, fire, air, and ether – merges back into the elements. The subtle body, on the other hand transmigrates and finds its home in a new, appropriate physical boy.

The goal of life is to end this cycle of saṁsāra and attain final liberation.

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Yogathon

Surya Namaskar Yogathon (108 rounds) at HSNC

I invite you to join us for this memorable yoga event where we will practice 108 rounds of Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutations). Surya Namaskar practice will not only invigorate and energize you but also lead you into a state of deep meditation.

You can join the program online via zoom or on-site at the HSNC temple hall in person. However, to enjoy the full benefits of group energy and electric atmosphere, I strongly urge you to participate in person at the temple, if convenient.

Flyer: You can view/download the program flyer here. Feel free to share it on social media and with your own distribution lists. 

• Event: Surya Namaskar Yogathon (108 rounds of Sun Salutations)
• Participation: Hybrid mode
  • In-person: Hindu Temple (HSNC) main Cultural Hall, 309 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville, NC 27560; HSNC phone: (919) 481-2574
  • Remotely via zoom – zoom login info will be provided upon receipt of registration and payment
• When: Saturday, April 20, 2024
• Time: 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM (on-site registration starts at 7:15 AM)
• Program Fee (donation to the temple): $20 (online before 4/19); $25 (onsite on 4/20); light lunch will be provided at the end of the session.
• To register: please fill out the registration form on the HSNC website and submit it online. You can make the payment on the same page.

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Yoga in ancient texts

While browsing the web, I came across a website wherein were listed a few ancient texts which had their own definition of yoga or presented some aspect of yoga. I found it very interesting and informative to see yoga mentioned in various contexts. I decided to do some more research and have come up with my own compilation of statements (sutras)/verses which talk about yoga.

I would love to hear from you if you know of other instances in the ancient texts where yoga is defined/discussed in a different context.

Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (sutra 1.2) 

‘‘योगश्चित्तवृत्तिनिरोधः’’ (1.2)

yogaś-citta-vr̥tti-nirodhaḥ ॥2॥

“Yoga is the cessation of all fluctuations of the mind”. 

This, of course, is the “gold standard” for the definition of yoga as far as we, yoga enthusiasts, are concerned. As per this definition, to attain the highest state of yoga – seedless samadhi – we need to empty the mind of all content.

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