The Goals of Yoga: An Overview

The word Yoga has a wide variety of connotations ranging from absorption in the Ultimate spirit to an Ayurvedic recipe, all retaining the etymological affinity in varying nuances.

Yoga means, the Yoga system of philosophy propounded by Pantanjali. Though there existed many other orthodox systems of philosophy, Yoga alone has the unique distinction of being accepted as a practical spiritual science while the others are mostly speculative in character. Its technique has been adapted and adopted by most of philosophic and spiritual traditions of India. Thus the scope of Yoga has widened immensely.

At present, it has crossed the bounds of Hinduism and has been welcomed by other faiths as well, especially by Christianity. Under the inspiration of indigenization adopted by the Catholic Church, many Indian Christians have taken to Yogic modes of meditation. Transcendental meditation has made itself at home abroad also. It may also be added inter-alia that in its adventures abroad, Yoga has acquired some bad odor in certain parts of Europe.

Yoga being a psychological path to perfection, it is universal in its appeal. Though it is primarily a spiritual path, it owes its popularity more to its miracle-working side effect than to its main purpose. Its potential to provide physical well-being also contributes to its popular appeal. But to use it for any goal other than spiritual, is a misuse. Patanjali, the propounder intended it to be a straight path to reveal the soul in its pristine purity devoid of all mental distractions and limitations.

Of the eight steps of Pantanjali's Yoga, the first two are primarily steps to attain purity of mind and body. These have been adopted by all systems and hence it is sometimes referred to as 'Shadanga Yoga,' the Yoga with six steps. The main thrust of the Yogic method is negative in that it consists of negating the distracting ideations of the mind. When the sky is clear, the sun shines in its own glory. But the negative process is arduous and torturous. So Patanjali provides for meditation on a pure heart, a flame, God or anything sublime. The purpose of meditation is gradual divinization and ultimate elimination of the mind. The Patanjali's system of Yoga serves that end better.

The goal of Yoga is the attainment of one Supreme Soul. As paths, Yogas differ. The Yogi, through psychological processes stills the mind and projects the eternal Witness. The man of action prepares the ground for the progress of the soul.