Yoga
is more than just a physical exercise. The word “yoga”
comes from the Sanskrit root Yuj which means to link
up with, or combine. Bhakti is derived from the Sanskrit
word bhaj, which means – loving service. Bhakti-yoga
means to connect to the Supreme by means of loving devotional
service.
The Bhagavad Gita, the core
spiritual text for ISKCON, describes variety of yoga
practices. Among them are karma-yoga (the practice of
conscious action), jnana-yoga (philosophical study and
contemplation), and hatha-yoga (the practice of yoga-asanas
and breathing exercises).
Today, some yoga practitioners
consider the physical benefits of yoga to be the end
in themselves. But according to the traditional yoga
systems, physical exercises are just one step on path
of God realization. The Gita ultimately prescribes bhakti-yoga
(the path of dedication and love) as the culmination
of other yoga practices. Bhakti-yoga focuses on developing
our dedication, service and love for the Divinity, Lord
Krishna.
The path of bhakti-yoga is
developed through a variety of activities. These include
mantra meditation, or the chanting of the names of God.
The chanting is done either individually on beads (japa)
or in community by chanting mantras accompanied by music
(kirtan). The study of sacred texts such as the Bhagavad-gita
and Srimad Bhagavatam, associating with like-minded
spiritual aspirants, eating sanctified vegetarian food,
and living in a way that upholds the principles of truthfulness,
mercy, austerity, and cleanliness, are all core practices
for a life of follower of bhakti.
Taken from
ISKCON.org, the official website of the International
Society for Krishna Consciousness
http://www.iskcon.org/bhakti-yoga/
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