Indian Culture
The Art and Science of Yoga
“We believe that it is to make the yoga the ideal of human life that India rises today; by the yoga she will get the strength to realise her freedom, unity and greatness, by the yoga she will keep the strength to preserve it.” (Sri Aurobindo, CWSA, Vol. 8, p. 24)
Yoga is perhaps the most popular Indian word all around the world. But how many people, including those in its land of origin fully comprehend what the word ‘Yoga’ actually means, or all that it encompasses. In this project we explore the deeper meaning of Yoga, and its historical, philosophical and psychological context, the various branches of Yoga and the relevance of Yoga for modern times. A special focus is on Integral Yoga as developed by Sri Aurobindo and the Mother
Our purpose is to organise and present relevant material which can serve as the necessary theoretical background for anyone who wishes to begin yoga practice, particularly asana and pranayama. Such a curious learner will become reasonably familiar with the appropriate terminology and concepts as a result of going through this material. Of course, we strongly recommend that the learner must begin the personal practice under the direct teaching and supervision of an expert yoga master.
Research Objectives:
- Develop an appreciation of the true meaning of the word Yoga.
- Gain sufficient understanding of the different branches of yoga – Hathayoga, Rajayoga, Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Karma Yoga.
- Develop an appreciation of the difference between yoga and religion.
- Develop an understanding of the significance and relevance of yoga for modern world.
- Develop an appreciation and understanding of the Integral Yoga as developed by Sri Aurobindo and the Mother.
- Gain deeper understanding of the philosophy and practice of Hathayoga – a path which includes asana and pranayama as two key components.
- Gain sufficient information about the Mantra Yoga.
- Become familiar with Tantric yoga, and the related terminology like Kundalini and Chakras.
A Few Recent Works:
