Advanced Yoga Study
By Swami Dharmananda
 


guidance he got from the vibrations received from the God's heart or breath. Is this possible? Can vibrations amount to much? 
Modern science says all matter is condensed energy. Energy is matter in a state of high vibrations. Vibrations produce sound. Vibrations and sound are at the root of all creations. If the origin of phenomenal existence is traceable to vibrations and sound then it stands to reason that the same vibrations and sound can correct the erring forces of nature and cleanse the mind of improper thoughts. The Vedas are such vibrations and sounds. The Rishis became aware of all the vibrations that resulted in the creation of the world. They became aware of God's breath. These cosmic vibrations became audible to their ears as Veda mantras

Vedas are Limitless 
‘Ananta vai Vedah'
. The Vedas are vast, limitless and endless. What has become known to the human beings through the Rishis are limited. What Veda Vyasa compiled around 5000 years ago in the form of the four Vedas is a small portion of the total that was revealed to the ancient Rishis. 

Purpose of the Vedas
 
The word ‘Veda' means to know. The Upanishads defines Aatma as that by knowing which all things will have become known. The purpose of the Vedas is to make known that Aatma. Whether it is the karma (works) which comes in the beginning or knowledge (jnana) which comes at the end, the central theme of the veda is Ishwara – Brahman – Aatma all of which ultimately mean the same. The aim of the Vedas is to help one obtain Moksha whilst living in this world itself. That is its glory. If as in other faiths, we were to get Moksha only in another world after death, one cannot conceive of its nature whilst living in this world. Those who obtained it will not come back to tell us their experience. As a result, doubt and disbelief may arise. But, whilst in this world one were to abnegate all desires and wants, and engage in self-analysis, Moksha will be achieved here itself. 

Contents of the Vedas
The Vedas praise ceremonial rituals like Agni-hotra, Soma Yaga, Satra Yaga and Ishtis (provision of welfare-works beneficial to the community, e.g., construction of houses, provision of water etc. There are many other matters mentioned in the Vedas such as conduct of marriage ceremonies, funeral rites, sraadhas, etc. Apart from Yagnyas and methods of worship, the Vedas also mention many methods of meditation and prayer (upaasana), of dhyaana or meditating in solitude, etc. Mention is also made of how the Aatma enters the body, what happens eventually to the body, how the Aatma enters another body again, etc. Further, the Vedas also deal with various kinds of medical treatment to ensure bodily health, and ‘Shantis' or methods to pacify enemies and to avert the harm contemplated by them. The Vedas also deal with Yoga (body and mind control), Tapas (practice of austerities), how the Govt. should conduct the affairs of a state, regulations in social life. 
If we are to know the God which the Vedas point to, we should practice certain mental disciplines so that the thought of that Being keeps coming to us. The performance of sacrifices, doing penance, giving in charity, renovating temples, provisions for supply of water, social service, marriage rites and such duties are meant to lead to mental purity (chitta suddhi) and steadying the wavering mind (chitta virtti nirodha). 

 




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Table of Contents

Introduction to Yoga
Ayurveda
Hatha Yoga
Raja Yoga
Kundalini Yoga
Bhagavad Gita
  Scriptures of Sanatana Dharma
  Background story of the Bhagavad Gita
  Vedanta Philosophy (Gyana Yoga)
  Caste system in Indian society
  Principles of Karma Yoga
  Concept of Yagnya
  Concept of Deities
  Law of re-incarnation
  Law of God’s incarnation
  Spiritual Eye
  Concept of Yuga - World Ages
  Story of creation
  Bhakti Yoga
  The concept of the Gunas
  Daivi Sampada or Divine Qualities
  Faith and charity
Miscellaneous Spiritual Aids

Book Pages
Table of Contents
Respectful Obeisance
Brief life sketch
Achievements
A Compilation
About The Author
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