It is a common belief in various communities around the world that yoga is just another form of exercise, albeit a great one. Yoga is so much more than that. If you are of the opinion that yoga possesses only physical benefits, you are wrong. The main aim of yoga, since the time of its inception in 5000 B.C. in ancient India is, to attain one’s superior self through proper control of the mind, body and soul. The reason why yoga spends a lot of time explaining and practicing various postures and poses is that is believes that man can concentrate on his mind and spirituality only if his body is physically fit and active. The main goal of yoga has always been the attainment of a Higher Self and achieving a Oneness with the universe and its’ Maker. If you are thinking of doing yoga for your mind, achieving your physical goals will come about as a by- product.
Traditional yoga has surprisingly very little to do with attaining bodily flexibility. Yoga stands for ‘union’, i.e., union with the Higher Self or the Higher Being. All the yoga postures or asanas are done with a view to attain that state of mind control and enlightenment. Being a true master of your being is what constitutes yoga. Controlling the mind in a way to attain union with the Higher Self is the true aim of yoga.
What is mind control as taught in yoga?
Mind control is the specific state of mind when the individual is completely liberated from all previously uncontrolled and unintended forms of thought. When an individual attains this state, he is the true master of his own being, he enjoys bliss, he is in total control of his mind, and has the power and wisdom of being truly free and liberated. He is not only free from being; but also free from mental limitations and desires.
Enlightenment and self- realization
Freeing oneself from the mind which has been conditioned in a certain way since infancy gives one the freedom to inner joy and peace. Consciously or otherwise, this is the kind of self realization and mind control that all of us long for all the time. No matter what anyone thinks, this is the longing for self- realization that makes people do things and basically drives them. Somewhere deep within us, all of us crave ecstasy, satisfaction and freedom. The difficulty with most people is that they go seeking for enlightenment in places where it is impossible to get it. Practicing yoga teaches one to pass the stages required for attaining this state of enlightenment and self realization.
Yoga for your mind
Practicing yoga for your mind is a wonderful idea. Meditation is the best way to do so. All you have to do is sit in a quiet room and try and free your mind of all thoughts. When you continue with meditation every day, you will achieve a state of mind control that you never thought was possible.
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