Essence and Substance of Yoga

SR No.: 007592
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: S M Jain
Publisher: S M Jain
Publication Year: 2009
Total Pages: 91
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 1 MB

Page 5

ORIGIN OF YOGA
The word "Yoga' is from the root 'yuj' which means union. Union is a cosmic phenomenon as every constituent of the universe, every living organism from microbe to elephant and every atom is interlinked, interrelated and interdependent with each other. In cosmic chronology yoga is contemporary with cosmos, without beginning and end. The whole universe, evolving and changing, real and existing in myriad manifestations, defying all conjectures, fantasies, sermons and extortions by some major philosophies, rejecting it as "Maya", "Mirage" and "Unieal", is all because of Yoga - the union.
There is yoga (union) in an atom of subatomic quarks, gluons, neutrons, protons, electrons. Atoms unite to form molecules, organic and inorganic. Union of organic molecules form variety of life forms. Inorganic molecules unite to form objects big and small, minute particles to mountains, continents, planets and galaxies. Sun's rays unite with waters of the sea, lakes, rivers etc. vaporising and uniting with particles forming clouds producing rains which in turn unites with earth facilitating plant life. The rain water ultimately goes back and unites with the sea. Male and female of life-forms unite to produce their off-springs. There are numerous other manifestations of union. The planets, stars and galaxies are all in unison to keep their positions and trajectories for mutual safe guards. It is all yoga (union) everywhere, every moment in every act, everything, every manifestation all over, all the time.
"yforritut"
"Union with all attendant means and objects is yoga".
According to yoga scholars yoga is of indic origin. In vedic stream it emanates from Rigveda. There is mention of yoga in Yajureveda in chapter 11 and hymns 1 to 5.
" युजते मनऽउत युजते घियो विप्रा विप्रस्य बृहतो विविश्चितः ।"
Atharvoaveda (19.8.2) also contains specific details about breath (Pran) and its variations "Apana", "Vyana" and "Udana". In Yagvalkya Smriti, Mahabharat and Ahir-bundhaya Samhita “ Hiranyagarbha" the "Braham" is attributed as initiator of yoga: