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"The goal of Integral Yoga, and
the birthright of every individual, is to realize the spiritual
unity behind all the diversities in the entire creation and to live
harmoniously as members of one universal family. This goal is achieved
by maintaining our natural condition of a body of optimum health
and strength, senses under total control, a mind well-disciplined,
clear and calm, an intellect as sharp as a razor, a will as strong
and pliable as steel, a heart full of unconditional love and compassion,
an ego as pure as a crystal, and a life filled with Supreme Peace
and Joy."
—H. H. Sri Swami Satchidananda
Integral Yoga® is a synthesis of the various
branches of Yoga. It is a scientific system for the harmonious development
of every aspect of the individual.
The following are some of its different
branches.
RAJA YOGA
The path of concentration and meditation. Based on ethical perfection and control
of the mind, it leads ultimately to the state of Samadhi, or Superconsciousness.
JAPA YOGA
The concentrated repetition of a mantra (a sound vibration representing an
aspect of the Divine), leading to awareness of and attunement to, this vibration.
HATHA YOGA
Postures (asanas), breath control (pranayama), relaxation, and cleaning practices
(kriyas) to purify and strengthen the body and mind.
KARMA YOGA
The path of selfless service. By performing duties without attachment to the
fruits of the action, the Karma Yogi becomes a conscious instrument of the
Divine Will.
BHAKTI YOGA
The path of love and devotion to God, to an incarnation of the Divine, or to
a spiritual teacher. By transcending the limited personality, one attains
union with the Divine.
JNANA YOGA
The path of wisdom. By study, self-analysis, and awareness, the Jnana Yogi
ceases to identify with the body and mind, and realizes the Oneness.
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Sri Gurudev in bow pose by waterfall, Connecticut, mid-1970s.
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"The Board of Directors and Staff of Yoga
Alliance would like to pay tribute to one of the most revered
Yoga Masters of our time. Sri Swami Satchidananda, founder
of Integral Yoga®, is known worldwide as a spiritual
teacher whose teachings embody the truths found in all
the great wisdom traditions. We, the Yoga community, are
deeply indebted to Sri Swami Satchidananda for his substantial
contributions toward bringing the ancient teachings of
Yoga into our modern context. His teachings will live
on in the hearts of millions, and continue to influence
the evolution of world peace, to which he dedicated his
life."
—The Board of Directors and Staff
of the Yoga Alliance
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"Swamiji
has done more than anyone else to make the riches of the yogic
tradition available to Americans of all faiths."
—Abbot M. Basil Pennington, O.C.S.O.
St. Joseph 's Abbey, Massachusetts |
Sri Gurudev meditating. |
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