Original Yoga

Yoga meditation is the foundation of the illumined vision set down by the sages of India in the eleven major Upanishads, the Brahma Sutras, the Bhagavad Gita and the Yoga Sutras. This latter text, the supreme authority on Yoga, explains that Yoga is union with God brought about by meditation. Many other authoritative texts of both past and present say exactly the same thing.

But there is another, higher spiritual meaning of Original Yoga: that Yoga which returns us to our original state in which we consciously knew that we were one with God and part of Infinite Being. Original Yoga has one purpose and effect: the liberation of the yogi.

“This is the bridge to immortality. May you be successful in crossing over to the farther shore beyond darkness” (Mundaka Upanishad). The bridge is meditation which is “crossed” by constant practice until the Goal is reached.

Articles on Meditation

The Path of Divine Silence

• The Breath of Life: The Practice of Breath Meditation According to Hindu, Buddhist, Taoist, Jewish and Christian Traditions (the full book)
• Download The Breath of Life in PDF or ePub formats.
• Introduction to the Practice of Breath Meditation. (A brief version including instruction in the practice)
• Download Introduction to the Practice of Breath Meditation in PDF or ePub formats

The Path of Divine Sound

• So’ham Yoga: the Yoga of the Self. (the full book)
• Introduction to Soham Yoga. (A brief version including instruction in the practice)
• Download Introduction to Soham Yoga in PDF or ePub formats.

And explore the following articles on Original Yoga:

• How to Be a Yogi — This is not a book about the technique of Yoga, but about that without which the successful practice of yoga is impossible: the Yoga Life. Yoga is not just a practice or a philosophy; it is an entire way of life. Without this understanding and without commitment to the Yoga Life there is simply no need to give yoga a second thought. And by yoga I mean the quest for liberation of the spirit, for Yoga is an eternal science intended to reveal and manifest the Eternal. By Abbot George Burke (Swami Nirmalananda Giri)
• Foundations of Yoga — The basis of all Yoga practice are the “Ten Commandments of Yoga”–the principles of Yama and Niyama outlined by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras. This booklet considers the various aspects of each principle as well as the spiritual power which is developed through each one. By Abbot George Burke (Swami Nirmalananda Giri)
• A Yogi and a Philosopher — This article is Akshay Kumar Bannrjea’s introduction to the Philosophy of Gorakhnath. It compares the viewpoint Yogi with the philosopher. A Philosopher advances in the path of rational logic, a Yogi advances in the path of moral and psychical self-discipline. Discover more by reading this fascinating analysis.
• Vegetarianism — The major thing to keep in mind when considering the subject of vegetarianism is its relevancy in relation to our explorations of consciousness. We need only ask: Does it facilitate my spiritual growth–the development and expansion of my consciousness? The answer is Yes. To discover more about the spiritual, mental, and physical/health aspects of vegetarianism, read the articles in this section.
• Twelve Pointers For Maintaining Brahmacharya — Brahmacharya (Continence; self-restraint on all levels; discipline; dwelling in Brahman) is essential for the aspiring yogi. These tips help in reaching this ideal. By Abbot George Burke.