Integral yoga

Sri aurobindo

Integral Yoga is a comprehensive system of Yoga that integrates the various branches of yoga to promote a harmonious development of the human being. It was developed and introduced by Sri Aurobindo and The Mother (Mirra Alfassa) in the early 20th century. Integral Yoga aims at the transformation of human life into a divine life. It does not focus solely on physical fitness or meditation but encompasses all aspects of life, aiming for the spiritual evolution of humanity.

Overview

Integral Yoga, also known as Purna Yoga, is a synthesis of the various paths of yoga. It includes practices and concepts from Hatha Yoga, Raja Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga, and others. The goal is to achieve a state of spiritual enlightenment or consciousness transformation, leading to the realization of one's true self and the divine presence within.

Philosophy

The philosophy of Integral Yoga is based on the teachings of Sri Aurobindo, as outlined in his seminal works, The Life Divine and Synthesis of Yoga. It posits that all life is a journey of the spirit's evolution, moving from the unconsciousness of matter to the supreme consciousness. Integral Yoga seeks to accelerate this evolutionary process through a conscious effort towards spiritual growth, aiming for a divine life on earth.

Practices

Integral Yoga incorporates a variety of practices to aid in the transformation of the individual and society. These include:

• Asanas and Pranayama: Physical postures and breathing exercises to prepare the body and mind for deeper spiritual practices.
• Meditation: Techniques to quiet the mind and bring about inner peace and realization of the divine within.
• Bhakti Yoga: The path of devotion, fostering a loving and personal relationship with the divine.
• Karma Yoga: The yoga of selfless action, performed with the intention of offering the fruits of one's work to the divine.
• Jnana Yoga: The path of knowledge and wisdom, involving the study of spiritual texts and the practice of discrimination between the real and the unreal.

Integral Yoga and Society

Integral Yoga also emphasizes the transformation of society. Sri Aurobindo and The Mother envisioned a future where human societies would evolve into a divine collective existence. They established Auroville, an international township in India, as a practical experiment in applying the principles of Integral Yoga to communal living.

Conclusion

Integral Yoga is a holistic approach to spiritual development, aiming for the complete transformation of the individual and society. Its practices and philosophies offer a path towards a higher consciousness and a life of divine fulfillment.