Introduction

Agamas and various Tantras are full of yogic practices-physical and contemplative-meditative techniques containing asanas, mudras (yogic and tantric mudras), Pranayama-breathing exercises and meditation techniques aiming at self-realisation and tantric powers. These Yogic practices have been in vogue since time im-memorial in India and were passed traditionally from one generation to next generation by Gurus to disciples. Whole knowledge about such techniques was considered secrete and mystic and was guarded arduously, hence written literature on systematic Yoga came to light very late in the history. So also, different Yogic sects (Sampradayas) developed Yogic techniques, propounded and practiced in their ashramas- mathas and preached their pupils- aspirants, who dedicated themselves totally to Yoga & surrendered to their Master-Guru.

Mantra yoga, hath Yoga, kundlini yoga, Laya yoga and Raj Yoga are very old techniques developed in India. Shiva Samhita, Ghirand Samhita, Hatha Yoga Pradeep are a few treatises on Yoga along with others. Yogeshwar Patanjali in the first Sutra of his treatise on Yoga-‘Patanjal-yoga_sutra’, himself solemnly declares his purpose of writing the ‘Sutra’, that is to organize and systematise Yoga, prevalent. He might have scrutinized, analysed and synthesized all prevalent Yoga practices. After that only, he could have organized and systematised them. He put forth Yoga in a systematic way. He elaborately explains philosophy and science behind all Yogic practices step- by- step and one- by- one. In the first four sutras of I chapter- Samadhipad, he has given the essence of Yoga Philosophy and science behind all Yogic practices. Some scholars while translating the second sutra of this chapter wrote that it meant that Patanjali aimed at explaining on the techniques of Chitta Vrutti Nirodha; however ‘Chitta Vrutti Nirodha’ is the real objective of any type of Yoga practice. After these four sutras in this ‘Samadhipad’, he explains

How does the Chitta-mind works with five types of Vruttis-activities i.e. collecting first hand direct knowledge-primary information through its five senses by ‘Pramana-Vrutti’. Then how does this information is processed by ‘Viparyaya-Vrutti’( false knowledge of an object) and ‘Vikalpa- Vrutti’ activities (thoughtful activity of mind (Chitta)) based on words only even when no real object present i.e. 2nd and 3rd types. When the mind stops working, this Vrutti is called ‘Nidra’ and 5th one is ‘Smruti’.

This Vrutti is 3 fold a. storing, b. assimilation of all the information available in Chitta-mind-activities through earlier four types of Vruttis in its memory, c. drawing memories-information from this store house, when required.

• All four types of Samprajyanta Samadhi, Asamprajyanta and Nirbeeja Samadhies.
• Essence of any and all types of Sadhanas-efforts to attain any of the above state of Samadhies is in two processes a. Abhyasa-to make efforts to unwavering state of body, prana- vital force, Chitta i.e. mind and soul and b. Vairajyna i.e. to make efforts to withdraw the mind –chitta away from objects of attachment. Thus Vairajyna is a freedom of mind from all desires of objects of senses For attaining Samadhi, Patanjali mentioned independent Yoga practices other than Ashtang Yoga techniques as mentioned in the 2nd chapter – Sadhanapad of Yoga Sutra.
• The 3rd chapter is devoted to ‘Vibhuties’ i.e. mystic powers and techniques for using these powers, which can only be practiced by those Yogies who have attained ‘Samprajyanta Samadhi’ and Samyama in dharna, dhanadyan and samadhi simultaneously at a time .
• Fourth chapter-Kaivalya-pada is devoted to the philosophical part, culminating to attainment of Kaivalya state by individual soul Purusha when the Chitta with all the three gunas-the components constituting Chitta, decompose and merge in- dissolve-return to their source i.e. Prakruti which is Avyakta i.e. non-manifest.
• ‘Ashtang Yoga’, the eight limbed-steps-path of Yoga, which Patanjali has propounded for systematic attainment of Samadhi and which is solely contributed to Patanjali and which has been accepted widely as an authentic effective path through out all spiritual Sadhanas among all Yogic cults and among followers of other philosophical systems also. In all present day major religions of the world, these Yogic practices have been absorbed in their rituals at various stages in their original form or in their modifications. Many of their followers may not even be aware of that.
• Yoga is an ancient philosophy of life as well as a system of exercises that encourages the union & harmony of mind, body, and spirit. It is generally understood that Patanjali by the word ‘Yoga’ meant techniques to achieve and one’s ability to focus his mind on single object without distraction (In the words of Patanjali, author of Yoga Sutras, “yoga is the ability to focus the mind on a single point without distraction”). Yoga is also a physical discipline; it uses the body and breathing, Pranayam & meditation to develop self-awareness and mental clarity.

The goal of yoga may range from improving physical & mental health to achieving Moksha. Seekers (sadhakas) following monist schools of Advaita Vedanta and Shaivism also include Ashtang-Yoga in full or parts to take help in their sadhana to attain their goal of Moksha, which is liberation from all worldly suffering and the cycle of birth and death (Samsara), at which point there is a realisation of identity with the Supreme Brahman, which is the goal for a Yogi too.

Yoga releases stress, fatigue which has become the seat of all disorders in a modern life. It relieves the body from any kind of muscular strain, even chronic strain, refreshes the body from fatigue, stress and body aches, helps to relax the body and mind, increases concentration and awareness, and frees the spirit. Yoga when practiced in its totality gives a very soothing effect on the whole nervous system (including all parts of the brain) and it strengthens them. Capabilities of all the five- sense-organs and mind itself are surprisingly improved.

Under the guidance of an experienced Yogacharya, daily Yoga is considered to be higher than mere performing of other type’s exercises. Yoga helps one to establish integration of his outer self to his inner self. If the postures are done correctly along with proper breathing and mental concentration, then yoga breeds a very positive effect both in the inner and outer selves of an individual. Exercises like walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, biking can only look after the physical development of the body, whereas, yoga brings peace of mind, refreshes the body, releases stress, brings in over all good health, relaxation and happiness.

Besides, healing all physical disorders, Yoga also strikes at the grossness-jadata- that exists inside a mind and soul. It helps in releasing them i.e. mind and soul, thereby maintaining a harmony all through the body. It helps a person to strike a balance between his physical, mental and spiritual selves.

We at Manish Govil Memorial Trust educate and practice Hath Yoga- Yoga Asanas, Yog-Kriyaas, Yog-Mudras, Pranayama and simple meditation techniques, which prevent healthy person from developing and ailing persons to come out of various diseases e.g. arthritis, hypertension, hyper acidity, chronic fatigue, diabetes, asthma, obesity etc. Yoga releases stress, fatigue which has become the seat of all disorders in a modern life. It increases concentration and awareness. The Yoga also cures all above mentioned diseases as it is practiced under the guidance of an experienced Yog Guru (Yogacharya). Yoga is learned and practiced at ‘Manish Govil Memorial Trust’ under able guidance of Yogacharya Shri Jainti Prasad Kaushik. He also advises proper food for every individual after studying individual’s nature of body on the principles of Aurved as it is a well accepted fact that most of the ailments are the result of unhealthy eating habits & faulty life style. It has been experienced at the Yoga Centre of Manish Govil Memorial Trust that most complicated diseases, which could not be cured by allopathic and other treatments, were successfully cured by Yoga coupled with proper food habits. Selected very simple and effective asanas, up-asanas along with specially crafted simple exercises suitable for ailing, weak and old persons- for eyes, ears, arms, legs and other parts of the body-and pranama technique are being practiced at our Yog centers.

Basically, the Yoga Centre is a non-residential one. However, arrangement has been made at ‘Abha Manav Mandir’ Varishtha Nagarik Sewa Sadan (Senior Citizens Care Home), a venture of ‘Manish Govil Memorial Trust’, at Panchvati Colony, Mawana Road, Meerut, U.P., India to provide residential facility to outsiders who come for the cure of ailments. The entire Yog Shiksha are being run with the courtesy of ‘Shree Ram Mulakh Dayal Yog Sewa Sansthan’, Meerut, U.P., India.