Yoga is considered
to be the knowledge of supreme spirit which is very difficult to attain.
It may take many life times to accomplish this great knowledge because of
its extreme importance in the life of everyone and of the benefits availed
by it by one and al, yoga can rightly be called as a universal religion.
It is well know that India is the land of its origin but every part of the
world has made a major contribution to its up coming.
Gnan yoga and karma
yoga are considered to be the two well acclaimed approaches of yoga till
date. Gnan yoga considers the importance of knowledge in yoga and karma
yoga is the knowledge of actions. But these both cannot do without the
presence of devotion in the yogis mind. Thus bhakti yoga also plays an
important role.
It is well observed
at times that there are different types of yogas, but if studied
thoroughly there are not many different types of yoga. It is just the
difference in the way of performing the asanas or the difference in
requirements of an exercise or the physical capability that allows a
person to be comfortable with different asanas, is what classifies yoga
into different types.
Yamas and niyamas
also known as restraints and observances are the strong pillars of yoga
and thus a person cannot acquire the supreme knowledge of yoga without
considering these restraints and observances. Celibacy is termed as a
giving up of the desire for having sexual relations. The supreme
knowledge of yoga can be achieved only with the cultivation of celibacy in
a human. Thus to restrain the pleasure received by the sexual organs is
what is called celibacy. The giving up of this pleasure is what is also
called as nishkam karma yoga where a yogi is devoted to his performance
and is not much affected by the results he obtains from it. Many are aware
of the importance of celibacy but cannot maintain it. Thus they are unable
to acquire the supreme knowledge of yoga. It is very difficult to
maintain celibacy as it involves the activity of restraining the sexual
energy that is created in a human. It is similar to make a river flow back
to its ultimate source from where it began i.e. high mountains.
In order to practice
celibacy one must take not look at the opposite sex with a wrong
intention. One must also not engage himself or herself in sexual
activities and must try not to have a discussion in with the opposite sex
in solitude.
By sublimating the
sexual energy generated in human body, the yogi achieves a divine body. No
disease or even death can enter in such a pure and heavenly body.
Thus it is rightly
said that THERE IS NOTHING THAT ONE CANNOT ACHIEVE IF HE OR SHE HAS A
CONTROL OVER HIS DESIRE FOR LUST. That is why the practicing of celibacy
is considered to be of great importance in order to achieve the supreme
and divine knowledge through yoga.
November 16, 2007
