Yoga & Religion
Yoga is not a religion by itself. It is knowledge of the soul. Literally Yoga means Union. That is the Union of soul with the Almighty devoid of all the mental viberations concentrating the outer world. Maharishi Patanjali defines Yoga
योगः चित्तवृति निरोदह
a mean to control the mental viberations.” This control having been attained, concentrates the mind. Concentration leads to Nirvichar and Savichar, Niwartak and Swartak Samadhi. Nirbij and Sampargint Samadhi becomes a smoother process thereby. Samadhi results in divine wisdom as Patanjali further confirms-
श्तत्र ऋतुम्भरा चरू प्रज्ञाश्
With the help of this divine wisdom, the soul is purified. This helps one of differentiate between the true and the untrue. One experiences a wider vision and gets out of the narrow bindings of Dharma and Karma and attain oneness, Here one perceives one in the Universe and the entire Universe in oneself. Complete absorption in the Supreme and the very experience of the taste of Nector is then natural outcome.
Reaching such a celestial state the Yogi, experience religion in its real form. The fountain of the knowledge outbreaks itself. Fully continued within, he starts preaching the sermons of wisdom, knowledge of the soul, experience of oneness with the whole Universe, He also feels that real religion is the realization of the soul, a cherished goal of all religions and mere adherence to a certain philosophy of a thought is a narrow approach. He onwards merges himself with the Supreme and His glittering soothing light. Light he perceives everywhere. The celestial bliss derived at this stage through Yoga is beyond all descriptions. Virtually this is the stage that has been designated as infinity and a true religion.