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K l 2

PRAYER

Teach me , 0 Divine Father , to become a true yogi. Instead

of finding cessation of life and joy , in my union with Thee I
shall become the fountainhead of eternal life and bliss. Reveal
Thyself I for by knowing Thee I shall not lose anything , but will
gain everything.

GRADATED METHODS OF YOGA- Part 1

RELEASING THE The word "yoga " is an ancient word which comes
MOTION-BOUND SOUL from the Sanskrit root , "yuj, " signifying union.
TO UNITE IT WITH The word " yoga " in Hindu philosophy is usually
THE MOTIONLESS used to signify union of the individual soul
INFINITE BY YOGA with Spirit by scientific psychophysical methods
of meditation.

A yogi is one who practices a scientific yoga technique of medita

tion in order to unite himself with God, He may assume worldly respon-
sibilities , or he may choose the path of complete renunciation.

The science of yoga (or scientific union with God) includes various
methods which may be classified as follows:

1. Hatha Yoga 4. Mantra Yoga

2. Laya Yoga 5. Raja Yoga
3. Karma Yoga

1. Hatha Yoga is a system of physical exercises whose purpose is to

render the body fit for meditation; particularly , for the higher
states of ecstatic God -communion during which the body absorbs a
greater- than-usual voltage of God ' s cosmic energy. Fortunately for
the average person , it is not necessary to perform all the various
tortuous body twistings of the yoga postures in order to prepare the
body for meditation. Nevertheless , meditation is not possible with-
out some bodily control , and some of the simpler postures of Hatha
Yoga are very good indeed for this purpose. They may be practiced ,
in conjunction with a commonsense dietary regimen, with benefit to
health and to mental concentration.

Occasionally , older persons in an excess of zeal hurt themselves

in attempting difficult postures and then foolishly condemn Hatha
Yoga. The eighty-four basic body postures are most effectively done
by children and young adults. Men and women over forty should not
practice the more difficult poses , because at that age the bones ,
muscles, and nerves are seldom sufficiently pliable. The SRF Ener-
gization Exercises taught in Lesson 8-A may be performed by all and
benefit the body in much the same way as the system of Hatha Yoga.