One aspect of the modern move to combine physical fitness with spirituality is the creation of various forms of “exercise.” Among the most popular and common is Yoga. Although some individuals adopt a more Buddhist approach, the foundations of a good spiritual Yoga practice are said to lie in the Hindu philosophical and spiritual work, the Bhagavad Gita. Whether you buy Bhagavad Gita online or read a copy in your local library, it is important to remember the work does provide practitioners with the basis to lead a moral life.
What is the Bhagavad Gita?
The Bhagavad Gita is an allegory. It is a type of dialogue between two entities: the great warrior, Arjuna and his charioteer, the Deity Krishna. What appears on the surface to be a conversation on the duty of Arjuna to take part in the battle quickly reveals itself as a debate on how to conduct yourself during your life on a moral path towards a higher consciousness.
More than Asana
Asana is the physical aspects of Yoga. The Bhagavad Gita focuses on the spiritual aspect, the guidance required from Krishna to help an individual realize their spirituality and travel towards the ultimate union – that with the Supreme Deity, in this text equated with Krishna. In the text, Krishna speaks to Arjuna about three specific types of Yoga that comprise the major approaches towards achieving a union with the Deity.
The Three Types of Yoga
According to Krishna, three types of Yoga are significant in your life. These are
- Karma Yoga – this is the Way of Action and Service. Service of each person needs to be performed without self interest yet with faith
- Jnana Yoga – this refers to the Way of Knowledge, with emphasis is on self-knowledge. Individuals can turn to contemplation and mediation to produce self realization and, eventually, Union with the Supreme Deity
- Bhakti Yoga – this is the Way of Devotion. It directs believers to worship the image or spirit of Krishna with a sincere and loving heart.
These different but related paths of Yoga emphasize the spiritual nature of the practice. In order to fully realize its benefits, practitioners should read and follow the teachings of Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita.
Buy Bhagavad Gita Online to Help your Yoga Practice
While the text is not an essential part of a Yoga practice, it is imperative for those who wish to explore its spiritual nature. If you buy Bhagavad Gita online, you are opening yourself up to the true nature of Yoga. You will be able to take your practice beyond the philosophical and/or physical level into the spiritual realm.
Yoga may be a form of exercise, yet, it can be much more than this. To reach beyond the earthly constraints and help to realize its full potential spiritual, find the International Gita Society and Buy Bhagavad Gita Online. This will ensure you come to understand the whole picture.