Main Article Content

Abstract

The term Yog elevated in the Rigveda and was first explained in early Upanishads like the
‘Svetashvatara’ and ‘Katha’, which are called Yog Shastras or Yog texts. The teachings of
Upnishads includes the main principles of Vedantic philosophy and ‘Samkhya’ that the Yog
system uses. The Upanishads explains the themes of Yog as Om, mantra, meditation, control
of the mind, knowledge of the ‘Purusha’, evoking of the soul is the synonym for Yog. Yog in
its true sense is the process to unfold one`s soul or eternal being. Sadhuguru (2017) explains
4 essential paths of Yog, that are 1) Jnana Yog or the Yog of Knowledge uses meditation for
Self-realization, 2) Bhakti Yog or the Yog of Devotion seeks union with God as the Divine
Father or Divine Mother, 3) Karma Yog or the Yog of action emphasizes the practice of
ritual worship of the Divine and service to living beings, and 4) Raja Yog also known as
Kriya Yog is the Yog of mantra and meditation. The purpose of this paper is to disclose the
true essence of yog and its relationship with Bhakti from an Indian perspective and evidences
of its relevance from Indian cultural heritage in an individual`s overall wellbeing.

Article Details