Go to Vanipedia | Go to Vanisource | Go to Vanimedia


Vaniquotes - the compiled essence of Vedic knowledge


Hatha-yoga (Conv and Letters): Difference between revisions

(Created page with '<div id="compilation"> <div id="facts"> {{terms|"hatha yoga"|"hatha-yoga"}} {{notes|}} {{compiler|Labangalatika}} {{complete|}} {{goal|27}} {{first|15Sep10}} {{last|15Sep10}} {{t…')
 
(Vanibot #0019: LinkReviser - Revised links and redirected them to the de facto address when redirect exists)
 
Line 3: Line 3:
{{terms|"hatha yoga"|"hatha-yoga"}}
{{terms|"hatha yoga"|"hatha-yoga"}}
{{notes|}}
{{notes|}}
{{compiler|Labangalatika}}
{{compiler|Labangalatika|Priya}}
{{complete|}}
{{complete|ALL}}
{{goal|27}}
{{first|15Sep10}}
{{first|15Sep10}}
{{last|15Sep10}}
{{last|04Oct10}}
{{totals_by_section|BG=0|SB=0|CC=0|OB=0|Lec=0|Con=2|Let=0}}
{{totals_by_section|BG=0|SB=0|CC=0|OB=0|Lec=0|Con=5|Let=9}}
{{total|2}}
{{total|14}}
{{toc right}}
{{toc right}}
[[Category:Hatha-yoga|1]]
[[Category:Hatha-yoga|1]]
Line 20: Line 19:
</div>
</div>
<div id="RoomConversationMay101969ColumbusOhio_0" class="quote" parent="1969_Conversations_and_Morning_Walks" book="Con" index="12" link="Room Conversation -- May 10, 1969, Columbus, Ohio" link_text="Room Conversation -- May 10, 1969, Columbus, Ohio">
<div id="RoomConversationMay101969ColumbusOhio_0" class="quote" parent="1969_Conversations_and_Morning_Walks" book="Con" index="12" link="Room Conversation -- May 10, 1969, Columbus, Ohio" link_text="Room Conversation -- May 10, 1969, Columbus, Ohio">
<div class="heading">You cannot perform haṭha-yoga in this age. You do not follow the rules and regulations. You are simply bluffed. Do you know what is the rules and regulations of haṭha-yoga factually?
<div class="heading">You cannot perform haṭha-yoga in this age. You do not follow the rules and regulations. You are simply bluffed.
</div>
</div>
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:Room Conversation -- May 10, 1969, Columbus, Ohio|Room Conversation -- May 10, 1969, Columbus, Ohio]]: </span><div class="text"><p style="display: inline;">Devotee: Can haṭha-yoga hinder or help Kṛṣṇa consciousness, or is it...?</p>
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:Room Conversation -- May 10, 1969, Columbus, Ohio|Room Conversation -- May 10, 1969, Columbus, Ohio]]: </span><div class="text"><p style="display: inline;">Devotee: Can haṭha-yoga hinder or help Kṛṣṇa consciousness, or is it...?</p>
Line 32: Line 31:
<div id="1973_Conversations_and_Morning_Walks" class="sub_section" sec_index="6" parent="Conversations_and_Morning_Walks" text="1973 Conversations and Morning Walks"><h3>1973 Conversations and Morning Walks</h3>
<div id="1973_Conversations_and_Morning_Walks" class="sub_section" sec_index="6" parent="Conversations_and_Morning_Walks" text="1973 Conversations and Morning Walks"><h3>1973 Conversations and Morning Walks</h3>
</div>
</div>
<div id="RoomConversationwithEducationistsJuly111973London_1" class="quote" parent="1973_Conversations_and_Morning_Walks" book="Con" index="40" link="Room Conversation with Educationists -- July 11, 1973, London" link_text="Room Conversation with Educationists -- July 11, 1973, London">
<div id="RoomConversationwithEducationistsJuly111973London_0" class="quote" parent="1973_Conversations_and_Morning_Walks" book="Con" index="40" link="Room Conversation with Educationists -- July 11, 1973, London" link_text="Room Conversation with Educationists -- July 11, 1973, London">
<div class="heading">There are many impediments, especially in this age of hypocrisy, to practicing haṭha-yoga, dhyāna-yoga, and jñāna-yoga, but there is no such problem in executing karma-yoga or bhakti-yoga.
<div class="heading">There are many impediments, especially in this age of hypocrisy, to practicing haṭha-yoga, dhyāna-yoga, and jñāna-yoga, but there is no such problem in executing karma-yoga or bhakti-yoga.
</div>
</div>
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:Room Conversation with Educationists -- July 11, 1973, London|Room Conversation with Educationists -- July 11, 1973, London]]: </span><div class="text"><p style="display: inline;">Prabhupāda: Today's so-called yoga practice, which involves various sense pleasures, is contradictory. A yogī indulging in sex and intoxication is a mockery. Even those yogīs who are attracted by the siddhis (perfections) in the process of yoga are not perfectly situated. If the yogīs are attracted by the by-products of yoga, then they cannot attain the stage of perfection, as is stated in this verse. Persons, therefore, indulging in the make-show practice of gymnastic feats or siddhis should know that the aim of yoga is lost in that way. The best practice of yoga in this age is Kṛṣṇa consciousness, which is not baffling. A Kṛṣṇa conscious person is so happy in his occupation that he does not aspire after any other happiness. There are many impediments, especially in this age of hypocrisy, to practicing haṭha-yoga, dhyāna-yoga, and jñāna-yoga, but there is no such problem in executing karma-yoga or bhakti-yoga.</p>
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:Room Conversation with Educationists -- July 11, 1973, London|Room Conversation with Educationists -- July 11, 1973, London]]: </span><div class="text"><p style="display: inline;">Prabhupāda: Today's so-called yoga practice, which involves various sense pleasures, is contradictory. A yogī indulging in sex and intoxication is a mockery. Even those yogīs who are attracted by the siddhis (perfections) in the process of yoga are not perfectly situated. If the yogīs are attracted by the by-products of yoga, then they cannot attain the stage of perfection, as is stated in this verse. Persons, therefore, indulging in the make-show practice of gymnastic feats or siddhis should know that the aim of yoga is lost in that way. The best practice of yoga in this age is Kṛṣṇa consciousness, which is not baffling. A Kṛṣṇa conscious person is so happy in his occupation that he does not aspire after any other happiness. There are many impediments, especially in this age of hypocrisy, to practicing haṭha-yoga, dhyāna-yoga, and jñāna-yoga, but there is no such problem in executing karma-yoga or bhakti-yoga.</p>
</div>
</div>
<div id="1974_Conversations_and_Morning_Walks" class="sub_section" sec_index="7" parent="Conversations_and_Morning_Walks" text="1974 Conversations and Morning Walks"><h3>1974 Conversations and Morning Walks</h3>
</div>
<div id="MorningWalkJune141974Paris_0" class="quote" parent="1974_Conversations_and_Morning_Walks" book="Con" index="116" link="Morning Walk -- June 14, 1974, Paris" link_text="Morning Walk -- June 14, 1974, Paris">
<div class="heading">They must find out a very sacred place and practice yoga alone, not with group. Group is possible in bhakti-yoga, not this haṭha-yoga.
</div>
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:Morning Walk -- June 14, 1974, Paris|Morning Walk -- June 14, 1974, Paris]]: </span><div class="text"><p style="display: inline;">Prabhupāda:  All yoga systems, Patañjali's system. So indriya... Where is indriya-saṁyama? They are gratifying their senses to the fullest extent. And what is their yoga? That is described... You do not read the Sixth Chapter of Bhagavad-gītā. Why don't you explain them that, that "You are yogi... You not yogi. You only making some farce. Where is your yogi? Are you going to a solitary place? Are you practicing alone, sitting on your seat like as they are described, and looking on the point of the nose? Are you doing that? You are not yogi. You are simply a caricature. You are not yogi." Don't accept them as yogis. If one is yogi... That, that, that gentleman, that yogi came there. He appreciated very much.</p>
<p>Yogeśvara: Shraddhananda Giri.</p>
<p>Prabhupāda: Yes. He said that "Swamiji, you are doing the greatest work, that God's name you are distributing." He said like that. And when the record was going on, he was very rapt attention, he was very... So actual yogi means he'll be attracted by bhakti-yoga. And these gymnasticians, what they'll understand about yoga? That is a process to control the mind. Those who are too much bodily concept of life, for them that exercise is required. But that is also not properly done. They must find out a very sacred place and practice yoga alone, not with group. Group is possible in bhakti-yoga, not this haṭha-yoga. That is not possible. The first attempt is condemned. Therefore all the yogis in India, actually those who are practicing yoga, they'll live outside human society. They never live in the city and get students to get them practice. And take thirty-five dollar fee. These are all bogus.</p>
</div>
</div>
<div id="1975_Conversations_and_Morning_Walks" class="sub_section" sec_index="8" parent="Conversations_and_Morning_Walks" text="1975 Conversations and Morning Walks"><h3>1975 Conversations and Morning Walks</h3>
</div>
<div id="RoomCoversationwithPsychiatristandIndianBoyMay121975Perth_0" class="quote" parent="1975_Conversations_and_Morning_Walks" book="Con" index="68" link="Room Coversation with Psychiatrist and Indian Boy -- May 12, 1975, Perth" link_text="Room Coversation with Psychiatrist and Indian Boy -- May 12, 1975, Perth">
<div class="heading">Bhakti-yoga, and this ordinary haṭha-yoga, that is also treatment of the mind. Treatment of mind means controlling the senses.
</div>
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:Room Coversation with Psychiatrist and Indian Boy -- May 12, 1975, Perth|Room Coversation with Psychiatrist and Indian Boy -- May 12, 1975, Perth]]: </span><div class="text"><p style="display: inline;">Prabhupāda: Everyone is riding on the chariot of mind. And the mind is taking him here and there, here... And the yoga practice is also treatment. This is also yoga, bhakti-yoga, and this ordinary haṭha-yoga, that is also treatment of the mind. Treatment of mind means controlling the senses. Yoga indriya-samyamaḥ. Mind is the leader of the senses. So if the treatment of the mind is done properly, then the senses work properly. The example is the madman. Because the madman's mind is not controlled, he is acting in a way—people say, "Here is a madman." So everyone is more or less a madman in this material world, or, in other words, you can say anyone who is in the material world, he is a madman. He requires treatment. Just like anyone who is in the prison house, it is to be accepted that he is a criminal. Without any study, without any exception we can accept all the prisoners as criminals. (break) ...gradually appreciate. Ceto-darpaṇa-mārjanaṁ ([[Vanisource:CC Antya 20.12|CC Antya 20.12]]). This treatment is in the beginning just cleansing the mirror of the heart. That is the treatment. Just like a mirror, when it is overcast with dust, it requires cleansing. So the mental mirror is covered with material dust. So it has to be cleansed. That is the treatment. And when it is cleansed, you can see your real face in the mirror. Similarly, as soon as our heart disease, contaminated by the modes of material nature, is cleansed, you can understand what is your real position. That is the success of psychiatric treatment. One comes to know, "What I am." Ahaṁ brahmāsmi: "I am spirit soul; I am not this body." That is called brahma-bhūtaḥ stage. Brahma-bhūtaḥ prasannātmā ([[Vanisource:BG 18.54 (1972)|BG 18.54]]). He becomes immediately happy. And happiness means na śocati na kāṅkṣati: "He does not lament, neither he desires." Our present disease is we hanker after things which we do not possess, and when that thing is lost, we lament. So hankering and lamenting. So when one is cleansed in the heart, he has no more hankering or desire. This is the symptom. And samaḥ sarveṣu bhūteṣu: "Then he becomes equal to everyone." Everyone means every living being, man and animal, trees, plants, lower or higher. Paṇḍitāḥ sama-darśinaḥ ([[Vanisource:BG 5.18 (1972)|BG 5.18]]). Then he enters into the sphere of devotional service. This is the symptom. Then he is perfectly in his original position. </p>
</div>
</div>
<div id="1976_Conversations_and_Morning_Walks" class="sub_section" sec_index="9" parent="Conversations_and_Morning_Walks" text="1976 Conversations and Morning Walks"><h3>1976 Conversations and Morning Walks</h3>
</div>
<div id="RoomConversationwithIndianManDecember221976Poona_0" class="quote" parent="1976_Conversations_and_Morning_Walks" book="Con" index="349" link="Room Conversation with Indian Man -- December 22, 1976, Poona" link_text="Room Conversation with Indian Man -- December 22, 1976, Poona">
<div class="heading">Because one cannot understand, therefore He has explained karma-yoga, jñāna-yoga, dhyāna-yoga, haṭha-yoga, this yoga. And He has explained also the meaning.
</div>
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:Room Conversation with Indian Man -- December 22, 1976, Poona|Room Conversation with Indian Man -- December 22, 1976, Poona]]: </span><div class="text"><p style="display: inline;">Girirāja:</p>
:man-manā bhava mad-bhakto
:mad-yājī māṁ namaskuru
:mām evaiṣyasi satyaṁ te
:pratijāne priyo'si me
:([[Vanisource:BG 18.65 (1972)|BG 18.65]])
<p>Prabhupāda: "You simply take this process. Think of Me always." And the next, He says sarva-dharmān parityajya ([[Vanisource:BG 18.66 (1972)|BG 18.66]]). No. There are other processes? Give away, kick away. Take this. Mām ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ vraja. This is meanings of the... But because one cannot understand, therefore He has explained karma-yoga, jñāna-yoga, dhyāna-yoga, haṭha-yoga, this yoga. And He has explained also the meaning</p>
:yoginām api sarveṣāṁ
:mad-gatenāntarātmanā
:śraddhāvān bhajate yo māṁ
:sa me yuktatamo mataḥ
:([[Vanisource:BG 6.47 (1972)|BG 6.47]])
<p>"He is first class yogi who has taken to Me only, thinking of Me." Yoginām api sarveṣāṁ mad-gatenāntarātmanā. "Always within the heart, who is thinking of Me, first-class yogi." One who does not understand Kṛṣṇa, he may be a yogi, a third-class, fourth-class yogi. Not a first-class.</p>
</div>
</div>
<div id="Correspondence" class="section" sec_index="6" parent="compilation" text="Correspondence"><h2>Correspondence</h2>
</div>
<div id="1966_Correspondence" class="sub_section" sec_index="1" parent="Correspondence" text="1966 Correspondence"><h3>1966 Correspondence</h3>
</div>
<div id="LettertoMangalaniloyBrahmacariNewYork16May1966_0" class="quote" parent="1966_Correspondence" book="Let" index="13" link="Letter to Mangalaniloy Brahmacari -- New York 16 May, 1966" link_text="Letter to Mangalaniloy Brahmacari -- New York 16 May, 1966">
<div class="heading">I have seen that the people in general have great respect for oriental culture and mostly they are attached to the gymnastic process of the Hatha Yoga system. But the system of Bhakti-yoga will be very much appreciable to them if we could open a centre here in New York.
</div>
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:Letter to Mangalaniloy Brahmacari -- New York 16 May, 1966|Letter to Mangalaniloy Brahmacari -- New York 16 May, 1966]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="text"><p style="display: inline;">The Americans have very great regard for Oriental culture and philosophy and taking advantage of this opportunity many so called oriental men of wisdom have exploited their sentiments simply for the matter of livelihood. Since I have come to this country I have traveled many parts of the country specially in Butler, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Boston, Monroe etc and everywhere I have seen that the people in general have great respect for oriental culture and mostly they are attached to the gymnastic process of the Hatha Yoga system. But the system of Bhakti-yoga will be very much appreciable to them if we could open a centre here in New York.</p>
</div>
</div>
<div id="1968_Correspondence" class="sub_section" sec_index="3" parent="Correspondence" text="1968 Correspondence"><h3>1968 Correspondence</h3>
</div>
<div id="LettertoBrahmanandaLosAngeles20November1968_0" class="quote" parent="1968_Correspondence" book="Let" index="432" link="Letter to Brahmananda -- Los Angeles 20 November, 1968" link_text="Letter to Brahmananda -- Los Angeles 20 November, 1968">
<div class="heading">Hatha yoga received in the Bhagavad-gita is very difficult in this age. Yoga system is approved, but nobody can follow the rules and regulations strictly, neither there is suitable place for executing it, and everyone is always full of anxiety, so how they can concentrate?
</div>
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:Letter to Brahmananda -- Los Angeles 20 November, 1968|Letter to Brahmananda -- Los Angeles 20 November, 1968]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="text"><p style="display: inline;">It is very nice that you shall speak on this at the yoga group program. Subala should read carefully that Hatha yoga received in the Bhagavad-gita is very difficult in this age. Yoga system is approved, but nobody can follow the rules and regulations strictly, neither there is suitable place for executing it, and everyone is always full of anxiety, so how they can concentrate? So best thing is to chant Hare Krishna which is forced meditation. In this way make nice speech, and conclude with declaring that the topmost yogi is he who surrenders to Krishna, and worships Krishna with all thoughts, activities, and intelligence.</p>
</div>
</div>
<div id="LettertoSatsvarupaLosAngeles29December1968_1" class="quote" parent="1968_Correspondence" book="Let" index="520" link="Letter to Satsvarupa -- Los Angeles 29 December, 1968" link_text="Letter to Satsvarupa -- Los Angeles 29 December, 1968">
<div class="heading">If they come to know about hatha yoga you can show them in the authoritative scriptures how it cannot be successfully practiced in this present age of kali.
</div>
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:Letter to Satsvarupa -- Los Angeles 29 December, 1968|Letter to Satsvarupa -- Los Angeles 29 December, 1968]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="text"><p style="display: inline;">In distributing the "perfection in yoga" leaflet, when people come to your temple you may explain to them the principles of yoga as they are described in the Bhagavad-gita. Such instructions by you may be preceded and followed by Krishna kirtana. If they are interested, you may show them how to sit, concentrating the eyesight on the tip of the nose. The concentration should be on Lord Krishna or Lord Visnu, as is explained in Bhagavad-gita As It Is. So if they come to know about hatha yoga you can show them in the authoritative scriptures how it cannot be successfully practiced in this present age of kali.</p>
</div>
</div>
<div id="1969_Correspondence" class="sub_section" sec_index="4" parent="Correspondence" text="1969 Correspondence"><h3>1969 Correspondence</h3>
</div>
<div id="LettertoCarlLangeLosAngeles12July1969_0" class="quote" parent="1969_Correspondence" book="Let" index="442" link="Letter to Carl Lange -- Los Angeles 12 July, 1969" link_text="Letter to Carl Lange -- Los Angeles 12 July, 1969">
<div class="heading">Except for the Krishna Consciousness Movement, any other attempt for spiritual realization, such as drugs, voidness, impersonalism, bodily exercises of Hatha Yoga, etc.—they are all something like unconsciousness under some super-intoxicant.
</div>
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:Letter to Carl Lange -- Los Angeles 12 July, 1969|Letter to Carl Lange -- Los Angeles 12 July, 1969]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="text"><p style="display: inline;">Except for the Krishna Consciousness Movement, any other attempt for spiritual realization, such as drugs, voidness, impersonalism, bodily exercises of Hatha Yoga, etc.—they are all something like unconsciousness under some super-intoxicant. Srila Rupa Goswami has given a very nice example in this connection. He says that a conditioned soul remains in the slumber of unconsciousness just like a patient bitten by a poisonous snake. In India there is a class of snake-charmers and physicians who treat snake-bitten persons with a particular type of jungle herbs. This treatment is to bring the herb near the nostrils of the patient for being smelled, and then the patient comes back to consciousness and finds relief from the snake bite effect. In our conditioned life we are bitten by so many types of Maya snakes, and more and more we are put into unconsciousness of mind without any hope of eternal life. Krishna Consciousness is the only herb for such Maya snake-bite condition. So our duty is very responsible. We have to awaken so many snake-bitten patients under the spell of Maya.</p>
</div>
</div>
<div id="LettertoMartinMallesLosAngeles22July1969_1" class="quote" parent="1969_Correspondence" book="Let" index="464" link="Letter to Martin Malles -- Los Angeles 22 July, 1969" link_text="Letter to Martin Malles -- Los Angeles 22 July, 1969">
<div class="heading">In Bhagavad-gita you will find confirmation of the fact that this Hatha Yoga system is not so easy process as you have been led to believe by various "masters".
</div>
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:Letter to Martin Malles -- Los Angeles 22 July, 1969|Letter to Martin Malles -- Los Angeles 22 July, 1969]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="text"><p style="display: inline;">I am very pleased to note that you have been coming to our Krishna Consciousness temple in New York and what you are learning there from the disciples and from our literature is provoking you to think very deeply on the matters of self-realization. Actually, what the devotees there are telling you about the Hatha Yoga system is correct. In Bhagavad-gita you will find confirmation of the fact that this Hatha Yoga system is not so easy process as you have been led to believe by various "masters". To do actual Hatha Yoga one must not live in the city, but he must go to a sacred spot, and completely freed from all attachments and all material desires and disturbances, he must concentrate his mind upon the Lord within his heart. This process is not completed in just six months time, but it extends over many, many lifetimes. So in this age of Kali Yuga it is not possible to faithfully follow the procedures of Hatha Yoga because our minds are too restless and our lives are very brief. Therefore, the Lord has descended upon this earth five hundred years ago as Lord Caitanya to encourage the process among all men of chanting the Holy Names of God, the Hare Krishna Mantra.</p>
</div>
</div>
<div id="1974_Correspondence" class="sub_section" sec_index="9" parent="Correspondence" text="1974 Correspondence"><h3>1974 Correspondence</h3>
</div>
<div id="LettertoAtreyaRsiBombay4December1974_0" class="quote" parent="1974_Correspondence" book="Let" index="647" link="Letter to Atreya Rsi -- Bombay 4 December, 1974" link_text="Letter to Atreya Rsi -- Bombay 4 December, 1974">
<div class="heading">I know the people of Tehran they like hatha yoga very much. I understand Parivrajakacarya Swami is teaching a course combining both hatha and bhakti yoga to attract the people. This is a very good idea.
</div>
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:Letter to Atreya Rsi -- Bombay 4 December, 1974|Letter to Atreya Rsi -- Bombay 4 December, 1974]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="text"><p style="display: inline;">Anyway I know the people of Tehran they like hatha yoga very much. I understand Parivrajakacarya Swami is teaching a course combining both hatha and bhakti yoga to attract the people. This is a very good idea. Somehow or other inject the bhakti yoga. That will save them from the degradations of sense gratification.</p>
</div>
</div>
<div id="1975_Correspondence" class="sub_section" sec_index="10" parent="Correspondence" text="1975 Correspondence"><h3>1975 Correspondence</h3>
</div>
<div id="LettertoMrNNBagaiBombay6January1975_0" class="quote" parent="1975_Correspondence" book="Let" index="22" link="Letter to Mr. N. N. Bagai -- Bombay 6 January, 1975" link_text="Letter to Mr. N. N. Bagai -- Bombay 6 January, 1975">
<div class="heading">We are not interested in these things like hatha-yoga and swimming. We do not encourage such useless activities.
</div>
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:Letter to Mr. N. N. Bagai -- Bombay 6 January, 1975|Letter to Mr. N. N. Bagai -- Bombay 6 January, 1975]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="text"><p style="display: inline;">We are not interested in these things like hatha-yoga and swimming. We do not encourage such useless activities. We would never take to such activities for earning money. We get money enough. We don't require to adopt any unauthorized means. At present we spend 8 lakhs of rupees every month and Krishna sends all money. Our process is to chant Hare Krishna. That is sufficient.</p>
</div>
</div>
<div id="LettertoMichaelJonKingHonolulu2February1975_1" class="quote" parent="1975_Correspondence" book="Let" index="101" link="Letter to Michael Jon King -- Honolulu 2 February, 1975" link_text="Letter to Michael Jon King -- Honolulu 2 February, 1975">
<div class="heading">We are not very much concerned with the principles of Hatha-yoga. We practice Bhakti-yoga strictly.
</div>
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:Letter to Michael Jon King -- Honolulu 2 February, 1975|Letter to Michael Jon King -- Honolulu 2 February, 1975]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="text"><p style="display: inline;">You should understand though that we are not very much concerned with the principles of Hatha-yoga. We practice Bhakti-yoga strictly and since Bhakti includes all other results obtained from practicing other yogas as it is declared in the Bhagavad-gita to be the culmination of all yogas it becomes unnecessary for us to apply any other techniques besides simply chanting and hearing about the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krishna who is called Yogesvara or the master of all yoga. Of course, it is certain that if one sits with straight spine it may be of some help in his ability to concentrate, but it cannot be considered as essential by any means.</p>
</div>
</div>
<div id="LettertoSriKrishnaCBatraVrindaban8December1975_2" class="quote" parent="1975_Correspondence" book="Let" index="739" link="Letter to Sri Krishna C. Batra -- Vrindaban 8 December, 1975" link_text="Letter to Sri Krishna C. Batra -- Vrindaban 8 December, 1975">
<div class="heading">In the Bhagavad-gita itself there are different processes of yoga systems, karma yoga, jnana yoga, dhayana yoga, hatha yoga, bhakti yoga and so many patterns of yoga.
</div>
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:Letter to Sri Krishna C. Batra -- Vrindaban 8 December, 1975|Letter to Sri Krishna C. Batra -- Vrindaban 8 December, 1975]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="text"><p style="display: inline;">In the Bhagavad-gita itself there are different processes of yoga systems, karma yoga, jnana yoga, dhayana yoga, hatha yoga, bhakti yoga and so many patterns of yoga. Others may practice different patterns of yoga, and we can understand that everyone is trying to pass on the path of yoga, but bhakti yoga is the ultimate goal, and if anyone is actually interested to understand God as he is, he has to come to the platform of bhakti yoga.</p>
<p>It is stated in the Bhagavad-gita that after many many births of practicing yoga, when one is actually mature he surrenders himself at the lotus feet of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>

Latest revision as of 03:42, 17 May 2018

Conversations and Morning Walks

1969 Conversations and Morning Walks

You cannot perform haṭha-yoga in this age. You do not follow the rules and regulations. You are simply bluffed.
Room Conversation -- May 10, 1969, Columbus, Ohio:

Devotee: Can haṭha-yoga hinder or help Kṛṣṇa consciousness, or is it...?

Prabhupāda: Hinder. Yes. Because it is useless, simply wasting time. You cannot perform haṭha-yoga in this age. You do not follow the rules and regulations. You are simply bluffed. Do you know what is the rules and regulations of haṭha-yoga factually?

Devotee: Not actually.

Prabhupāda: Yes. You have to select a secluded place. Haṭha-yoga is not practiced in assembly of so many men. Just you go to a haṭha-yoga class. There are hundreds of members practicing, and he is collecting money, five dollars per seat. And you are thinking, "I am practicing." That is useless waste of time and money. Haṭha-yoga is not practiced in that way. You have to practice in a secluded place, alone. Do you do that?

Devotee: Yes. Not... No. I guess I don't.

Prabhupāda: It is very difficult in this age. Then you have to restrain yourself in so many things. Complete free from sex life. You have to eat under certain direction, you have to... So many things there are. These rules are not followed. Simply they have got some bodily gymnastic sitting posture. They are thinking, "I am practicing." No. That is one of the items. So all the items cannot be observed in this age. Therefore it is wasting.

1973 Conversations and Morning Walks

There are many impediments, especially in this age of hypocrisy, to practicing haṭha-yoga, dhyāna-yoga, and jñāna-yoga, but there is no such problem in executing karma-yoga or bhakti-yoga.
Room Conversation with Educationists -- July 11, 1973, London:

Prabhupāda: Today's so-called yoga practice, which involves various sense pleasures, is contradictory. A yogī indulging in sex and intoxication is a mockery. Even those yogīs who are attracted by the siddhis (perfections) in the process of yoga are not perfectly situated. If the yogīs are attracted by the by-products of yoga, then they cannot attain the stage of perfection, as is stated in this verse. Persons, therefore, indulging in the make-show practice of gymnastic feats or siddhis should know that the aim of yoga is lost in that way. The best practice of yoga in this age is Kṛṣṇa consciousness, which is not baffling. A Kṛṣṇa conscious person is so happy in his occupation that he does not aspire after any other happiness. There are many impediments, especially in this age of hypocrisy, to practicing haṭha-yoga, dhyāna-yoga, and jñāna-yoga, but there is no such problem in executing karma-yoga or bhakti-yoga.

1974 Conversations and Morning Walks

They must find out a very sacred place and practice yoga alone, not with group. Group is possible in bhakti-yoga, not this haṭha-yoga.
Morning Walk -- June 14, 1974, Paris:

Prabhupāda: All yoga systems, Patañjali's system. So indriya... Where is indriya-saṁyama? They are gratifying their senses to the fullest extent. And what is their yoga? That is described... You do not read the Sixth Chapter of Bhagavad-gītā. Why don't you explain them that, that "You are yogi... You not yogi. You only making some farce. Where is your yogi? Are you going to a solitary place? Are you practicing alone, sitting on your seat like as they are described, and looking on the point of the nose? Are you doing that? You are not yogi. You are simply a caricature. You are not yogi." Don't accept them as yogis. If one is yogi... That, that, that gentleman, that yogi came there. He appreciated very much.

Yogeśvara: Shraddhananda Giri.

Prabhupāda: Yes. He said that "Swamiji, you are doing the greatest work, that God's name you are distributing." He said like that. And when the record was going on, he was very rapt attention, he was very... So actual yogi means he'll be attracted by bhakti-yoga. And these gymnasticians, what they'll understand about yoga? That is a process to control the mind. Those who are too much bodily concept of life, for them that exercise is required. But that is also not properly done. They must find out a very sacred place and practice yoga alone, not with group. Group is possible in bhakti-yoga, not this haṭha-yoga. That is not possible. The first attempt is condemned. Therefore all the yogis in India, actually those who are practicing yoga, they'll live outside human society. They never live in the city and get students to get them practice. And take thirty-five dollar fee. These are all bogus.

1975 Conversations and Morning Walks

Bhakti-yoga, and this ordinary haṭha-yoga, that is also treatment of the mind. Treatment of mind means controlling the senses.
Room Coversation with Psychiatrist and Indian Boy -- May 12, 1975, Perth:

Prabhupāda: Everyone is riding on the chariot of mind. And the mind is taking him here and there, here... And the yoga practice is also treatment. This is also yoga, bhakti-yoga, and this ordinary haṭha-yoga, that is also treatment of the mind. Treatment of mind means controlling the senses. Yoga indriya-samyamaḥ. Mind is the leader of the senses. So if the treatment of the mind is done properly, then the senses work properly. The example is the madman. Because the madman's mind is not controlled, he is acting in a way—people say, "Here is a madman." So everyone is more or less a madman in this material world, or, in other words, you can say anyone who is in the material world, he is a madman. He requires treatment. Just like anyone who is in the prison house, it is to be accepted that he is a criminal. Without any study, without any exception we can accept all the prisoners as criminals. (break) ...gradually appreciate. Ceto-darpaṇa-mārjanaṁ (CC Antya 20.12). This treatment is in the beginning just cleansing the mirror of the heart. That is the treatment. Just like a mirror, when it is overcast with dust, it requires cleansing. So the mental mirror is covered with material dust. So it has to be cleansed. That is the treatment. And when it is cleansed, you can see your real face in the mirror. Similarly, as soon as our heart disease, contaminated by the modes of material nature, is cleansed, you can understand what is your real position. That is the success of psychiatric treatment. One comes to know, "What I am." Ahaṁ brahmāsmi: "I am spirit soul; I am not this body." That is called brahma-bhūtaḥ stage. Brahma-bhūtaḥ prasannātmā (BG 18.54). He becomes immediately happy. And happiness means na śocati na kāṅkṣati: "He does not lament, neither he desires." Our present disease is we hanker after things which we do not possess, and when that thing is lost, we lament. So hankering and lamenting. So when one is cleansed in the heart, he has no more hankering or desire. This is the symptom. And samaḥ sarveṣu bhūteṣu: "Then he becomes equal to everyone." Everyone means every living being, man and animal, trees, plants, lower or higher. Paṇḍitāḥ sama-darśinaḥ (BG 5.18). Then he enters into the sphere of devotional service. This is the symptom. Then he is perfectly in his original position.

1976 Conversations and Morning Walks

Because one cannot understand, therefore He has explained karma-yoga, jñāna-yoga, dhyāna-yoga, haṭha-yoga, this yoga. And He has explained also the meaning.
Room Conversation with Indian Man -- December 22, 1976, Poona:

Girirāja:

man-manā bhava mad-bhakto
mad-yājī māṁ namaskuru
mām evaiṣyasi satyaṁ te
pratijāne priyo'si me
(BG 18.65)

Prabhupāda: "You simply take this process. Think of Me always." And the next, He says sarva-dharmān parityajya (BG 18.66). No. There are other processes? Give away, kick away. Take this. Mām ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ vraja. This is meanings of the... But because one cannot understand, therefore He has explained karma-yoga, jñāna-yoga, dhyāna-yoga, haṭha-yoga, this yoga. And He has explained also the meaning

yoginām api sarveṣāṁ
mad-gatenāntarātmanā
śraddhāvān bhajate yo māṁ
sa me yuktatamo mataḥ
(BG 6.47)

"He is first class yogi who has taken to Me only, thinking of Me." Yoginām api sarveṣāṁ mad-gatenāntarātmanā. "Always within the heart, who is thinking of Me, first-class yogi." One who does not understand Kṛṣṇa, he may be a yogi, a third-class, fourth-class yogi. Not a first-class.

Correspondence

1966 Correspondence

I have seen that the people in general have great respect for oriental culture and mostly they are attached to the gymnastic process of the Hatha Yoga system. But the system of Bhakti-yoga will be very much appreciable to them if we could open a centre here in New York.
Letter to Mangalaniloy Brahmacari -- New York 16 May, 1966:

The Americans have very great regard for Oriental culture and philosophy and taking advantage of this opportunity many so called oriental men of wisdom have exploited their sentiments simply for the matter of livelihood. Since I have come to this country I have traveled many parts of the country specially in Butler, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Boston, Monroe etc and everywhere I have seen that the people in general have great respect for oriental culture and mostly they are attached to the gymnastic process of the Hatha Yoga system. But the system of Bhakti-yoga will be very much appreciable to them if we could open a centre here in New York.

1968 Correspondence

Hatha yoga received in the Bhagavad-gita is very difficult in this age. Yoga system is approved, but nobody can follow the rules and regulations strictly, neither there is suitable place for executing it, and everyone is always full of anxiety, so how they can concentrate?
Letter to Brahmananda -- Los Angeles 20 November, 1968:

It is very nice that you shall speak on this at the yoga group program. Subala should read carefully that Hatha yoga received in the Bhagavad-gita is very difficult in this age. Yoga system is approved, but nobody can follow the rules and regulations strictly, neither there is suitable place for executing it, and everyone is always full of anxiety, so how they can concentrate? So best thing is to chant Hare Krishna which is forced meditation. In this way make nice speech, and conclude with declaring that the topmost yogi is he who surrenders to Krishna, and worships Krishna with all thoughts, activities, and intelligence.

If they come to know about hatha yoga you can show them in the authoritative scriptures how it cannot be successfully practiced in this present age of kali.
Letter to Satsvarupa -- Los Angeles 29 December, 1968:

In distributing the "perfection in yoga" leaflet, when people come to your temple you may explain to them the principles of yoga as they are described in the Bhagavad-gita. Such instructions by you may be preceded and followed by Krishna kirtana. If they are interested, you may show them how to sit, concentrating the eyesight on the tip of the nose. The concentration should be on Lord Krishna or Lord Visnu, as is explained in Bhagavad-gita As It Is. So if they come to know about hatha yoga you can show them in the authoritative scriptures how it cannot be successfully practiced in this present age of kali.

1969 Correspondence

Except for the Krishna Consciousness Movement, any other attempt for spiritual realization, such as drugs, voidness, impersonalism, bodily exercises of Hatha Yoga, etc.—they are all something like unconsciousness under some super-intoxicant.
Letter to Carl Lange -- Los Angeles 12 July, 1969:

Except for the Krishna Consciousness Movement, any other attempt for spiritual realization, such as drugs, voidness, impersonalism, bodily exercises of Hatha Yoga, etc.—they are all something like unconsciousness under some super-intoxicant. Srila Rupa Goswami has given a very nice example in this connection. He says that a conditioned soul remains in the slumber of unconsciousness just like a patient bitten by a poisonous snake. In India there is a class of snake-charmers and physicians who treat snake-bitten persons with a particular type of jungle herbs. This treatment is to bring the herb near the nostrils of the patient for being smelled, and then the patient comes back to consciousness and finds relief from the snake bite effect. In our conditioned life we are bitten by so many types of Maya snakes, and more and more we are put into unconsciousness of mind without any hope of eternal life. Krishna Consciousness is the only herb for such Maya snake-bite condition. So our duty is very responsible. We have to awaken so many snake-bitten patients under the spell of Maya.

In Bhagavad-gita you will find confirmation of the fact that this Hatha Yoga system is not so easy process as you have been led to believe by various "masters".
Letter to Martin Malles -- Los Angeles 22 July, 1969:

I am very pleased to note that you have been coming to our Krishna Consciousness temple in New York and what you are learning there from the disciples and from our literature is provoking you to think very deeply on the matters of self-realization. Actually, what the devotees there are telling you about the Hatha Yoga system is correct. In Bhagavad-gita you will find confirmation of the fact that this Hatha Yoga system is not so easy process as you have been led to believe by various "masters". To do actual Hatha Yoga one must not live in the city, but he must go to a sacred spot, and completely freed from all attachments and all material desires and disturbances, he must concentrate his mind upon the Lord within his heart. This process is not completed in just six months time, but it extends over many, many lifetimes. So in this age of Kali Yuga it is not possible to faithfully follow the procedures of Hatha Yoga because our minds are too restless and our lives are very brief. Therefore, the Lord has descended upon this earth five hundred years ago as Lord Caitanya to encourage the process among all men of chanting the Holy Names of God, the Hare Krishna Mantra.

1974 Correspondence

I know the people of Tehran they like hatha yoga very much. I understand Parivrajakacarya Swami is teaching a course combining both hatha and bhakti yoga to attract the people. This is a very good idea.
Letter to Atreya Rsi -- Bombay 4 December, 1974:

Anyway I know the people of Tehran they like hatha yoga very much. I understand Parivrajakacarya Swami is teaching a course combining both hatha and bhakti yoga to attract the people. This is a very good idea. Somehow or other inject the bhakti yoga. That will save them from the degradations of sense gratification.

1975 Correspondence

We are not interested in these things like hatha-yoga and swimming. We do not encourage such useless activities.
Letter to Mr. N. N. Bagai -- Bombay 6 January, 1975:

We are not interested in these things like hatha-yoga and swimming. We do not encourage such useless activities. We would never take to such activities for earning money. We get money enough. We don't require to adopt any unauthorized means. At present we spend 8 lakhs of rupees every month and Krishna sends all money. Our process is to chant Hare Krishna. That is sufficient.

We are not very much concerned with the principles of Hatha-yoga. We practice Bhakti-yoga strictly.
Letter to Michael Jon King -- Honolulu 2 February, 1975:

You should understand though that we are not very much concerned with the principles of Hatha-yoga. We practice Bhakti-yoga strictly and since Bhakti includes all other results obtained from practicing other yogas as it is declared in the Bhagavad-gita to be the culmination of all yogas it becomes unnecessary for us to apply any other techniques besides simply chanting and hearing about the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krishna who is called Yogesvara or the master of all yoga. Of course, it is certain that if one sits with straight spine it may be of some help in his ability to concentrate, but it cannot be considered as essential by any means.

In the Bhagavad-gita itself there are different processes of yoga systems, karma yoga, jnana yoga, dhayana yoga, hatha yoga, bhakti yoga and so many patterns of yoga.
Letter to Sri Krishna C. Batra -- Vrindaban 8 December, 1975:

In the Bhagavad-gita itself there are different processes of yoga systems, karma yoga, jnana yoga, dhayana yoga, hatha yoga, bhakti yoga and so many patterns of yoga. Others may practice different patterns of yoga, and we can understand that everyone is trying to pass on the path of yoga, but bhakti yoga is the ultimate goal, and if anyone is actually interested to understand God as he is, he has to come to the platform of bhakti yoga.

It is stated in the Bhagavad-gita that after many many births of practicing yoga, when one is actually mature he surrenders himself at the lotus feet of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.