પાતંજલ યોગસૂત્ર, શ્રીમદ્ભાગવત તથા વિષ્ણુપુરાણ અન્તર્ગત યોગ-સાધના

Summary

Mahendrakumar A. Dave’s Gujarati article discusses yogasādhana, the disciplined practice that leads to union with the divine. The author explains that yoga derives from the root yuj, meaning “to join,” and in scriptural usage it denotes union with the supreme Self. Ancient sages such as Ṛṣabha, Pulastya, Garga, Vālmīki, Bhr̥gu and Bṛhaspati practised mantra‑yoga and attained extraordinary powers. They later taught these techniques for the welfare of humanity. The article notes that Purāṇas, particularly the Bhāgavata Purāṇa, describe various forms of yoga—including karma, jñāna and bhakti yoga—and extol the path of devotion as especially suited to the Kali Yuga. Citing the Yoga Sūtra of Patañjali, the author defines yoga as “the cessation of the modifications of the mind.” To achieve this, one must withdraw the senses from external objects and turn them inward toward the Self. The article employs the classic chariot metaphor from the Katha Upaniṣad and Bhagavad Gītā: the body is the chariot, the senses are the horses, the mind is the reins, the intellect is the charioteer and the soul is the passenger. If the senses are uncontrolled, the chariot runs amok; if they are guided by discrimination and self‑discipline, the soul reaches its destination—liberation. The author explains that yoga practice involves ethical disciplines (yama and niyama), physical postures (āsana), breath control (prāṇāyāma), withdrawal of the senses (pratyāhāra), concentration (dhāraṇā), meditation (dhyāna) and absorption (samādhi). He emphasises that progress in yoga is gradual and requires perseverance, purity of heart and guidance from a teacher. The article also touches on the role of mantra repetition and devotion to a chosen deity. Ultimately yoga leads to self‑realisation, in which the practitioner recognises the soul as distinct from the body and mind and experiences union with the supreme consciousness. The author encourages readers to practise yoga not merely as physical exercise but as a holistic discipline that harmonises body, mind and spirit and leads to lasting peace and freedom.