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What is the role of Yogic philosophy in Eastern Religions and New Religions?

Luca Klauber

Yogic philosophy plays a significant role in both Eastern religions and new religions. The philosophy of Yoga is often associated with Hinduism, but it has impacted many other belief systems in the East, such as Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. Moreover, Yoga has influenced new religious movements that combine Eastern and Western spirituality, such as the New Age movement.

The primary goal of Yogic philosophy is to attain spiritual liberation through the practice of meditation and self-discipline. The practice of Yoga involves physical postures, breath control, and concentration techniques that lead to the awakening of inner awareness. This inner awareness is believed to be the source of all knowledge, wisdom, and happiness. Therefore, by developing this inner awareness, one can achieve spiritual enlightenment and become united with the divine.

In Hinduism, Yoga is considered one of the six schools of orthodox Hindu philosophy. Yoga is described in the Bhagavad Gita, which is a sacred text of Hinduism. According to the Bhagavad Gita, the practice of Yoga leads to the realization of the true Self (Atman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman). Yogic philosophy is also present in other Hindu scriptures such as the Upanishads, the Vedas, and the Brahma Sutras.

In Buddhism, Yogic philosophy has been assimilated into the practice of meditation. The Buddha taught that the practice of mindfulness meditation (Vipassana) leads to the cessation of suffering and the attainment of enlightenment. The principles of Yoga such as breath control (pranayama), concentration (dharana), and meditation (dhyana) have been integrated into Buddhist meditation practices. Thus, the practice of Yoga has become a vital component of Buddhist meditation.

In Jainism, the practice of Yoga is called Samayik. It is a form of meditation that involves sitting still and contemplating on the nature of the soul. Jainism teaches that the soul is pure, infinite, and eternal, and the purpose of life is to achieve liberation from the cycle of birth and death. The practice of Samayik helps Jains to focus on their inner being and attain spiritual awakening.

In Sikhism, Yogic philosophy is integrated into the practice of Naam Simran, which is the repetition of the Name of God. Naam Simran involves repeating the "Waheguru" Mantra and focusing on the divine attributes of God. The practice of Naam Simran helps the Sikh to connect with their inner self and attain spiritual enlightenment.

Yogic philosophy has also influenced new religious movements that are popular in the West, such as the New Age movement. The New Age movement combines Eastern and Western spirituality and emphasizes self-discovery, meditation, and holistic healing. The principles of Yoga such as breath control, concentration, and meditation are integral to the New Age movement.

In conclusion, Yogic philosophy is a universal spiritual practice that has influenced many religions and spiritual movements in the East and the West. The practice of Yoga is aimed at achieving spiritual liberation through the cultivation of inner awareness. Yogic philosophy has impacted numerous aspects of Eastern religions and has inspired the development of new religious movements.