Highest Yoga: Always remember God

We have forgotten our loving relationship with the Original source, God. Yoga is a process by which God is "added" to our lives and thus re-establishing our relationship with Krishna

The Founder Acharya of the Hare Krishna Movement explains the word Yoga as “connecting or linking with the original source of everything, Lord Sri Krishna.” Yoga is the Sanskrit word meaning “connection”, and viyoga means “disconnection”. (Teachings of Lord Kapila). Currently, we have forgotten our loving relationship with the Original source, God. Yoga is a process by which God is “added” to our lives and thus re-establishing our relationship with Krishna.

Different kinds of Yoga

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Karma Yoga: Some people are inclined to work diligently & meticulously and produce wonderful results for themselves as per their inclination and expertise. Doing their duties sincerely, these people work hard and enjoy the fruit of their hard labour. These people are known as Karmies. But when these hardworking people try to develop their devotion and attachment to the Almighty Lord by their work & result, they are practising Karma Yoga. The Bhagavad Gita recommends that one chant the Lord’s Holy Names while working in their day-to-day busy life and offer a portion of his results or fruits of his labour for Krishna’s cause and pleasure. Generally, these people are highly charitable and donate for temple construction, Prasada Annadana, Go Seva, Vaishnava Bhojan Seva, etc. By parting a portion of his results or profits to Krishna, one becomes purified and develops attachment to Krishna gradually. This is Karma Yoga.

Jnana Yoga: Some people are interested in understanding this world through logic and reasoning and through science. They are searching after the Truth and they are interested in understanding the ultimate source of everything. These people are rational, intelligent and interested in truth alone. They try for perfection of their theories and understanding strenuously. These people are known as Jnanis. Generally, jnanis approach an impersonal understanding of the ultimate source. But when they realise that the ultimate source is a personality, a Supreme Personality, then they start developing fascination for that original person who is the original scientist, creator and source of everything. As they develop attachment to Krishna by their Jnanic endeavours, they are known as Jnana Yogis. BG confirms that “bahunam Janmanam ante Jnanavan mam prapadyate” (B.G. 7.19) — “After many lifetimes a Jnani becomes surrendered to Krishna”. So, a real jnana yogi is Krishna’s surrendered soul.

Astanga Yoga: Many people are Yoga Asana and Pranayama enthusiasts. They practice asanas and pranayama daily. This keeps them fit physically too. If these Yoga asana enthusiasts chant Krishna’s Holy Names while doing their Asanas and pranayama and use their health and peaceful mind to focus on Krishna, then they become true Yogis! Krishna confirms this in Gita (6.47), “yoginam api sarvesam mad-gatenantar-atmana” — “And of all yogīs, the one with great faith who always abides in Me, thinks of Me within himself and renders transcendental loving service to Me – he is the most intimately united with Me in yoga and is the highest of all.” The idea is whatever may be one’s inclination & expertise or interest, one should use all such abilities and inclinations to build one’s eternal life. By keeping one’s body fit and healthy alone, one can not become immortal. One plane crash can shatter all our dreams!

Bhagavad-Gita behooves us to work for eternal life since we are spirit souls by nature and we do not die even if the body dies! We always seek eternity and permanent pleasures in life. Such dreams can be fulfilled in connection with the Supreme Eternal Lord Sri Krishna by simply chanting the holy names of lord: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare.
While doing our duties, yoga asanas, walking, cooking, or any other activity, one should always remember Krishna and the above mantra is the easiest to practise this highest Yoga of always remembering Krishna. Hare Krishna!

-Satya Gaura Chandra Dasa Prabhu ji,
President, Hare Krishna Movement, Hyderabad