The Hare Krishna Movement

Today most people have heard of yoga and meditation, but I remember when I first took up yoga back in 1972, it was not so widely known. I was first introduced to it from the book “Be Here Now”. It was a very simplistic book, but it was full of ideas, quotes and images, that opened my mind to a world of spiritual thought. It introduced me to yoga, meditation, the concept of vegetarianism, spirituality, and the need of a Guru or Spiritual Master. I began to take seriously ideas that were introduced, such as self realization, living a more pure life, developing our relationship with God, finding out who is God, and finding my spiritual master (guru). So for me, the book was the beginning of my journey, as it was for many, so indeed it was a huge success, it that regard.

Maybe I was sincere, or maybe just lucky, but I soon found my eternal Spiritual Master, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, and he answered all my questions. He told me who is God (Krsna), what my relationship with him is (sanatan-dharma), the process for self realization (bhakti-yoga), and how to get out of this temporary material world and return home back to Godhead.

When I first began my practice of Yoga, it was purely as a spiritual Practice. Nowadays, people will take it up for many different reasons, such as weight loss, fitness, relaxation, or social acceptance and community. But I still see it as a spiritual practice. The daily asanas, which are good for my ageing body, are an offering, and the breathing is a mindful prayer.

The word Yoga means “Union”. To link our consciousness with a Higher Consciousness.

Yoga means “linking” with the Supreme. The Bhagavad-gītā describes several systems—karma-yoga (work), jñāna-yoga (knowledge), dhyāna-yoga (meditation), and aṣṭāṅga-yoga (eightfold path)—but ultimately declares bhakti-yoga, devotional service, to be the highest.

“Of all yogīs, he who always abides in Me with great faith, worshiping Me in transcendental loving service, is most intimately united with Me in yoga, and is the highest of all.” (Bg. 6.47) So one who thinks of the Supreme Lord always is the greatest yogi, the supermost jnani, and the greatest devotee at the same time.