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Hinduism is considered to be one of the world’s oldest and largest religions. An important teaching of Hinduism is the belief in soul. In the literal sense, yoga means ‘to unite’. Yoga can be seen as a way of uniting body with soul. If these statements are to be believed, yoga can be considered as a theme that is essential to Hinduism.
Yoga helps in calming the mind, soul and body. Even the Hindu Vedas (religious texts) talk about yoga and its importance in the life of a person. The holy book of Bhagvad Gita has given a lot of importance of yoga as lord Krishna teach Arjun importance of a number of things that are essential in winning any battle in the battlefield. Devotion, duty, meditation and self-control are the pillars of an individual’s successful life. These pillars can be built based on the teachings and practices of yoga. It is believed that practices involving yoga are essential to becoming self aware and controlling the thoughts that keep on floating inside the head.
A person who practices yoga has the ability to transform negative thoughts into positive. Positive thoughts imply positive actions, which leads to good deeds or karma. This karma is the basic foundation of Hinduism. Yoga is not only limited to these advantages but there are different schools of yoga. Yoga of Action (or Karma Yoga) is for the ones who want to develop a strong will power. Yoga of Knowledge (or Jnana Yoga) is practiced by those who have keen minds and want t walk the path of knowledge. Yoga of Devotion (or Bhakti Yoga) is for the ones who feel connected to God and want to control their strong emotional nature. Yoga of Physical mastery (or Hatha Yoga) is for attaining self discipline. Yoga of Meditation (or Kundalini Yoga) is to have self awareness. Yoga of Mind and Body (or Raja yoga) is for the ones who wish to establish a strong connection between mind and body i.e. physical and mental control.
Just like Hinduism, yoga teaches to overcome the obstacles of ignorance, desire, fear, confusion, egoism and aversion. Love, generosity and courage is what Hinduism teaches more than anything else. Yoga is no different. Yoga is not an alternative to Hinduism but is the very essence of Hinduism.