Yoga ≠ Mindfulness

It is strange that when yoga practitioners want to get into meditation, they turn to Buddhism. Why not yogic meditation? After all, the classical definition of yoga IS concentration/meditation or samadhi, but today we mostly only know about yoga postures and breathing practices. It seems that yoga has become disconnected from its roots.

yogaś citta-vṛtti-nirodhaḥ

Controlling the mind, concentrating, is challenging. Perhaps it is easier to watch your thoughts mindfully than trying to control them.

What is the difference between Yoga and Buddhism and why is yogic meditation different from that of Buddhism?

The most significant difference between the two systems of thought is that Buddhism says - there is no soul, there is only mind, which is actually empty - the thoughts that come and go are just like clouds in the sky - beyond them is nothing. You are nothing!

The yogic view is that there is a real, inner blissful, conscious soul, which can be reached through meditation. Thoughts are also regarded as being temporary condensations of delusion that come and go and are hence not absolutely real, but beneath these thoughts resides a true, immortal, blissful, eternal, changeless spirit. This is your real nature!

Although yogic meditation seems at the outset so much more challenging, the fruits thereof are full of positive and rich reward, whereas the Buddhist conclusion leads you to realize that you are nothing!

However, although these two teachings look different, they must both lead to the same goal. The way the two paths are framed are effective means or methods for realisation. But the truth of realisation is one. There is only one truth, otherwise it could not be called truth. But this ultimate truth cannot be expressed in words - that is why the two paths look different.

Although the yogic method looks challenging, this is because knowledge about the yogic practices is lacking. The process starts with pranayama and continues through pratyahara, dharana, dhyana to samadhi. If you follow the process, the method is clear and effective. You just need some enlightened guidance!

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