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The Yoga of Synthesis is suitable for the vast majority
of persons. It is a unique Yoga. Man is a strange complex mixture of will,
feeling and thought. He is a triune being. He is like a tricycle or a
three-wheeled chariot. He wills to possess the objects of his desires.
He has emotion; and so he feels. He has reason and so he thinks and ratiocinates.
In some the emotional element may preponderate, while in some others the
rational element may dominate. Just as will, feelings and thought are
not distinct and separate, so also, work, devotion and knowledge are not
exclusive of one another. He must, therefore develop his heart, intellect
and hand. Then alone can he attain perfection.
Many aspirants have lop-sided development. They do not
possess an integral development, as they neglect one or the other of these
aspects of their personality.
One-sided development is not commendable. Religion and Yoga must educate
and develop the whole man - his heart, intellect and hand. Then only he
will have integral development.
In the mind there are three defects, viz., Mala or impurity, Vikshepa
or tossing, and Avarana or veil. The impurities of the mind should be
removed by the practice of Karma Yoga, by selfless service. The tossing
should be removed by worship or Upasana, by Japa and devotion. The veil
should be torn down by the practice of Jnana Yoga, i.e., by study of Vedantic
literature, enquiry, self-analysis, service to the Guru, and deep meditation.
Only then Self-realisation is possible.
If you want to see your face clearly in a mirror, you must remove the
dirt in the mirror, keep it steady, and remove the covering also. You
can see your face clearly in the bottom of a lake only if the turbidity
is removed, if the water that is agitated by the wind is rendered still,
and if the moss that is lying on the surface is removed. Even so is the
case with Self-realisation.
Action, emotion and intelligence are the three horses that are linked
to this body-chariot. They should work in perfect harmony or unison. Then
only the chariot will run smoothly. There must be integral development.
You must have the head of Sankara, the heart of Buddha, and the hand of
Janaka.
The Yoga of Synthesis alone will develop the head, heart and hand, and
lead one to perfection. To become harmoniously balanced in all directions
is the ideal of religion and of Yoga. This can be achieved by the practice
of the Yoga of Synthesis.
To behold the one Self in all beings is Jnana, wisdom; to love the Self
is Bhakti, devotion; to serve the Self is Karma, action. When the Jnana
Yogi attains wisdom, he is endowed with devotion and selfless activity.
Karma Yoga is for him a spontaneous expression of his spiritual nature,
as he sees the one Self in all. When the devotee attains perfection in
devotion, he is possessed of wisdom and activity. For him also, Karma
Yoga is a spontaneous expression of his divine nature, as he beholds the
one Lord everywhere. The Karma Yogi attains wisdom and devotion when his
actions are wholly selfless. The three paths are, in fact, one in which
the three different temperaments emphasize one or the other of its inseparable
constituents. Yoga supplies the method by which the Self can be seen,
loved and served.
Hence everyone should have one Yoga as the basic Yoga and combine other
Yogas. You can combine Nishkama Karma Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Raja Yoga, Bhakti
Yoga, Sankirtan Yoga, etc., with Jnana Yoga as the basis. This is my Yoga
of Synthesis, which will ensure rapid spiritual progress.
A little practice of Hatha Yoga (Asanas and Pranayamas) will give you
good health. Raja Yoga will steady your mind. Upasana and Karma Yoga will
purify your heart and prepare you for the practice of Vedanta. Sankirtan
will relax your mind and inspire you. Meditation will take you to liberation.
Such a Yogi has all-round development. The Yoga of Synthesis will help
you to attain God-realisation quickly Upanishads, Gita and all other scriptures
speak of this Yoga. Therefore, O Mokshapriya, practice this unique Yoga
of Synthesis and attain Self-realisation quickly.
Here is my little song of the Yoga of Synthesis, for your daily practice:
Eat a little, drink a little
Talk a little, sleep a little
Mix a little, move a little
Serve a little, rest a little
Work a little, relax a little
Study a little, worship a little
Do Asana a little, Pranayama a little
Reflect a little, meditate a little
Do Japa a little, do Kirtan a little
Write Mantra a little, have Satsang a little
Serve, Love, Give, Purify, Meditate, Realise
Be good, Do good; Be kind, Be compassionate
Enquire 'Who am I?' Know the Self and be Free
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