What are the broad principles of yoga?

Ans : Truthfulness, compassion, purity-these are the broad things which have to cover our entire life down to the most minute details. A sadhak cannot afford to forget this detailed living of divine life, and his whole life, especially in the beginning, should be characterised by restraint. He should restrain his tongue-he cannot just eat anything, in any amount, at anytime he likes. The quality of food that you take, its quantity, and the time you take food-all are important. You should sleep only a little, you must talk only a little, and you should move only a little, meaning, don't waste your energy. So, all gross things that merely pertain to the body should be kept to the minimum, and all the higher aspects of sadhana should be given proper place in your daily routine. Gurudev said, "Do japa a little, do asan a little, do kirtan a little." That doesn't mean that they should not be done too much, but that everyone of these items is essential, and all must find a place in your daily life.

Therefore, remember these: non-cooperate with the mind; do not fulfil desires when they arise; nip the thoughts in the bud; have daily introspection and self-analysis; do not justify what you discover in the mind and give a reason for it. Again, lead a life of self-restraint, and back the whole thing up with positive sadhana like meditation, japa, asana and pranayama. Ultimately, I conclude by recalling for you the two great instructions given by Sri Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita-vairagya (discrimination) and abhyasa (practice). Develop vairagya towards all sorts of worldly pleasures, and follow faithfully the practices mentioned earlier; you will be able to progress on the path of yoga and Vedanta, on the path of divine living.