Yoga and Dharma - A Sacred Connect

Of paths and grounds

- Shri Suren Rao

It has been more than fifteen years that I have been into practicing and teaching Yoga, but at no stage did I realize that there is another meaning and purpose of Yoga besides the traditional connotation of “Yog” - the union of body and soul. I stumbled upon it accidentally a few months ago and would like to share it, having mulled over it enough.

Taittiriya Upanishad

The Taittriya Upanishad is one of the oldest and most important Upanishads. It is structured into three sections (Vallis): Shiksha Valli (discipline of teaching), Brahmananda Valli (bliss of Brahman), and Bhrgu Valli (meditation on the Supreme). Its crux lies in the exploration of the layers of the self, the source of true happiness, and the importance of Dharma, with the body (Shariram) as its foundation. The connect between Yoga, Dharma and the body is contained in the following wonderful pronouncement contained in this Upanishad:-

शरीरमाद्यं खलु धर्मसाधनम - Shariram Aadyam Khalu Dharma Sadhanam”

The body is the primary instrument for fulfilling Dharma.

Incidentally, this is also the motto of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), the premiere medical institute in New Delhi.

What is Dharma?