Creation and Criticism

Maharshi Patanjali says yog refers to suspension of all propensities of the human mind. But this state cannot be termed as the state of yog. For example, when a person becomes senseless, the propensities are also suspended. Propensities such as anger, greed and delusion do not function in that state.

'Yog' in the spiritual sense of the term is not as simple as that. So, what is the analysis of yog in the Rajyog system? This means that yog is a state where thoughts cease and the mind is free from all kinds of worries, thoughts and thought waves. But this is not the real yog because yog, in a spiritual sense, is not possible when the mind is emptied of all its thoughts.

Other forms of yog are not really yog. Yog means neither addition nor unity. Yog means unification. If salt and sugar are mixed, this is not yog because the grains of salt and sugar are still there in the pot. Although they are mixed, somehow they still retain their separate identities. But yog is not like this.

When sugar is mixed with water, it makes a sweet drink. Yog is like that. This is real yog. When two things are added together, they become one. The sugar has no separate existence in the sweet drink. In English, this state is called unification, unity, and not addition. So, here yog means oneness with God. Spiritual aspirant can achieve their goal through yog practise.

About the Author:

Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar (21 May 1921 – 21 October 1990), Shri Shri Ánandamúrti, ‘Bliss Embodiment’, and known as Bábá (‘Father’) to his disciples, was a Spiritual Guru, Indian philosopher, yogi, author, poet, composer, linguist and scientist. Sarkar was the founder of Ananda Marga (the Path of Bliss) in 1955, a spiritual and social organization that offers instruction in meditation and yoga. Gyani Zail Singh, seventh President of India, has said about Sarkar: "Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar was one of the greatest modern philosophers of India."