TV Channel

You have heard the definition of yoga many times. Yoga means balance. The entire universe is balanced by one principle, and that is yoga. It is the uniting principle between space and consciousness, like cement between two bricks. When there is no balance, one side suffers. This concept is reflected in language. In German, and perhaps in yours or in English, when two oxen pull a chariot, they are bound by a piece of wood placed on their necks. That is called a yoke, and it means balance. If one ox runs too quickly, the other suffers. The yoke balances them both. The word "yoke" comes from "yoga." Thus, yoga means the balancing principle. All visible and invisible elements in the entire universe exist in perfect balance. This applies not only to humans but to all planets, stars, elements, and our own planet. Where there is balance, there is no suffering. From balance, harmony is produced. Without balance, there is no harmony. For humans, this balance means shared understanding. For people, it means an end to misunderstanding. It is the same opinion. When there is the same opinion, there is no fighting; there is harmony. When the intellect intervenes, the balance suffers, for intellect is one-sided. Therefore, as one philosopher said, tons of theory are nothing compared to a gram of practice. Harmony comes through practice. Harmony is created through practice, understanding, and balance. When there is harmony, there is unity. Then there are no different opinions and no fighting. Where there is harmony, there are no different opinions and no wars. Where there is unity, there is unity. There is no more war and no different opinions. Therefore, literally, yoga means union. Where there is unity, there is power. Where there is duality, there is no power. Consider the United Nations, the UN. What does it mean? It is a union of all nations, and that union has power. The word "union" comes from yoga. The word "unity" is yoga. Likewise, yoga means balance first of all—balancing the entire universe. Secondly, it means harmony—harmony in the entire universe. And thirdly, union—the unity of the entire universe. This same principle is needed for this "tree"—our being. Therefore, our body, mind, emotion, and intellect should all be perfectly balanced, harmonized, and united, meaning they function properly together. According to this definition, yoga is not the subject of a particular realism. Yoga is in every atom. It is like God consciousness, but it is more than that, because yoga is a uniting power. Only Viśva Yoga is Nāgārjuna's spire.