Rooted in ancient Indian philosophy, yoga offers a path to inner peace and self-realization.
While the physical postures (asanas), meditation, and breath control (pranayama) are well-known aspects of yoga, many don’t know that the practice of yoga extends far beyond the mat.
Yoga encompasses a rich variety of teachings and scriptures that are designed to guide you on a journey toward self-discovery.
In this article, we will explore 3 essential yoga scriptures that provide profound wisdom and insights for those seeking to deepen their yoga practice and spiritual understanding.
Learn more about yogic scriptures to meditate on:
- Using yogic scriptures to meditate on
- Benefits of using scriptures to meditate on
- Upanishads: The Bhagavad Gita
- Yoga Sutras of Patanjali: The 8 Limbs of Yoga
- Scriptures to meditate on by B.K.S. Iyengar
Let’s dive into these scriptures:
Using Yogic Scriptures to meditate on
Using yogic scriptures as a foundation for your meditation can profoundly enhance your practice, fostering a deeper connection with the teachings and insights of yoga.
Here are some tips for using scriptures in your meditation practice:
1. Select a Meaningful Passage
Choose a verse or passage from a yogic scripture that resonates with you. Whether it’s a mantra from the Upanishads, a sutra from Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, or a quote from a teacher, select something that speaks to your spiritual interests and intentions.
2. Create a Sacred Space
When wanting to use scriptures to meditate on, find a quiet, serene space where you won’t be disturbed.
Set up a comfortable cushion or chair and ceate a cozy spot. Maybe you choose to light a candle or burn some incense to help create a sacred and inviting atmosphere.
3. Read and Reflect
Begin by reading the chosen scripture aloud or silently. Allow the words to penetrate your consciousness. Reflect on their meaning and relevance to your life and practice, knowing that the scripture’s meaning will evolve as you do in your life.
4. Contemplative Meditation
Once you become a bit more clear about what the message of the scripture is saying to you, soften your gaze or close your eyes and focus on the scripture’s message. Let yourself breathe in the moment. Let the words and concepts sink in, and contemplate how they apply to your journey. Let yourself come back to the scripture every time your mind drifts away.
5. Mantra Meditation
If your chosen scripture includes a mantra or sacred sound, introducing it into your meditation can help you focus. Repeat it rhythmically as you meditate; it can help deepen your concentration and draw you into a meditative state.
6. Breath Awareness
Use the scripture as a focal point during your breath awareness meditation. Inhale and exhale while keeping the scripture in mind, allowing it to guide your thoughts and intentions.
7. Silent Meditation
After reflecting on the scriptures to meditate on, let go of the words and enter into silent meditation for a while. Allow the teachings of the scripture to influence your inner state, leading you toward a profound sense of peace, calm, and presence.
8. Integration
After your meditation session, take a moment to just relax, or journal your thoughts and experiences.
Consider how the scripture’s teachings can be applied to your daily life and yoga practice.
Benefits of using scriptures to meditate on
Using scriptures as a focal point for meditation offers a wide range of benefits that can enhance your life:
- Meditating on scriptures allows you to connect more deeply with your spiritual path and inner wisdom.
- Provides guidance and inspiration for leading a purposeful and meaningful life. It can help you clarify your values and intentions.
- It can calm the mind and reduce mental chatter, leading to a sense of inner peace and tranquility.
- Meditating on specific verses or passages sharpens your concentration and attention. This can carry over into other aspects of your life, improving your focus and productivity.
- Many scriptures contain ethical and moral teachings. Meditating on these teachings can help you cultivate compassion, kindness, and integrity.
- It can reduce stress and anxiety, promoting emotional and mental clarity.
- Encourages introspection and self-examination. Meditating on them can facilitate self-awareness and personal growth.
- Meditating on scriptures shared by a particular religious or spiritual community can foster a sense of belonging and connectedness.
- It allows you to delve deeper into their meanings over time. You may discover new layers of understanding and insight each time yo read it.
- They can serve as a source of inspiration and motivation for your spiritual and yogic practices, helping you stay committed.
- For some, it can lead to moments of transcendence, where the boundaries of the self dissolve, and a sense of oneness with the universe is experienced.
- Scripture-based meditation can strengthen the mind-body connection.
Upanishads: The Bhagavad Gita
The Bhagavad Gita, often referred to simply as the Gita, is a 700-verse Hindu scripture that is part of the Indian epic Mahabharata. It is a conversation between Prince Arjuna and the god Krishna, who serves as his chariot driver.
One of the key teachings from the Bhagavad Gita is the concept of “Karma Yoga.” It teaches that you should learn to act without attachment to the results of your actions.By dedicating all actions to a higher purpose and letting go of personal desires, one can attain spiritual growth and liberation.
One of the profound verses from the Bhagavad Gita is from Chapter 2, Verse 47:
“Karmanyevadhikaraste ma phaleshu kadachana
Ma karma-phala-hetur bhur ma te sango ‘stvakarmani”
“You have the right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions. Never consider yourself to be the cause of the results of your activities, and never be attached to not doing your duty.”
This verse encapsulates the essence of selfless action and detachment from outcomes and it encourages you to focus on your responsibilities without being attached to the results, fostering a sense of inner peace and freedom from the anxiety of success or failure.
Meditating on this verse can help you cultivate a balanced and mindful approach to your actions in daily life.
Yoga Sutras of Patanjali: The 8 Limbs of Yoga
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali is a foundational text that provides an all-encompassing framework for the practice of yoga.
Patanjali outlines the Eight Limbs of Yoga, which serve as a roadmap for achieving spiritual realization.
The second limb, Niyama, focuses on personal observances and self-discipline.
One of the Niyamas is “Svadhyaya,” which translates to self-study or self-reflection.
Svadhyaya encourages practitioners to explore their inner world through study and contemplation. It involves reading sacred texts, engaging in introspection, and gaining a deeper understanding of oneself.
By doing so, you can shed light on your thought patterns, behaviors, and beliefs, leading to personal growth and self-realization.
Another scripture from the Yoga Sutras is Dhyana, the seventh limb. It represents the practice of meditation, a powerful tool for calming the mind, gaining insight, and experiencing a deeper connection with the self and the universe.
A well-known verse from the Yoga Sutras that pertains to Dhyana is “Yogash chitta vritti nirodha,” which translates to “Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind.” This verse highlights the central goal of yoga: to still the constant chatter and restlessness of the mind.
By applying the principles explained in these scriptures, you can achieve a state of inner peace and heightened awareness, allowing you to tap into deeper layers of your being.
If you want to delve deep into the Yamas and Niyamas and use them as scriptures to meditate on, we highly recommend this book by Deborah Adele.
Scriptures to meditate on by B.K.S. Iyengar
B.K.S. Iyengar, one of the most influential yoga teachers of the 20th century, emphasized precision, alignment, and the use of props to assist in the practice of asanas.
One of Iyengar’s famous quotes is, “Yoga is a light that once lit will never dim. The better your practice, the brighter your flame.” This quote remarks the idea that yoga is a lifelong journey of self-improvement and self-discovery.
Iyengar’s emphasis on discipline, patience, and continuous practice serves as a reminder that progress in yoga comes gradually and requires unwavering dedication.
To Conclude
Incorporating scriptures into your meditation practice can be a powerful and enriching experience, regardless of your spiritual or religious background.
There are many scriptures within each one of these texts that you can use to meditate or reflect on.
It allows you to tap into timeless wisdom, find answers to life’s questions, and cultivate a deeper sense of purpose and inner peace on your journey toward self-discovery and self-realization.
In addition, and if you’re a yoga teacher, you can also utilize these scriptures to theme your yoga classes and enhance your students’ experience.
Incorporating yogic scriptures into your meditation practice can infuse your journey with wisdom, inspiration, and a deeper connection to the rich variety of tools and resources of yoga philosophy.
To gain some more inspiration for your meditations based on scripture, read this next.
