The word Yoga means union. As per scriptures, the purpose pf practising yoga is to achieve union of jeevatma with paramaatma. (practising yoga may bring physical benefits, but that is not the prime purpose. But unfortunately now we only concentrate on that aspect!).
One Guru or saint was teaching his disciples about yoga and explained it as a means to know God. One smart student had a question: Gopikaas never practised yoga or were not following any strict disciplines. But they are considered as the greatest devotees of Lord. Can you explain this?
Guru said: "Dear disciple, Gopikaas could not practice yoga because they had no sense of separation from Krishna or paramaatma. Even when they were physically far from Krishna, their minds were constantly fixed on Him. There was the unbroken flow of loving thoughts towards Him. Only if you feel you are separate, you have to try to unite. Also, until a devotee comes to the stage of total and unconditional surrender to the Lord, he needs guidance and protection of the shaastraas. When you become paramahamsa like Rishabhadevan, Gopikaas,or our Sriraama krishna Paramahamsa ans so many others, then you do not need the protection of shaastraas. Until that stage, we have to follow shaastraas to avoid tragic pitfalls.Do not try to imitate the actions of the realized souls, but follow the instructions carefully explained by them. "
According to Narada Bhakthi soothra, Bhakthi is surrendering oneself completely at the feet of Lord and "experiencing excruciating pain at all moments of forgetfulness of the Lord".(words of Chinmayaananda swamiji).
Thvad paada pankaja aaswaada jeevitham deeyathaam mama -- Lord! give me a life of continuous enjoyment adoring thy lotus feet!
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