ATMA YOGA - Why it works:

Efficacy is evidence (the proof is in the pudding)

The Atma Yoga system and its related programs (Hatha and Kundalini Yoga, Soul Mate Yoga, Advanced Leadership Yoga, etc.) are effective because they are based on the most complete understanding of human psychology: that we are simultaneously one with and yet different from God.

Founded on the complete knowledge of who we are, Atma Yoga addresses the individual in an integrated way. By providing dynamic practices that teach the individual to look for problems rather than wait for them, Atma Yoga is aggressive in removing obstacles to personal growth and assertive in healing and reestablishing healthy self-esteem. By directly addressing issues of humility and one's absolute identity, Atma Yoga is a powerful route to deep confidence.

While Atma Yoga builds its case philosophically, its strength lies in the persistent application of its practices. It is not necessary to rely on beliefs or "self-talk" - sincere practice will bring about changes in your state of mind and in your sense of being. Atma Yoga works from big to small, from gross to subtle. Change your behavior and your consciousness will change.

The connection to Bhakti Yoga

According to Yoga science (as described in the Vedic texts) Bhakti is the most powerful yoga system because it is the only yoga that dissolves the false ego 100 percent and reveals one's true identity. Bhakti Yoga consists of nine practices: hearing Divine sound vibrations, repeating Divine sound vibrations, remembering the name, form, qualities, and activities of God, rendering practical service to God and highly evolved personalities, worshiping the Deity form of God, prayer, always considering oneself a servant of God, becoming the friend of God, surrendering oneself utterly to God. A person who follows one or more of these practices according to the Vedic standards is on the path of Bhakti Yoga.

Atma Yoga - a more Vedic system

Taken as a whole or individually, these processes constitute full-time spiritual activism, also known as devotional service. Atma Yoga is designed to raise the student to the platform of Bhakti, ecstatic devotional service to God. Hatha yoga, by contrast, is designed to raise the student to the platform of Raja Yoga. But the Vedas teach that Bhakti Yoga is superior to Raja yoga. Moreover, Bhakti Yoga is more accessible than the other yogas, including Raja yoga. Therefore Bhakti yoga is recommended over Raja Yoga and all others. From this perspective Atma Yoga is the system of Hatha Yoga that most closely adheres to Vedic teaching. This results in Atma Yoga's increased capacity over other physical yoga's to bring about changes within the individual

Purpose is paradigmatic (The tree is known by its fruits) -

It is the final goal of a spiritual path that imbues the process with its power and efficacy. For example, the goal of Raja Yoga is unvarying union with the Divine. This imbues the process with a certain uniformity and homogeneity. The goal of Bhakti Yoga is endlessly varied and spontaneous expressions of love toward the Divine. This goal, of course, colors the process in a very different way. Consequently, Bhakti provides the fullest possible spectrum of transcendental experience, namely eternal existence, complete knowledge, and unending bliss.


Spontaneous divine love is the goal

Atma Yoga is Hatha Yoga and Sankhya Yoga infused with the spirit of Bhakti (pure love of God.) In other words, it is a combination of Bhakti (devotional service) and mystic realizations received in a disciplic succession that can be traced back to Lord Brahma, the first student of the Vedas.) Bhakti (the re-establishing of our true identity through pure love for God) is a state of being beyond even the spiritual goals of liberation. Although Atma Yoga is not the same as Bhakti Yoga, Bhakti is the ultimate goal of Atma Yoga.

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