Swami Vivekananda - Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda

30. Meditation is the removal of attachment.

31. It is perfected by the suppression of the modifications.

32. By Dhâranâ, posture, and performance of one’s duties, it is perfected.

33. Restraint of the Prâna is by means of expulsion and retention.

34. Posture is that which is steady and easy.

36. Also by non-attachment and practice, meditation is perfected.

74. By reflection on the principles of nature, and by giving them up as “not It, not It” discrimination is perfected.

Book IV

3. Instruction is to be repeated.

5. As the hawk becomes unhappy if the food is taken away from him and happy if he gives it up himself (so he who gives up everything voluntarily is happy).

6. As the snake is happy in giving up his old skin.

8. That which is not a means of liberation is not to be thought of; it becomes a cause of bondage, as in the case of Bharata.

9. From the association of many things there is obstruction to meditation, through passion, aversion, etc., like the shell bracelets on the virgin’s hand.

10. It is the same even in the case of two.

11. The renouncers of hope are happy, like the girl Pingalâ.

13. Although devotion is to be given to many institutes and teachers, the essence is to be taken from them all as the bee takes the essence from many flowers.

14. One whose mind has become concentrated like the arrowmaker’s does not get his meditation disturbed.

15. Through transgression of the original rules there is non-attainment of the goal, as in other worldly things.

19. By continence, reverence, and devotion to Guru, success comes after a long time (as in the case of Indra).

20. There is no law as to time, as in the case of Vâmadeva.

24. Or through association with one who has attained perfection.

27. Not by enjoyments is desire appeased even with sages (who have practiced Yoga for long).

Book V

128. The Siddhis attained by Yoga are not to be denied like recovery through medicines etc.

Book VI

24. Any posture which is easy and steady is an Âsana; there is no other rule.

Vyâsa-Sutras

Chapter IV, Section I

7. Worship is possible in a sitting posture.

8. Because of meditation.

9. Because the meditating (person) is compared to the immovable earth.

10. Also because the Smritis say so.

11. There is no law of place; wherever the mind is concentrated, there worship should be performed.

These several extracts give an idea of what other systems of Indian Philosophy have to say upon Yoga.

Soul, God And Religion

The Hindu Religion

What Is Religion?

Vedic Religious Ideals

The Vedanta Philosophy

Reason And Religion

Vedanta As A Factor In Civilisation

The Spirit And Influence Of Vedanta