Shadow Yoga (Chaya yoga)

Before opening a discussion on Shadow Yoga, it is important to grasp the meaning hidden behind the term yoga itself Yoga is a spiritual system that deals practically with the process of enlightenment. The final goal is to differentiate the soul from everything that is not the soul. The method of yoga teaches the individual to discriminate, or to see the differences between these two things.

This process involves the skillful reduction of fixed patterns within the individual that obstruct or distort perception of reality and so create confusion. If we are constantly mindful of this end goal, to distinguish the soul from everything that is not the soul, we will always be able to choose the correct means for making the next step towards a successful completion of the yogic journey.

In the third verse of the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Svatmarama Yogendra states, “For those who are deluded by the multiplicity of views and are ignorant of Raja Yoga, Svatmarama compassionately puts forth the lesson of Hatha Pradipika.” Reflection on the hidden meaning of this verse reveals that what is being offered here is a form of skillful means. This consists of the necessary equipment, instructions for its use and a description of what is to be attained from that use. Hatha yoga is the equipment; avadhutayoga (asceticism) is the skillful use of the equipment, while raja yoga is the fruit obtained from that use. These three together constitute maha yoga. Unless these three are viewed as parts of one whole they lose their meaning.