WATCH MY SPIRIT GUIDE ALAN WATTS' PHILOSOPHIES OF ASIA: INTELLECTUAL YOGA (EXCERPT)

March 19, 2026

WATCH MY SPIRIT GUIDE ALAN WATTS' PHILOSOPHIES OF ASIA: INTELLECTUAL YOGA (EXCERPT)

Aligning with the view of Alan Watts, Sadhguru, notes: "In the western world, if you utter the word 'Yoga,' people think you must twist yourself out like rubber bands or stand on your head. Yoga is not an exercise form. The word 'Yoga' means union. Modern science has proved that the whole existence is just one energy. So if all this is one energy, why is it that you are not experiencing it that way? If you can break the limitations of the illusion that you are separate & begin to experience the oneness of the existence, that is Yoga" [1]

In the YouTube recording at the end of this blog, Alan philosophizes on the way that many of us are controlled by the boundaries and mental fences that we have created within our own lives. - And that we define ourselves with this inner belief. - We are not mindful that just like yin and yang, the inside does not work in isolation without the outside. - So in a nutshell, we cannot have a sense of the self and our own individual identity, without being attached to the opposite end of the spectrum. - That is to say, the other. - The external world, which is not part of our inner core and our higher selves. Alan also examines beneficial ways to synchronize this two opposing forces, by practicing different forms of yoga. These include:

HATHA YOGA

The term hatha - 'ha' meaning sun, and 'ta' meaning moon, describes the type of yoga that brings balance between the sun and the moon within us. In essence, this form of yoga prepares "the body for a higher possibility. Just by observing the way somebody is sitting, you almost know what is happening with them. If you are angry, you will sit one way; if you are happy, you sit another way; if you are depressed, you sit yet another way" [1]. To that end, whenever we are experiencing a mental and emotional situation, or a different level of consciousness, our body instinctively takes on defined postures. For example, we might cross our arms in a tense manner, or tighten the muscles in our neck and shoulders. "The converse of this is the science of asanas. If we consciously get our body into different postures, we can also elevate our consciousness" [1]. Therefore, in many schools of thought, the mechanics of hatha yoga are simply the positions of the body [1].

JNANA YOGA

In Sanskrit, the word Jnana, denotes wisdom, with a strong accent on self-knowledge. In this practice, "the mind, through study and knowledge: investigates its own true nature as it transcends the mind through thoughts and ego. The goal is to attain liberation from illusions, which is known as maya (limiting thoughts and perceptions), and thus achieve a union of the inner self (atman) with the oneness of all in the universe (Brahman)" [2]. This can be achieved through meditation, reflection, self-questioning and self-study. And as we begin to see the illusory essence of not thinking outside the box (maya), we are able to resonate with the oneness within everything [2].

KARMA YOGA

In Sanskrit, the word karma, originates from the verb 'kri,' which means 'to act.' To that end, "karma can refer to all the actions a person makes, both with their body and in their mind. [3]. "In yoga, karma is known as the path of action, or selfless service towards others. It is considered to be one of the most practical and effective means of spiritual development" [4]. - A cause and effect whereby what we do, creates our individual karma [3]. So in this vein, we practice karma yoga in order to "diminish the ego and help to dissolve any sense of separation between self and other" [4]. We learn to radiate our awareness, and intensify our perception about how all our actions, including the most mundane, have an impact. - This way, we can find harmony and balance, and be more mindful about doing the right thing in any given situation.

MANTRA YOGA

This form of yoga derives from Hinduism, and concerns utilizing mantras to "awaken the self, and deepen the meditative aspects of physical yoga practice. It is an exact science that is meant to engage the mind through focusing on sound, duration, and the number of repetitions" [5]. By following this chanting process, we can control our breath, and find inner stillness and focus. - We diminish the negativity of rajas (agitation) and tamas (inertia); and thus purify our state of consciousness. We become one with our higher spiritual self, and boost the wellbeing of our mind, body and soul. There are three ways to practice mantra yoga: (a): baikhari, in which the mantra is chanted in a loud voice (which can help drown out unwelcome thoughts); (b): upanshu, which involves chanting the mantra in a very soft voice that can only be heard by the chanter; and (c): silent chanting within the mind of the chanter [5].

KUNDALINI YOGA

The literal meaning of the word kundalini, is: the curl of the lock of hair of the beloved. "This poetic metaphor alludes to the flow of energy and consciousness that exists within each of us, and enables us to merge with – or [to quote Alan's description of the term] 'yoke,' – the universal self" [6]. Kundalini yoga is an intense, and often advanced practice. It embraces "the eight limbs of yoga into a singular practice of excellence and ecstasy, and tends to use rhythmic motions linked with conscious breathing, and chanting (more than other popular forms of yoga) [6]. It focuses on our self-awareness, revs up our creative ability, and empowers our potential to blend universal and individual consciousness. - In short, it enables us to attain our highest level of consciousness [6]. However, if you are a beginner, kundalini yoga should only be done under professional supervision. This is because it has the potential to be dangerous.