Yoga Philosophy

Tantric philosophy is a more inclusive path, while Classical and Vedanta use turning away from some aspects of life as the means to Source. In non-dualistic Tantra, everything is real and all is divine. Classical views both matter and spirit as real, though matter is inferior to spirit. In Vedanta, only spirit is real and matter is an illusion. The ultimate goal of all three approaches is union with Source.

Yoga is not a religion. It does not ask you to change your existing beliefs or pray to a different God. The Divine spoken of in yoga is the same as the one you know in your heart. Yogic spirituality encourages you to think for yourself and find what resonates with you.

For a household yogi, one who has family, responsibilities, and participates in society, the Tantric perspective is most relevant. You don't need to meditate for years in a cave in the Himalayas to reach an enlightened state of being. As nice as it is to connect with silence and nature in seclusion, for most of us that isn’t what we choose. Tantra embraces every day life as a way to experience God.
The way that you live is your yoga.

In non-dual Tantric philosophy, everything is one. Every single, pulsating particle in the universe, that which is in time, space, and beyond, is all Divine energy from the same Source. The manifested universe exists so that the Divine can experience itself. You and I are expressions of Divinity.

This invites a whole world of wonder and thought. For instance, because God is limitless, if we accept the idea that we are Divinity, then we have unlimited potential. Tantricas act from a place of freedom, considering the full spectrum of life and then discerning what is life affirming. This is the idea of saying Yes first and then No. If you open to all the choices available, you can then decide what is right for you.

As this is just a tiny taste of yogic philosophy, I highly encourage going deeper.
For more philosophy, attend satsang, check community resources, or come to a workshop.