The Yoga of Tongue: A Key to Holistic Well-being in Kali Yuga

Delve into the profound practice of the Yoga of Tongue, a unique form of spiritual yoga (Niyama) specifically recommended for individuals living in the Kali Yuga. This practice, ancient yet relevant, can help maintain your body and mind in harmony, ultimately rising above the illusions of this dark age.

Understanding the Yoga of Tongue

Unlike traditional yoga poses and asanas, the yoga of the tongue is a special practice focused on the chants of the holy names of Lord Krishna and the consumption of Prasadam. This dual-pronged approach integrates vocal meditation with spiritual nourishment.

Key Asanas of the Yoga of Tongue

Two essential asanas form the core of this yoga:

Paatajali Asana: Performing the chanting of the holy names of Krishna. Chanting is a powerful spiritual technique that involves devotion, focus, and the elimination of negative thoughts. Vishnu Asana: Involves the consumption of Prasadam. This is a practice deeply rooted in the tradition of offering food to a divine being, essentially partaking in the blessings of a sacred offering.

The Power of Chanting

The legacy of chanting the holy names, as prescribed in ancient Sanskrit texts such as the Mukunda Mala Stotram and Skandapurāna, is profound. The power of chanting is said to:
Destroy all enemies Worship every word of the Upaniads Uproot the cycle of rebirth Drive away the ignorance and darkness of the mind Attain infinite opulence Cure the poison of worldly distress Maintain a successful birth in this world

Textual Support

These chants are beautifully highlighted in verses from ancient texts:

Mukunda Mala Stotram [31]: "O tongue please constantly chant the mantra composed of Ka Ka names." Skandapurāna 2.5.15.51: "Anyone whose tongue always chants Ka Ka has made his life a success." Vishnudharma Purana: "Lord Krsna is conquered by one who keeps the two syllables ‘Hari’ on the tip of his tongue."

Yuga Dharma of the Kali Yuga

The yuga dharma or divine duty for the Kali Yuga is the practice of chanting the holy names. According to Srimad Bhagavatam,:

12.3.52: "Whatever result was obtained in Satya-yuga by meditating on Viu, in Tretā-yuga by performing sacrifices, and in Dvāpara-yuga by serving the Lord’s lotus feet can be obtained in Kali-yuga simply by chanting the Hare Ka mahā-mantra." Srimad Bhagavatam 11.5.36: "Those who are actually advanced in knowledge are able to appreciate the essential value of this Age of Kali. Such enlightened persons worship Kali-yuga because in this fallen age all perfection of life can easily be achieved by the performance of sakīrtana congregational chanting of the Holy Names."

Practical Application

Adopting the practice of the yoga of the tongue doesn’t require significant changes in lifestyle. By incorporating the chanting of the holy names and the consumption of Prasadam, one can preserve their spiritual and physical well-being. Srila Prabhupada, a leading spiritual teacher, emphasizes the simplicity and accessibility of this practice:

"We first of all must engage the tongue in chanting Hare Krishna and in eating bhagavat-prasāda. Nothing else is required. Therefore the Krishna consciousness movement is distributing prasāda and engaging people in chanting the Hare Krishna mahā-mantra."

Summary

The yoga of the tongue is not just a form of spiritual practice but a method to serve the divine, control the mind, and conquer the deceptive influences of material existence. By focusing the tongue on the sacred chants and consuming blessed food, individuals can transcend the challenges of the dark age and enjoy a life full of holiness and success.

Join the Krishna-conscious endeavor today and experience the transformative power of nama-sankirtana!