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Knowledge Bank

Is yoga an exercise?

The purpose of yoga is to get rid of duality and see oneness in everything. This is attained in the state of samadhi. To achieve samadhi, long and rigorous practice is required. Physical fitness is essential for this. Postures of yoga called asanas give physical fitness. In the state of samadhi, the mind becomes still and calm. By regulating breathing through pranayama, mind control is achieved. Yoga is good for physical and mental fitness.

How many Gods are there?

In the court of the illustrious king-sage Janaka, a debate among scholars took place. Vidagdha Sakalya questioned Yajnavalkya, 'How many gods are there, Yajnavalkya?' Yajnavalkya replied with a list from the Nivid, 'There are 303 and 3003 gods.' Sakalya then asked, 'How many are there truly?' Yajnavalkya said, 'There are thirty-three.' Sakalya continued, 'How many are there in essence?' Yajnavalkya answered, 'There are six.' When Sakalya asked, 'How many are there in reality?' Yajnavalkya replied, 'There is only one.' Finally, when asked to identify these thirty-three gods, Yajnavalkya explained, 'They are expressions of the greatness of the one Rudra.'