Viyoga and Yoga - Navigating the Dangers of a Disconnected Life
The quality of human life is defined by its source of power. Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that in our current material condition, we are often like a "disconnected" branch that is slowly losing its vitality. While the world pursues various forms of progress, true advancement is measured by our success in linking back to the Supreme Soul. This article examines the linguistic and spiritual distinction between yoga (connection) and viyoga (disconnection), the warning signs of a life without a spiritual current, and the positive detachment achieved by great souls like Dhruva Mahārāja.
Linguistic Root: Yoga vs. Viyoga
The foundation of Vedic philosophy rests on the concept of linkage. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that the Sanskrit word yoga literally means to connect or to add, whereas viyoga means to disconnect. At the present moment, the living entity is in a state of viyoga—not because the relationship with God can ever be truly destroyed, but because it has been forgotten or defied. Like a son who foolishly claims he has no connection with his father, a soul in the material world tries to enjoy life independently. This attempt at independence is the beginning of all suffering, as one can hardly expect spiritual assistance when they choose to defy the original source.
- The word yoga means connecting or linking with that original source. Yoga is the Sanskrit word meaning "connection," and viyoga means - disconnection.
- Yoga means which connects, and viyoga means which disconnect.
- This is yoga system: bhakti-yoga. Yoga means to connect, to add, yoga. So at the present moment we are almost disconnected. Not exactly disconnected; forgotten our relationship with Krsna, or God.
- Anyone who defies and therefore disconnects the relationship with the Spiritual Master can hardly expect the assistance of the Spiritual Master life after life.
Momentum and the Unplugged Fan
A powerful analogy used by Śrīla Prabhupāda describes the deceptive nature of material activity. When the plug of an electric fan is pulled, the "juice" is disconnected, yet the blades continue to spin for a few moments. This movement is not caused by current but by momentum. In the same way, an individual or a civilization may seem to be thriving despite being disconnected from God, but that activity is merely the momentum of previous pious acts. Without being "directly watered" by the spiritual current of the Supreme Lord, such efforts eventually dry up and die, much like religious branches that become envious and isolated.
- One may pull the plug out of an electric fan, and the fan may still go on even though the juice has been disconnected, but it is understood that the fan will soon come to a stop.
- This fan is moving. If you disconnect the electric power, then the fan will move for a moment. That movement is not due to the electric current. That is force - what is it called, physically, this force? Momentum. But as soon as it stops, no more movement.
- The ISKCON branch, being directly watered by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, is becoming undoubtedly successful, whereas the disconnected branches of the so-called Hindu religion that are envious of ISKCON are drying up and dying.
Civilization as Disconnection from the Body
While the world fears being disconnected from material resources, the actual aim of civilization is to become disconnected from the material body. Śrīla Prabhupāda points out that animal life is characterized by total absorption in the body, whereas human civilization should be the process of elevation toward spiritual identity. A mahā-bhāgavata like Dhruva Mahārāja reaches a stage where he is completely disconnected from the subtle and gross material coverings. This positive state of isolation from matter is only possible when one is fully absorbed in devotional service, where every function of life is performed in connection with Kṛṣṇa.
- Civilization means elevation. The aim is how to become disconnected with this material body. This is civilization. Otherwise that is not civilization. It is animal life.
- When one is fully absorbed in devotional service, he is completely disconnected from the two material coverings, the subtle and gross bodies. Dhruva Maharaja actually attained this stage of life by constantly discharging devotional service.
- He (Dhruva Maharaja) has already been described as a maha-bhagavata, for unless one becomes a maha-bhagavata, or a first-class pure devotee, these symptoms (completely disconnected from the two material coverings) are not visible.
- When civilization is disconnected from the loving relation of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, symptoms like changes of seasonal regulations, foul means of livelihood, greed, anger and fraudulence become rampant.
Conclusion
The choice between yoga and viyoga is the most consequential decision a human being can make. Śrīla Prabhupāda reminds us that while we may try to find satisfaction in a "simple living" or material morality, as soon as we are disconnected from Kṛṣṇa consciousness, we will inevitably be tossed by the waves of material nature. True civilization does not mean developing more complex ways to serve the body, but rather developing the intelligence to sever our connection with material designations. By re-establishing our relationship with the Father and the Spiritual Master, we move from the dying momentum of the material world to the eternal, vibrant current of spiritual life.
Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani
Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Disconnection. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.