According to Swami Ramakrishnananda the ancient wisdom of yoga can be summarized into six essential points. These foundations are the bases of a true yogic way of life and are essential to ones progress on the spiritual path to enlightenment. They are essential factors in bringing about an optimal balance between body, mind and spirit.

Exercise (asanas) – The practice of physical postures

The Sanskrit word asana means “seated posture” or “seat”. It is a physical posture steadily, stably and easily maintained in stillness and observation. Therefore, a position will be a yogic asana only when it is maintained in stability, steadiness and comfort for a sustained period of time, as a consequence of its comfort.

Energizing – (pranayama) – The practice yogic energy enhancing techniques

Pranayama occupies an extremely important place within the vast wisdom of hatha-yoga. The term is composed of the Sanskrit word prana, which refers to the “vital energy” —although etymologically it means “to breathe”— and the word ayama, which means "amplification” “stretching” “expansion” and “lengthening”.  Therefore, the meaning of pranayama would be something like the “expansive movement of the vital energy.”

Relaxation (shavasana) – Physical, mental and spiritual rest

Yogic relaxation occupies a very important place within hatha-yoga, forming an integral part of any session. Its importance is heightened in view of modern society’s increasingly stressful pace of life with its excessive demands for which there is never enough time. Each day it becomes more difficult to cope, physically, mentally and emotionally, with the high levels of tension imposed by modern society.

Proper nutrition – (prasadam) – Vegetarian food offered to the Divine

Nutrition is a vital aspect of the yogic practice and way of life. It is said that food can be ones poison or medicine, depending on the body type and physical circumstances. But as with all other yogic disciplines, diet expands beyond the functions of the body. The yogi chooses Satvic foods which are considered well balanced and suitable for meditation, the food is then offered to the Divine and blessed.

Universal vision – (vedanta) – The study of Advaita Vedanta philosophy

The study of Vedanta encourages us to question the source of our existence, because its basic teaching is that our true nature is divine; it is God, the Ultimate Reality, which lies in the depths of every living being. According to the vision of Jnana, the Atman is perceived in all places and in all beings. This path of wisdom leads you to the discovery that the center of your existence is not only yours, but it is the center of all that exists; it is the Self.

Meditation – (dhyana) – The observer himself becomes the observed

Meditation or Dhyan in sanskrit, is to watch and accept what is, as it is. If in meditation we clamor for more, desire and demand more, it will be our mind that will supply us with more dreams, illusions, and fantasies….God will never provide us with more, because He has already given us everything. We only have to pay attention and see how each moment brings within itself all that is necessary for our growth and evolution.