Eightfold Path Wisdom
॥ योगश्चित्तवृत्तिनिरोधः ॥
The spiritual discipline of Yoga has its roots in the Sanskrit word “Yuj”, signifying ‘to join’ or ‘to unite’. Yoga is the cognate of the English word ‘yoke’, which signifies combination or union. The works of Panini, an ancient Sanskrit linguist and grammarian substantiate the deeper meaning of the word Yoga.
Yoga implies the harmonious union of the body, mind and the spirit as well as the unison of the atman (the individual self) with the parmatma (the universal consciousness). The father of Yoga, Patanjali, beautifully defined Yoga as Yogas Chitta Vritti Nirodha, which means the restriction of the fluctuations of consciousness by bringing-in stillness and control on the fluctuations of the mind. It refers to a cluster of physical, mental and spiritual practices, which channelize gradual control and stillness of the mind; opening up to a state of detached yet aware consciousness, untouched by the Chitta, the mind and mundane sufferings, and leading way to the ultimate reality and Self-Realization.
In simpler terms, it is an inward science aimed at the cleaning of the lenses, of limitations and fluctuations, to visualize the higher purpose and veritable beauty of one’s existence. It begins with the calming of the physical body (breathing & senses) followed by the calming of the ever-baffling consciousness. This process leads to the neutralization of ego-driven thought patterns and behaviour and paves way for a sense of spiritual ascension, highlighted by enhanced coherence between the mind, body and soul.
The Yoga Sutras enlist the eight limbs of yoga that serve as guiding steps towards attaining the union of the mind, body and spirit.
॥ यमनियमासनप्राणायामप्रत्याहारधारणाध्यानसमाधयोऽष्टावङ्गानि॥२.२९॥
Yamas
अह िंसा सत्यमस्तेयिंशौचिंइन्द्रिय न्द्िग्र ः। यम न्द्ियमाः अष्टौ प्रोक्ता धममस्य परिपन्द्रििः॥
Yamas, the first limb of yoga, refer to the moral codes of attitude and self-restraint to be followed with respect to the environment one lives in. Yamas are intended to harmonise one’s social interactions by shaping our behavior and thinking toward other beings around us. The five Yamas are:
- Ahimsa or non-violence or non-harming
- Satya or truthfulness
- Asteya or non-stealing
- Brahmacharya or chastity
- Aparigraha or non-hoarding
Niyamas
शौच सरतोष तपः स्वाध्यायेश्विप्रन्द्िधािान्द्ि न्द्ियमाः। यमािुष्ठािरतसम्भवात्तत्काििमुपासिम्॥
Niyamas, the second limb of yoga, refer to the standards for practicing self-discipline. Niyamas are intended to harmonise one’s inner feelings, which nourishes the inner strength of the yogi while ameliorating the discipline and clarity needed for one’s spiritual journey. The five niyamas are:
- Saucha (cleanliness)
- Santosha (self-contentment)
- Tapasya (penance, spiritual austerities)
- Svadhyaya (self-knowledge)
- Ishvarapranidhana (surrender to the divine)
Asana
॥ स्थिरसुखमासनम् ॥ ॥ Sthira sukham asanam ॥
Asana is the third limb of yoga and it comes from the Sanskrit word meaning ‘posture’ or ‘seat ’or ‘manner of seating’. Patanjali defined Asana as a steady and comfortable posture assumed during yoga practice. Asana is the state of perfect firmness of body, steadiness of intelligence and benevolence of spirit. Asana is also understood as relaxation with efforts & concentration on the infinite. योगाङ्गािुष्ठािादसििंप्रिमिंविम्।
ततो न्द्ितीयिंमिसो न्द्ििोधः शुन्द्चः पिमः॥
The names of such physical poses/postures are often suffixed with the word ‘asana’. This practice of steady and comfortable physical postures is a vital part & parcel of the tradition of yoga. Owing to its admiration as the most popular feature of yoga, asana practice is often misapprehended to be synonymous to yoga practice. Asana practice helps attain the higher dimension or higher perception of life. On the physical dimension, asana practice promotes the physical health of the body. Regular asana practice adds on to one’s physical strength, flexibility, stamina and toning of muscles. Some postures enhance flow of blood to various organs while others are useful in various conditions like joint pains. A good physical state stimulates improvements in the physiological systems of the body, such as the circulatory, immune, digestive and nervous systems. It nourishes mindfulness, disciples and concentration of the body.
An overall healthy body is a precursor for spiritual development. Asana practice aligns the physical body to the spiritual dimension. It stimulates the energetic body with the opening up of the Chakras & nadis. This allows free flow of prana in the body and prepares the mind for pranayama and meditation
प्रत्यात्मि शैन्द्िल्य अिरत समापन्द्त्तभ्याम्॥
Pranayama
तस्मिन् सति श्वासप्रश्वासयोर्गतिविच्छेदः प्राणायामः ॥४९॥
Prana refers to the ‘vital life force’ energy within us. Pranayama is the yogic practice of focused breathing, aimed at gaining control over the prana or breath. It encompasses various techniques involving controlling, retaining, splitting the breath or altering the breathing pattern.
Pratyahara
प्रत्याहार स्वरूप अस्मिता इस्मिय जयेषुप्रकृ तत अनुमान मात्रा सेवाति भूत प्रत्यय ते।
Pratyahara, the combination of two Sanskrit words Prati (meaning against or withdraw) & Aahara (food or anything we take inwards from outside), indicates withdrawal of any external influences on the senses. It promotes enhanced control over the sensory inputs. It involves freeing oneself from the external environment and diving inwards towards consciousness. Pratyahara serves as the important link between the external focus (of the previous 4 limbs) and internal focus (of the subsequent 3 limbs of yoga). Through Pratyahara, one aims at penetrating through the pancha kosha or five sheaths that encapsulate our consciousness: Annamaya, Pranamaya, Manomaya, Vigyanmaya and Anandmaya.
Dharana
देशबन्धः तित्तस्य िारणा।
Dharna, derived from the Sanskrit roots dha and aana, refers to binding the concentration of the mind. It involves fixing the focus of the mind on one particular object. This object could be external such as an image, idea or deity, or internal such as Chakra or body parts.
Dhyana
Dhyana is the seventh ang (limb) of yoga elucidated by Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. Dhyana simply means meditation, implying a state of deep, effortless calmness. In this meditative state, one experiences the stillness of the mind and a deeper awareness of one’s consciousness.
Samadhi
व्युत्थान मनसः स्तम्भ वृत्तयः अभाव प्रत्यय ः स्वरूप सून्यं इव समातिः ।
Samadhi, the final step on the path of yoga, has its origin in the Sanskrit words, sam (meaning “together” or “completely”), a (meaning “toward”) and dhe (meaning “put”). It indicates a state of liberation, bliss or enlightenment. The Yogi’s mind achieves a state of complete stillness and detachment from the material aspects, followed by the unification of his consciousness with the highest cosmic power. This is a state of ultimate bliss and oneness with the divine.
Benefits of Yoga
After immersing oneself in the study of the various angas or steps of yoga, it’s natural to wonder about the incredible benefits this ancient practice has to offer. The many benefits of a consistent yoga practice are vast, and include everything from physical health to mental clarity and emotional balance. By regularly practicing yoga, you can experience increased flexibility, strength, and stamina, as well as reduced stress and anxiety. Furthermore, yoga can help you cultivate a deeper sense of inner peace and well-being, allowing you to navigate life’s challenges with greater ease and grace. In essence, regular yoga practice has the power to transform your life in profound
ways. The following points outline some of the key benefits of regular yoga practice:
- Promotes holistic well-being of the body - physical, mental & spiritual
- Enhances performance of the various physiological systems of the body (Circulatory, Respiratory, Nervous, Digestive etc.)
- Increases physical strength, flexibility and stamina.
- Promotes healthier bodily postures
- Improves sleep
- Reduces stress & anxiety
- Improves mental health & emotional strength.
- Makes one happier and healthier
- Enhances one’s focus, concentration and awareness.
- Enhances clarity and decision making skills.
- Improves balance in life which leads to transformation of quality of life.
