Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras is a text that covers many aspects
of life, beginning with a code of conduct and ending with the goal of yoga, a
vision of one’s true Self. The
Pantajali’sYoga Sutras is probably the most authoritative text on yoga. It defines yoga as a focusing of the
attention to whatever object is being contemplated to the exclusion of all
others. Yoga isn’t only about postures,
or meditation, it is a way of life, or religion. In this influencing scripture there are eight
steps to awakening or enlightenment through yoga. These eight astanga or limbs of yoga
are: yamas, niyamas, asanas, pranayama,
pratyahara, dharana, dhyana, and samadhi.
The yamas consist of lessons in moral and social conduct in
our environment. It teaches us to restrain from lying, stealing, and
greed. Non-violence and consideration
toward all living things is the key.
Communication with sensitivity towards others and moderation in all
things we do is revered.
The niyama focuses on attitudes towards ourselves:
compromising, cleanliness, serenity, devotion, and asceticism. One should study
and reverence to a higher intelligence.
There is an acceptance of our limitations in relation to God. It is key to have removed the impurities from
the mind and body.
In the asanas, one focuses on posture practice, positioning
the body while incorporating the breath to achieve a greater awareness in the
mind. One is alert and relaxed without tension, while observing the reactions
of the body and breath to various postures.
This minimizes the effect of the external influences on the body, such
as diet and climate.
Pranayama, or the restraint and control of the breath, helps
with concentration, energizing and balancing of the mind and body.
Pratyahara is the relaxation of the senses, where no
distractions actually activate the mind.
Dharana, or concentration, is the ability to direct the mind
toward a chosen object and focus in on it alone.
Dhyana, or meditation, is the ability to develop focused
interactions with what we seek to understand.
Lastly, but most importantly, Samadhi is the ultimate state
of Self-realization, or union with the Source.
No comments:
Post a Comment