“Yoga is seeing life the way it is. – The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali”
The word “Yoga” comes from “Yuj”which is a Sanskrit word meaning “yoking” or “union”. Therefore, yoga is all about fusion of mind, body, emotions, soul and spirit. Ashtanga or Raja Yoga or simply Eight Limbs [Ashta (eight) + anga (limbs)] of yoga are the eight steps to be followed towards a meaningful and purposeful life, hence, attaining a state of “purusha” or pure being. It is a method of practical spirituality which acts as a prescription for self-discipline, ethical and moral conduct, healthy lifestyle and acknowledging the spiritual aspects of the world around us. It acts as a means to progressive unification of consciousness and progressive purification of a human being.
Practicing the eight limbs can help us in better and deeper understanding of insights and intuition; nurture our inner calm balance to combat the outside circumstances and expand strength and resilience.
II. First Stage: YAMA or Discipline
This stage sets the ethical standards of integrity, our own behaviour and conduct. It deals with self-control and has 5 moral obligations.
a) Ahimsa or Non-violence – Our intentions, words and actions are scrutinized through the lens of compassion and self-awareness. Non-violence does not mean that one becomes an easy meat but to be benevolent and well equipped to deal with foxy schemes of the outside world. This also means that while practicing yoga asanas, one is respecting his/her bodily limitations and is patient and persistent in achieving a particular posture without getting frustrated.
b) Satya or Truthfulness – This talk about being truthful, dedicated, devoted and enthusiastic in whatever you do. It increases one’s authenticity and genuineness.
c) Asteya or Non-stealing – This means appreciating the concept of give-and-receive. We must not steal, cheat or be envious of others’ goodwill, affection, attention, property, money or goods.
d) Brahmacharya or Chastity – Understanding the things which adds up or drains out your vital energies and finally abstaining from them. A model approach to this concept is doing things in moderation and ensuring loyalty and fidelity in relationships.
e) Aparigraha or Greed lessness/ Detachment – A yogi must not be greedy to collect the postures; his main motive should be to attain perfection with constant practice. One must also practice detachment or letting go off things and accepting the changes.
III. Second Stage: NIYAM or Restraint
a) Saucha or Cleanliness – Maintaining the cleanliness of body, mind and soul by following simple practices like keeping the immediate environment tidy and clean, bathing, following proper diet etc.
b) Santosha or Contentment – Contentment means appreciation and gratitude for everything you have. Accepting the things around and concentrating on the good elements.
c) Tapas or Self Discipline – Tapas means to glow, shine, change and transform. It is practicing the art of channelizing our energies in the right direction.
d) Svadhaya or Self-study – It means self-studying, self-realization, self-awareness, self-inquiry and self-reflection. One has to be committed to the process of learning.
e) Ishvara Pranidhana or Surrender – It is devotion and dedication to the supreme power. It is a powerful state where the mind is courageous enough to let go the selfish desires and ego.
IV. Third Stage: ASANA or Posture
The Asana or posture should be Sthira (steady, strong, compact, static and courageous) and Sukham (comfortable, joyful, good, gentle and virtuous). Practicing Asanas makes the body master the art of sitting in meditation for long periods. It increases our concentration and discipline. We are familiar with a lot of asanas already as we have been practicing the basic Hatha yoga.
a) Forward Bends – They are a give a good stretching to the hamstrings and calve muscles, improved digestion, relieves stress, anxiety, headache and insomnia.
b) Back Bends – They stretch the chest and lungs, stimulate thyroid and pituitary glands, therapeutic to asthma, back pain, infertility and also strengthen the arms, legs, abdomen and spine.
c) Balance Postures – Improve the balance of the body, strengthens legs and ankles.
d) Twists – They provide a gentle massage to the abdominal muscles and organs, stimulate brain, relieve back pains and hip pain and strengthen the spine.
e) Inversions – They are good for digestion, therapeutic for asthma, infertility and insomnia, relieve the symptoms of menopause and calm the mind, thereby reducing stress.
V. Fourth Stage: PRANAYAMA or Breath Control
Pran means life or vital energy and Yama means control, therefore Pranayama means conscious awareness of breath or control of breath. By working on the way we breath, we can mould our minds. E.g. Ujjayi Breath or Victorious breath is a combination of both asana and pranayama; Nadi shodhan pranayama, Kapalbhati etc.
The first four stages were focussing on the body, breath and improving our personality. Now moving towards our inner selves, we have the next 4 limbs as follows.
VI. Fifth Stage: Pratayahar or Sense-withdrawal
Pratayahar teaches us to draw our sense inwards and be aware of our internal landscape. When we are in Savasana, we are silently observing how intensely we have worked out, how our body is reacting to reacting to the sounds, air around, temperature etc around but we do not respond. In such a position we are not asleep but our subconscious mind is still functional; it is a state of conscious sleep. It is simply heightening one’s inner awareness.
The last 3 limbs are interconnected and aim at reaching the highest level of oneself.
VII. Sixth Stage: DHARNA or Concentration
Dha means holding and Ana means something else or other; therefore, Dharana is fixing our minds to a particular point which can be either our chakaras or some outside object. It quietens and calms the mind.
VIII. Seventh Stage: DHYANA or Meditation
It is a deep state of meditation without the object of focus.
IX. Eighth Stage: SAMADHI or Ecstasy
Union of true self is samadhi. It is a state of hyper conscious with no-thought and no-mind that leads to true spiritual freedom.
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