Introduction of Ashtanga Yoga (Eight Limbs of Yoga) [2021-22] Yogaethics

Introduction of Ashtanga Yoga (Eight Limbs of Yoga) [2021-22]

Ashtanga Yoga is an ancient system of Yoga. Ashtanga yoga literally means “eight-limbed yoga,” as outlined by the Maharishi Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras. According to Patanjali, the path of internal purification for revealing the Universal Self consists of the following eight spiritual practices.

The eight limbs of yoga are as follows:-

1. Yamas (self-restraints):-

The Yamas are the guidelines for how to interact with the outside world at a social level.

The five Yamas are:-

(a) Ahimsa (non-violence)

(b) Satya (truthfulness)

(c) Asteya (non stealing)

(d) Brahmacharya (continence)

(e) Aparigraha (non-hoarding).

2. Niyamas (observances):-

The Niyamas represent guidelines for self-discipline.

The five niyamas are:- 

(a) Shoucha (cleanliness)

(b) Santosha (contentment)

(c) Tapas (austerity)

(d) Swadhyaya (the study of the scriptures and self-study)

(e) Ishwara Pranidhana (surrender to God).

Together, Yamas and Niyamas These are initial sets of principles that are concerned with our conduct in personal and social life. It provide an ethical and moral code to be followed so that the aspiring yogi can establish an adequate moral foundation for his/her spiritual journey.

3.Asana (posture):- 

The term asana means sitting in a particular posture, which is comfortable and which could be maintained steadily for long time. Asana gives stability and comfort, both at physical and mental level. 

Asana can be classified into three categories:

(a) Cultural or Corrective asana

(b) Meditative asana

(c) Relax asana

4. Pranayama (breath control):- 

Pranayama, which means stretching or expansion of prana(the vital life force) involves the breath control and helps to train and prepare the mind for Dharana (concentration). The health of the respiratory system depends upon the quality as well as the quantity of air inhaled by the person. It also depend on the rhythm and completeness of the breathing. Through pranayama, a practitioner advantageously works with her/his respiratory, cardiovascular and the nervous system which bring about emotional stability and peace of mind.

5. Pratyahara (sense withdrawal):-

Through pratyahara one develops the ability to withdraw the senses from their objects thus reaching to perfect control over the senses. In pratyahara the awareness about the external surrounding is withdrawn and is taken to inside.

6. Dharana (concentration/focus):-

Dharana involves focusing the mind on a single object of concentration for long periods of time. In this, Object is not important, important is the binding of the consciousness to a single point. When we start focus the mind intensely into a single point, the rest of the mind tends to quiet down. When we will practice concentration like this, there is less room for other thoughts, memories, and planning that the mind tends to busy with.

7. Dhyana (meditation):-

When there is an undisturbed flow of the mind toward the object of focus, the yogi enters the state of meditation. Dhyana is a practice which helps in concentration of the body and mind. In meditation, concentration is focused for a long time on a single object like tip of the nose, space between eyebrows, etc. It expands the sense of well-being and refines memory and decision making power in the person.

8. Samadhi (total absorption):-

After having control among all previously mentioned seven limb of yoga, Finally Yogi enters to Samadhi when even the self-awareness of the mind disappears, and only the object of meditation shines through, it is called the state of samadhi. The highest stage of “Samadhi”, called the “Nirbeeja Samadhi” (seedless Samadhi) when the mind is fully under control and brings the yogi to a state of perpetual peace and tranquility.