Introduction to YOGA
BY: Introduction to the Yoga Sutras
The greatest classical text from the yoga school of Indian philosophy is the YOGA SUTRAS by Maharishi Patanjali, thought to have been written in the second century BC. These “threads” on yoga or union are extremely terse,stating concisely and often precisely essential points. The text may be explained and interpreted by commentaries or by a teacher. Yoga practice is considered complementary to the Sankhya philosophy, the goal being the realization of freedom in Spirit from the world of Nature..
The bewitching sutras of Maharishi Patanjali are self-explanatory where he says “Yoga chitta vrithi nirodaha”. Implying that it purifies both the body and mind.The bewitching sutras of Maharishi Patanjali are self-explanatory where he says “ Yoga chitta vrithi nirodaha”. Implying that it purifies both the body and mind..
This psychological method of liberation is called Raja or Royal yoga or the yoga of the eight steps, which may be listed as follows:
- Yama: Restraint: nonviolence, not lying, not stealing, not lusting, and not possessing.
- Niyama: Observances: cleanliness, contentment, discipline, Self-study, and surrender to the Lord.
- Asanas: Postural exercises
- Pranayama: Breath control
- Prathyahara: Sublimation or withdrawal from these senses
- Dharana: Concentration
- Dhyana: Meditation
- Samadhi: Attaining bliss
Note : The first five steps enumerated are only the route to Take the person through Dharana to Dhyana namely fromYamato Pratyahara. Samadhi is something different that is union with God. This is to attain bliss and this is selective, individualised and based on the interest of the person concerned. To be very precise there is bound to be overlapping of these steps at some stage or the other and cannot be watertight..
Of these 8 stages in yoga for the modern man, in this world Of busy and competitive living, he has to have a calm and balanced mind to go about with his daily routines effectively and efficiently and hence only two steps are being concentrated upon for practice namely Asanas and Dhyana. The Asanas are meant for preparing the physical body to Have effective meditation.
Of these 8 stages in yoga for the modern man, in this worldOf busy and competitive living, he has to have a calm and balanced mind to go about with his daily routines effectively and efficiently and hence only two steps are being concentrated upon for practice namely Asanas and Dhyana. The Asanas are meant for preparing the physical body to Have effective meditation.
Basically Asanas are different from physical exercises as these are performed while breathing out, that means the muscles are relaxed, indirectly to understand here no wastage of calories but only conserving calories. Hence it is experienced that after performing the Asanas one feels more agile, alert and energetic, whereas after physical exercise one feels exhausted.