Traditional Yoga Paths
The different types of Yoga systems, by which a man can achieve the aims of Yoga, are
Bhakti Yoga – Path of Devotion
Realization of the self through Love and Devotion to God. Devotion to God enables them to experience their inner God. A true devotee is a follower of Bhakti Yoga.
Jnana (Gyana) Yoga – Path of Knowledge
Jnana yoga is the philosophical path of attaining self-realization experience through acquired Knowledge, practice, wisdom, and experience.
Karma Yoga – Path of Action
Service to mankind . People who realize the inner divinity through selfless action and service, without thoughts about fruits of action are called Karma Yogis. Work is worship .
Raja Yoga – Path of Discipline
Raja Yoga as its name suggests imparts control and confidence, as a King or Raja. It enables one to control the mind, leading to clear thinking, devoid of fluctuations or confusion.
Raja yoga has been enumerated by the great Yogi, Patanjali as an ‘eight-fold path’ to reach the goals of life. Hence Raja Yoga is also commonly known as Patanjali Yoga , where the 8 steps are referred to as ‘The Eight Limbs of Yoga’ or ‘Ashtanga Yoga’
Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra (Raja Yoga)
Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra sums up Yoga as a life practice, which brings forth ,“Yogaha Citta Vritti Nirodhaha”where-
Yogaha means to yoke, to join, to unite,
. Citta – the Mind
Vritti – the Mind’s Movement or Oscillation
Nirodhaha – quieting
Ultimately, Yoga ushers one to unite the mind with God and achieve complete peace of the soul.
Eight Limbs of Yoga:
The Patanjali’s Eight Limbs of Yoga are Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi. These eight limbs are interlinked with one another. Each limb has a lot of facets within it. The first five limbs deal with the individual’s outward actions or external practices and are called Bahiranga Yoga. Bahiranga Yoga purifies and prepares our body and mind for the internal purificatory process of Antaranga Yoga, which is Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi. These three disciplines are more internally mind-oriented and lead to heightened states of consciousness to produce spiritual wisdom.
Yoga teaches moral discipline through Yamas & Niyamas and are the foundation stones for the Yoga path.
Yama (Restraints)
The First level of Patanjali Yoga is Yama. Yamas are five ethical precepts that outline the code of conduct to be observed when interacting with the world and people around us.
Ahimsa (Non-Violence)
Patanjali emphasizes on Ahimsa, non-violence, which is true love and affection for all living creatures. One should refrain from troubling any living being in any form of words or deeds. Entertaining bad thoughts and anger is also considered as violence.
Satya (Truthfulness)
Patanjali recommends abstinence from lies, in speech, actions, and thoughts.
Asteya (Abstinence from-Stealing)
By overcoming desire, one can abstain from stealing others’ wealth or possession.
Brahmacharya (Celibacy)
The Brahmacharya advises continence as a virtue. This does not imply complete neglect of family life. A Yogi can have a household life, keeping his sense organs under control and not being tempted by lustful desires.
Aparigraha (Abhor Coveting)
Aparigraha recommends a life of simplicity, living with the minimum necessity and abhorring craving or coveting for unnecessary items or possessions.
Niyama(Observance):
The Second level of Patanjali Yoga also describes codes of conduct for the individuals. This section recommends Niyamas or the good things to be followed in life.
Saucha (Cleanliness and clarity)
Saucha means cleanliness of body and mind. A pure mind is necessary for a Yogi. The body and mind could be kept pure by postures, breath controls, and Shat Kriyas (cleaning process).
Santosha (Contentment)
Santosha means a feeling of contentment. Santosha is achieved easily when a person is satisfied with whatever comes their way, and does not crave for more and more.
Tapas (Asceticism)
Tapas is the practice of highly self-inflicting penances to strengthen one’s mind. The saints of the past practiced tapas to purify and control the mind, to keep their body at the disposal of the mind. Tapas is primarily done by fasting or living a meager diet. While the Puranas, refer to tapas as purification by burning desires, Patanjali insists on tapas for total control of self ,which alone paves the way for the awakening of one’s spirituality.
Svadhyaya (Study)
Svadhyaya means strengthening one’s knowledge, to control the mind. By reading good books, one is able to gain knowledge, overcome egoism and understand themselves better.
Isvara Pranidhana (Dedication to God/ Master)
The fifth Niyama is surrendering one’s self to God or the Absolute. The total submission of one’s will to the Supreme, disciplines the mind.
Asana (Posture)
The third level of Patanjali Yoga is Asana which means Posture. Asanas and the associated movements improve suppleness and flexibility of the body, tones up the nervous system, enhances the functioning of all vital organs, stimulates the glands and regulates the blood flow. While doing the asanas, the body is maintained in the posture for momentarily and then relaxed.
Pranayama (Breath Control)
The fourth level of Patanjali Yoga is Pranayama which means breath control. It is regulated, conscious breathing done in three steps – inhalation, holding-in the air, and exhalation. Pranayama prepares the mind for meditation.
Pratyahara(Sense Withdrawal)
The fifth level of Patanjali Yoga is Pratyahara, which involves channelizing the sense organs. Pratyahara Yoga, enables one to be consciously aware of the sensation imparted by the sense organs and allows it to flow without any restriction, avoiding distraction. This is possible by disciplined practice of the sense organs.
Dharana(Concentration)
The sixth level of Patanjali Yoga is Dharana, which means concentration. Concentration of mind is practiced by focusing the eyes or restricting our attention to a particular spot or an object. Whenever our mind wanders from its focus, the mind should be gently brought back.
The following are some of the important practicing methods:
Nasal Gazing: Focusing our eyes at the tip of our nose.
Frontal Gazing:Focusing our eyes at the center of the forehead. ie., between the eyebrows.
Jothi Gazing:Focusing the eyes on the flame of the candle which is kept in the front.
Object Gazing:Focusing the eyes on the object kept in front.
The Dharana may be practiced by sitting in a comfortable posture such as Padmasana or Sukhasana, at a particular place and at a particular time. Through constant and regular practice, concentration could be achieved. Dharana is the preparatory stage for Dhyana.
Dhyana(Meditation)
The seventh level of Raja Yoga is dhyana, which is a deep meditative stage in which the mind is fixed on an object or thought. Through Dhyana, the meditating mind is united with the contemplated object.
Samadhi (Self Realization)
The eight level of Patanjali Yoga is Samadhi, where the consciousness of the meditating person, the object, and the act of meditation are highly integrated into one whole. Self-realization is attained in this unified stage.
The last three stages(Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi) are referred to as a triple-stage of meditation namely Samyama.They are interconnected and practiced sequentially(one after the other). Dharana is followed by Dhyana, and then by Samadhi, which is the culmination stage.
BENEFITS OF YOGA
- Teaches how to lead a disciplined life
- Gives guidelines for a healthy lifestyle
- Keeps both, the mind and body, flexible
- Imparts a cheerful attitude
- Generates stress-free functioning of the brain
- Channelizes the senses to bring concentration.
- Impacts positively.
- Spurs alertness
- Increases your immunity, leading to a ‘Disease Free Life’
- Strengthens the body muscles
- Promotes proper elimination of wastes from our body
- Improves digestion
- Enhances blood circulation
- Low costs