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Yoga Darshana (योगदर्शनम्) (view source)
Revision as of 15:05, 28 November 2022
, 15:05, 28 November 2022→Ashtanga Yoga: Adding content with reference - to be edited
== Ashtanga Yoga ==
== Ashtanga Yoga ==
The system of classical yoga was compiled by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras , based upon older traditions going back to Vedic times. Called Raja Yoga or the Royal Yoga, it covers the entire range of yogic practices from as ana and pranayama to mantra and the many forms of meditation.
According to Patanjali, "Yoga is the complete control of the operations of the mind." These operations of the mind, called vrittis, constitute all our mental activities from the deepest subconscious memories to the highest superconscious insights. Patanjali is not referring to control of the mind in the ordinary sense but to a complete mastery of all levels of consciousness, including subliminal and cosmic layers not known to ordinary awareness or even to modern psychology.
Only from such control of the mind can arise knowledge of our true Self CAtman or Purusha) beyond manifestation, which is the ultimate goal of yoga practice. To reach this control of the mind we must have mastery of the body, senses and prana, as well as the outer aspects of our personal and social life.
The Eight Limbs of Yoga
Raja Yoga provides an integral eightfold approach or eight limbs (ashtanga) for the development of consciousness. These are like the limbs of the body and work together in various ways. Each has its proper role necessary for right development.<ref name=":7" />
Ashtanga Yoga or Raja Yoga
Ashtanga Yoga or Raja Yoga
Yama: Universal laws, Ahimsa-Satya-Asteya-Brahmcharya-Aparigrah<ref name=":5">Ashish Pandey (2022), Lecture Presentation on Yoga and Positive Psychology for Managing Career and Life (Session 13 - Interventions for Managing Self and Career).</ref> अहिंसासत्यास्तेयब्रह्मचर्यापरिग्रहा यमाः॥२.३०॥
Yama: Universal laws, Ahimsa-Satya-Asteya-Brahmcharya-Aparigrah<ref name=":5">Ashish Pandey (2022), Lecture Presentation on Yoga and Positive Psychology for Managing Career and Life (Session 13 - Interventions for Managing Self and Career).</ref> अहिंसासत्यास्तेयब्रह्मचर्यापरिग्रहा यमाः॥२.३०॥
Rules of Social Conduct<ref name=":7" />
'''Nonviolence:''' अहिंसा - प्रतिष्ठायाम् तत् - सन्निधौ वैर- त्यागः॥On being firmly established in non-violence, all beings coming near him cease to be hostile.
'''Nonviolence:''' अहिंसा - प्रतिष्ठायाम् तत् - सन्निधौ वैर- त्यागः॥On being firmly established in non-violence, all beings coming near him cease to be hostile.
Niyama: Social and personal observances; Shauch-Santosha-Tapas-Svadhyaya-Ishwara Pranidhana<ref name=":5" /> शौचसंतोषतपःस्वाध्यायेश्वरप्रणिधानानि नियमाः॥२.३२॥
Niyama: Social and personal observances; Shauch-Santosha-Tapas-Svadhyaya-Ishwara Pranidhana<ref name=":5" /> शौचसंतोषतपःस्वाध्यायेश्वरप्रणिधानानि नियमाः॥२.३२॥
Rules of Personal Behavior<ref name=":7" />
Cleanliness: Shaucha, सत्त्व-शुद्धि-सौमनस्य-ऐकाग्र्य-इन्द्रिय-जय-आत्मदर्शन-योग्यत्वानि One achieves purification of the Sattva, cheerfulness of the mind, concentration, conquest of the organs and fitness for the realization of the Self.
Cleanliness: Shaucha, सत्त्व-शुद्धि-सौमनस्य-ऐकाग्र्य-इन्द्रिय-जय-आत्मदर्शन-योग्यत्वानि One achieves purification of the Sattva, cheerfulness of the mind, concentration, conquest of the organs and fitness for the realization of the Self.
Self observation: Svadhyay, स्वाध्यायात् -इष्टदेवता-सम्प्रयोग:॥ From study and by repetition of the mantras comes communion with one's chosen deity<ref name=":6" />
Self observation: Svadhyay, स्वाध्यायात् -इष्टदेवता-सम्प्रयोग:॥ From study and by repetition of the mantras comes communion with one's chosen deity<ref name=":6" />
Āsana: Physical postures
Āsana: Physical postures<ref name=":7" />
Prāṇāyāma: Regulation of vitality through breath<ref name=":5" /> Control of the Vital Force<ref name=":7" />
Pratyāhāra: Withdrawal of senses from external world<ref name=":5" /> Control of the Senses<ref name=":7" />
Dhāraṇā: Effortful, focused attention, concentration<ref name=":5" /> Right Attention or Control of the Mind<ref name=":7" />
Dhyāna: Meditation,<ref name=":7" /> effortless, perpetual flow of attention<ref name=":5" />
Samādhi: self-transcendence and ecstasy<ref name=":5" /> Absorption<ref name=":7" />
The first five limbs from yama to pratyahara make up the outer aspect of yoga. They are preliminary in nature, laying the foundation for deeper practice. The first two (yama and niyama) refer to the right attitudes, values and lifestyle practices necessary for yoga, its ethical foundation. The next three (asana, pranayama, pratyahara) are the means to control the outer aspects of our nature as body, breath and senses. The last three (dharana, dhyana and samadhi) are called samyama or integration. They naturally go together. Attention naturally leads to meditation, which in time results in absorption or the unification of the perceiver and the perceived. They bring us knowledge of our true Self.<ref name=":7" />
== Stages in Yoga Practice ==
== Stages in Yoga Practice ==
In Yoga, Sattva is the higher quality that allows spiritual growth to occur. With reference to this quality Yoga practice is described as comprising of two stages viz. the development of sattva and transcendence of sattva. Development of sattva means purification of body and mind. Transcendence of sattva means going beyond the body and mind to our true Self beyond manifestation. Without development of sattva, one cannot transcend it. Therefore, developing sattva or purity in body and mind, including the emotions is imperative in the path of seeking any further enlightenment. And development of sattva occurs through right diet, physical purification, control of the senses, control of the mind, mantra and devotion while, transcendence of sattva comes from higher meditation practices.<ref>David Frawley (1999), [https://archive.org/details/yogaayurvedaselfhealingandselfrealizationdavidfrawley_757_/mode/2up Yoga & Ayurveda], Wisconsin: Lotus Press.</ref>
In Yoga, Sattva is the higher quality that allows spiritual growth to occur. With reference to this quality Yoga practice is described as comprising of two stages viz. the development of sattva and transcendence of sattva. Development of sattva means purification of body and mind. Transcendence of sattva means going beyond the body and mind to our true Self beyond manifestation. Without development of sattva, one cannot transcend it. Therefore, developing sattva or purity in body and mind, including the emotions is imperative in the path of seeking any further enlightenment. And development of sattva occurs through right diet, physical purification, control of the senses, control of the mind, mantra and devotion while, transcendence of sattva comes from higher meditation practices.<ref name=":7">David Frawley (1999), [https://archive.org/details/yogaayurvedaselfhealingandselfrealizationdavidfrawley_757_/mode/2up Yoga & Ayurveda], Wisconsin: Lotus Press.</ref>
== योगदर्शनस्य महत्त्वम् ॥ Importance of Yoga ==
== योगदर्शनस्य महत्त्वम् ॥ Importance of Yoga ==