Yoga Philosophy
Introduction.
Yoga is thought to date back at least 10,000 years but the written Sutras (threads) created by the Indian sage Patangali are recognized as the first known fully documented instructions. These are thought to be at least 2500 years old. Below is an abbreviated version of Yoga philosophy as outlined by Patangali. These notes are only intended to create awareness of the subject and indeed, address only one small area. There are many (large) books devoted to this subject if further information is required. Patangali's Sutras were written in the ancient Indian language known as Sanskrit. A lot of Sanskrit terms are still used in yoga today and are referred to below. The overall object of Yoga is to calm the mind. This is done first by strengthening the body, linking the mind, body and breath, then by meditation - John West.
The Eight Limbs of Yoga.
1. Yama (ya-ma) - a set of ethical behaviours.
1a) - Ahimsa (a-him-sa) - do not harm yourself or others
1b) - Satya (sat-ya) - be truthful to yourself and others
1c) - Asteya (as-tay-ya) - Do not steal anything. This includes intellectual property
1d) - Brahmacharya (bra-ma-char-ya) - this has more than one meaning but the first and foremost is to practice moderation in all aspects of life
1e) - Aparigraha (app-a-ri-gra-ha) - To abstain from the practices of greed and hoarding
2. Niyama (knee-ya-ma) - A set of 5 observances to ensure the mind and body are not polluted or ignorant.
2a) - Saucha (sh-ow-sha) - practicing physical and mental cleanliness. This refers to living space as well as personal.
2b) - Santosha (san-tosh-a) - a state of contentment, appreciating what you have
2c) - Tapas (tap-as) - to develop a burning enthusiasm for one yoga practice and lifes work
2d) - Swadhyaya (swa-dee-ya-ya) - a path of self study which leads to self discovery. This study can be formal or informal
2e) - Ishvarapranidharna (ish-va-ra-pra-ni-dana) - acceptance of a supreme being. Note that yoga does not refer to any specific god and you are free to "plug-in" your own religion and god if you have one
3. Asana (ar-san-a) - physical exercises to strengthen and stretch the body.
4. Pranayama (pra-na-ya-ma) - this translate as extension (yama) of the life force (prana).
This is achieved by using breathing techniques known and taught by yogi's over the thousands of years. There are many of these techniques and each has a special purpose. Pranayama should only be learn't under the supervision of a teacher.
5. Pratyahara (prat-ya-ha-ra) - withdrawal of senses or gaining control of senses.
This is the first step towards meditation and involves being able to focus on a task such as Asana practice without interference from outside entering the mind via the senses - example sounds heard outside. This interference could also be from sight, smell, or touch.
6. Dharana (d-ha-ra-na) - concentration of the mind.
This is the pre-requisite for meditation after Pratyahara and is practiced by focusing on an object such as a burning candle or even a sound such as silently chanting OM to yourself. Other methods include focusing on a body part or an image of something meaningful to you.
7. Dhyana (dee-ya-na) - meditation.
Meditation is usually carried out by sitting in an Asana such as Padmasana (lotus posture). This posture aligns the body optimally for meditation by holding the spine erect and in a neutral position. However, meditation can also occur when practicing Asanas or during Pranayama, Pratyahara or Dharana.
8. Samadhi (sa-ma-dee) - this is the state that occurs when the mind is finally stilled and is said to be a state of bliss. It is also a state where the ultimate truth is revealed.
Samadhi can only be achieved when all other 7 limbs are being practiced. The first two limbs of ethical behaviour and observances (yama and niyama) provide a foundation to work from, the next two limbs prepare and strengthen the body using Asana and Pranayama while the following three (pratyarhara, dharana and dhyana) lay the ground work for calming the mind. Only after successful achievment of all 7 limbs can the state of Samadhi be reached.
Yoga is thought to date back at least 10,000 years but the written Sutras (threads) created by the Indian sage Patangali are recognized as the first known fully documented instructions. These are thought to be at least 2500 years old. Below is an abbreviated version of Yoga philosophy as outlined by Patangali. These notes are only intended to create awareness of the subject and indeed, address only one small area. There are many (large) books devoted to this subject if further information is required. Patangali's Sutras were written in the ancient Indian language known as Sanskrit. A lot of Sanskrit terms are still used in yoga today and are referred to below. The overall object of Yoga is to calm the mind. This is done first by strengthening the body, linking the mind, body and breath, then by meditation - John West.
The Eight Limbs of Yoga.
1. Yama (ya-ma) - a set of ethical behaviours.
1a) - Ahimsa (a-him-sa) - do not harm yourself or others
1b) - Satya (sat-ya) - be truthful to yourself and others
1c) - Asteya (as-tay-ya) - Do not steal anything. This includes intellectual property
1d) - Brahmacharya (bra-ma-char-ya) - this has more than one meaning but the first and foremost is to practice moderation in all aspects of life
1e) - Aparigraha (app-a-ri-gra-ha) - To abstain from the practices of greed and hoarding
2. Niyama (knee-ya-ma) - A set of 5 observances to ensure the mind and body are not polluted or ignorant.
2a) - Saucha (sh-ow-sha) - practicing physical and mental cleanliness. This refers to living space as well as personal.
2b) - Santosha (san-tosh-a) - a state of contentment, appreciating what you have
2c) - Tapas (tap-as) - to develop a burning enthusiasm for one yoga practice and lifes work
2d) - Swadhyaya (swa-dee-ya-ya) - a path of self study which leads to self discovery. This study can be formal or informal
2e) - Ishvarapranidharna (ish-va-ra-pra-ni-dana) - acceptance of a supreme being. Note that yoga does not refer to any specific god and you are free to "plug-in" your own religion and god if you have one
3. Asana (ar-san-a) - physical exercises to strengthen and stretch the body.
4. Pranayama (pra-na-ya-ma) - this translate as extension (yama) of the life force (prana).
This is achieved by using breathing techniques known and taught by yogi's over the thousands of years. There are many of these techniques and each has a special purpose. Pranayama should only be learn't under the supervision of a teacher.
5. Pratyahara (prat-ya-ha-ra) - withdrawal of senses or gaining control of senses.
This is the first step towards meditation and involves being able to focus on a task such as Asana practice without interference from outside entering the mind via the senses - example sounds heard outside. This interference could also be from sight, smell, or touch.
6. Dharana (d-ha-ra-na) - concentration of the mind.
This is the pre-requisite for meditation after Pratyahara and is practiced by focusing on an object such as a burning candle or even a sound such as silently chanting OM to yourself. Other methods include focusing on a body part or an image of something meaningful to you.
7. Dhyana (dee-ya-na) - meditation.
Meditation is usually carried out by sitting in an Asana such as Padmasana (lotus posture). This posture aligns the body optimally for meditation by holding the spine erect and in a neutral position. However, meditation can also occur when practicing Asanas or during Pranayama, Pratyahara or Dharana.
8. Samadhi (sa-ma-dee) - this is the state that occurs when the mind is finally stilled and is said to be a state of bliss. It is also a state where the ultimate truth is revealed.
Samadhi can only be achieved when all other 7 limbs are being practiced. The first two limbs of ethical behaviour and observances (yama and niyama) provide a foundation to work from, the next two limbs prepare and strengthen the body using Asana and Pranayama while the following three (pratyarhara, dharana and dhyana) lay the ground work for calming the mind. Only after successful achievment of all 7 limbs can the state of Samadhi be reached.
