|
|
|
|
Aim of
Yoga
Patanjali, the ancient scholar in his Yogasutra has talked about
the ultimate aim of Yoga. He says that Yoga enables one to reach
Kaivalya (emancipation of ultimate freedom) through the
experience of one’s Purusa (innermost being or soul). This will
release one form the chains of Karma (cause and effect), which
ties us to the cycle of reincarnation. Yoga is therefore a
spiritual journey, a quest that blesses one with health,
happiness, tranquility and knowledge. Buddhism and other Eastern
spiritual traditions also practice the Yoga techniques.
Paths of Yoga
According to the Bhagvad Gita there are four main margas (paths)
to reach Kaivalya, the ultimate aim of Yoga. They are:
• Jnana Marga- the path of knowledge where one learns to
discriminate between the real and the illusory
• Karma Marga- the path of selfless work
• Bhakti Marga- the path of mind control and
• Yoga Marga-the path where the mind and consciousness are
brought under control
|
|
Schools
of Yoga
The Schools of Yoga were established by renowned gurus
(spiritual teachers) and they were distinct in their style and
methodology of imparting Yoga. They have evolved from the
different paths of Yoga and they emphasize the different aspects
of Yoga. Some well-known modern schools of Yoga are Iyengar,
Astanga, Vini, Ananda, Anusara, Bikram, Integral, Kali Ray Tri,
Kripalu, Kundalini and Sivananda.
Philosophy of Yoga
The philosophy of Yoga originates from the wisdom of the ancient
rishis (spiritual teachers) of India. There are textual sources
on Yoga like the Vedas and the Upanishads which are the
fountainheads of Hindu philosophy. So also the Puranas which
deal with the nature of the universe. The famous epic, the
Ramayana and the Mahabharata, which contains stories of Gods and
philosophical lectures, also has references to yogis (who
practice yoga) and yogic practices. The Bhagvad Gita which is
part of the Mahabharata, has a detailed discourse on Yoga by
Krishna to Arjuna. Other texts like the Hatha Yoga Pradipika are
technical manuals, which elaborate on the techniques of Yoga.
Perhaps Patanjali’s Yoga sutra is significant in this regard in
its clarity and objective point of view.
|
|
Yoga
sutras of Patanjali
Patanjali has recorded the varied philosophies and methodologies
of Yoga in his Yogasutra written some 2200 years ago. Written in
Sanskrit, it is a concise and comprehensive text which
integrates the various theories and practice from all sources of
yoga. The Sutras are a profound and enlightening study of the
human psyche and its popularity is such that it has inspired a
host of commentaries and translations over the centuries.
There are 8 disciplines to yoga as
presented by Patanjali (thus Astanga yoga - 8 limbed yoga) which
must be practiced and refined in order to perceive the true
self- the ultimate goal of Yoga
1. Yama or Universal Ethics – the ideals of non-violence,
non-stealing, sexual restraint and non-acquisitiveness.
2. Niyama or the principles of self-conduct – the qualities of
purity, contenment, intense dedication, or austerity, study of
self& scriptures and self- surrender.
3. Asana or the practice of postures- the physical exercise part
of Yoga. |
|
|
|
4. Pranayama or breath control – the
knowledge of the breathing mechanism which is the life force
5. Pratyahara or control of sense – the ultimate sublimation of the
self and its desires
6. Dharana or concentration – tapping and controlling the power and
potential of the mind
7. Dhyana or meditation – uniting with the supreme through mental
concentration
8. Samadhi or the state of higher consciousness- when ego breaks
down and the individual sense exists in its pure state.
Yoga and the Asanas
Today the term asana has almost become synonymous with yoga. Asanas
are only one of the eight limbs or types of yoga. Asana refers to
the practice of physical postures or poses. A typical yoga session
begins with gentle asanas or postures and then goes onto the more
challenging postures. A complete yoga session includes pranayama
(breath control practices), relaxation and meditation.
Yoga Classes
Although Yoga can be practiced on our own, some prefer to go to a
yoga instructor or a yoga center. Some instructors focus on the
purely physical benefits of yoga whereas there are others who
concentrate more on the spiritual aspects of yoga making your yoga
time a spiritually fulfilling experience.
|
