RAJ
YOGA / ASTANGA YOGA
Astanga Yoga or Raj Yoga
is a system of Yoga that was taught
by the sage Vamana Rishi in the Yoga Korunta, which is an ancient
manuscript "said to contain lists of many different groupings
of asanas, as well as highly original teachings on Vinyasa, Drishti,
Bandhas, Mudras and Philosophy". Astanga Yoga literally
means the "eight-limbed yoga," as outlined by the sage Patanjali in
the Yoga Sutras. According to Patanjali, the path of internal purification for
revealing the Universal Self consists of the following eight spiritual practices:
1.Yamas (Principles or moral code): Yama
means restraints There are five
yamas viz. Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharaya and Aparigraha.
Ahimsa : Ahimsa is the foundation upon which the rest
of the Yamas and Niyamas are based. One must have Ahimsa in one`s thoughts,
speech and actions.
Satya : Truth must always co-relate with
the facts as they are. Truth that causes pain or injury is not positive. Truth
should be spoken in harmony with nature.
Asteya : One must not take away from another.
It would deprive others from the fruits of their work or from what is
rightfully theirs. Thus stealing cause injury as well.
Brahmacharya : Control of sex organs / instincts
increases one`s energy. From this energy one can
gain miraculous powers, or more important - can gain knowledge.
Aparigraha : Non - conveotusness is the lack
of desire to possess not only material objects, but persons,
places, feelings and so forth. The One who has no interest or desire to possess
the past, present or future, will find knowledge of these
three : time states coming to him naturally.
2. Niyamas (Self-Purification and study):
Niyam means observances . There are
five niayamas viz. Saucha, Santosh, Tapa,
Swadhyay and Ishwar Pranidhan.
* Saucha : Physical and mental cleanliness.
* Santosh : Contentment with what one has.
* Tapa : By fortitude the removal of impurities and mastering of
the body and the senses follow.
* Swadhyaya : Through self study, communication can be established with
the desired spiritual entity.
* Ishwar Pranidhan : " Our intelligence is no match
to the divine wisdom". Keeping this in mind always, one
should surrender to the will of God with complete faith after
having done one`s duties very well.
3. Asana : (Yoga Postures
/ positions) Asana means postures. A stable and comfortable
posture which helps attain mental equilibrium.
4. Pranayam : Paranayam
means control of bio-energy. Prana
is the vital energy which influences
the functioning of each cell in the body. Control of Prana is control of mind.
Vibrations of prana produce thoughts in the mind and it is Prana that moves
the mind. With Pranayam, we understand and control our bio
energy : the life giving force.
5. Pratyahar : Pratyahara
means abstraction of senses.The senses follow
the mind as the bees follow the queen bee
: they imitate the mind. Mind is steadied with Pranayams and with practise
of Pranayams, one is also able to observe
: Pratyahar : abstraction or withdrawal of senses from their objects.
6. Dharna : Dharna refers to concentration.
The charachteristics of Dharna are :
a. Placing the mind on an object for a long duration.
b. Gaining one pointedness.
c. Keeping the mind in a limited area.
Through longer periods of sustained concentraion the mind undergoes a change,
it relaxes, overcomes distractions and may poosibly help to prevent mental diseases
yet to come. The mind then becomes serene and joyful.
7. Dhyana : Dhyana
is meditation. In Dhyana the mind does not waver f rom what
is started in Dharna. The central aspect in Dhyanaa is the mind
itself - its nature, its reaction, its steadiness or lack of steadiness. When
an individual is relaxed and introspective, he understands the mind`s defects.
In Dhyana we see a thing from many angles and see it in its wholeness.
Meditation should be of a long duration and it should be brought
under our control.
8. Samadhi : Samadhi
is the state of trance consciousness. Bhikshu describes Samadhi as the absense
of mind when concentrating on an object. In Samadhi the awareness of thinking
ceases. In Samadhi - The whole effort is in realization, everything
is revealed. Samadhi is an indescribable experience, if one analyses
the experience while going through it, he loses it.
It's an intensely positive experience, however,
it cannot be intellectually explained.
