Yoga Sutras: Yamas/Niyamas
THE YOGA SUTRAS OF PATANJALI:
The Yoga Sutras are in themselves very brief, less than 10 pages, yet, they contain the essence of practical wisdom for conscious and happy living, Yoga sutras succinctly outline the art and science of Yoga philosophy and practice for Self realization. It is a systematic process of examining one’s own mind, tendencies and habits, then transcending all the various levels of false identity.
Yoga means union of the parts, it translates as to yoke; Sutras mean thread and this thread or multiple threads weave a tapestry of insights, and one’s own direct experience of Yoga, the individual and the ultimate are One.
The first level of yoga are the guidelines for how to live a conscious and harmonious life as an individual and with society in large Yama and Niyama.
The second level is practice or sadhana.
This practice involves postures asana, expansion or breath control Pranayama and Pratyahara or drawing senses inward so they may be quietly present at the core of our being.
The third level is the grace of the practice. Dharana is concentration and full attention. Dhyana is mediation. Samadhi is a state of bliss and the union with the Ultimate reality or the Supreme Spirit.
In the third, the innermost level, the essence of one’s practice offers the nectar of freedom, poise and peace.
Patanjali Yoga Sutras: The Eight Limbs of Yoga
The Yamas and Niyamas provide concise and very applicable guidelines:
YAMAS: Ethical observation and a discipline, pertain to our relationships with others, our environment and nature as a whole.
1. Ahimsa or non harming, non-violence, kindness to self and others, compassion, non obstruction of the flow of nature, gentleness to others and ourselves.
Mahatma Ghandi practiced ahimsa
2. Satya: Truthfullnes, being true to ourselves and others, integrity, honesty, not conceiling the truth, not eggagerating or downplaying
3. Asteya: non- stealing, not taking what is not our own, not hoarding, not keeping to yourself when others lack, it is a gift to live simply.
4. Brahmacharya: ethical conduct of moderation, not manipulating others, being mindful of sexual desires, directing sexual energy appropriately.
5. Aparigraha: non possesiveness, open heart, generosity, living simply and without undue attachments to our own possessions of any kind
be it a talent, intellectual power, money or accomplishments.
NIYAMAS: These are internal restraints; ethical guidelines pertaining to daily actions, attitude toward self, others, and a quality of communication.
1. Saucha: inner and outer cleanliness, clarity, balanced outlook, equanimity of thought and action, benevolence.
2. Santosha: contentment, acceptance of circumstances, gratitude, tranquility, peace with self and others
3. Tapas: Self discipline, fire of transformation process, purification, achieving deeper connection with our Divine nature, every painful experience is an opportunity to let go.
4. Svadhyaya: study of the self, mindful study of scriptures, and open-minded inquiry into the nature of the universe and our place in it.
5. Isvara Pranidhana: devotion to the Universal Spirit, surrender to the higher power, Thy will be done, seeing the Divine in all living beings, including animals, trees as well as people.
ASANAS: Practice of yoga positions with mindful attitude and sensitivity to one’s own body is important. There are over 600 yoga positions and many different styles of practice. Yoga helps with many problems of modern living. On a physical level, yoga helps with numerous ailments. The practice of postures strengthens the body and creates a sense of wellbeing. On a psychological level, pratice of yoga sharpens the focus and intellect.
Asanas develop a strong and elastic body, soothe the nerves, and develop control of the mind. With flexible body and calm nervous system comes the ability to sit more comfortably in meditation.
PRANAYAMA: Prana is a life force.Pranayama is the connecting link between the body and the mind. Through the practice of breath observation, extension and control, we can free the conditioned mind from its restless scanning , analysis and its conditioned thinking by focusing attention on breath.
Ujjai breath is a form of pranayama
PRATYAHARA: When the body is more relaxed and the movement of prana is observed easily, the practice of sense withdrawal becomes possible.
External objects, desires created by the mind are seen clearly and as passing by, our true nature reveals itself.
When we turn attention inward and notice our own conditioning, and not merely react to things, rather observing our own conditioned reactions and selective attention, we can begin the process of freeing ourselves from the conditioned egoic existence.
Mastering pratyahara, one transcends dualities, such as pleasure and pain, experiencing more equanimity, fearlessness, generosity, less anger, no judgement illumined and free from pride. Dharana: contemplation: the goal of all eight limbs is yoga or union with the Universal. When attention is focused on one thing deeply, one transcends the dualistic relationship of the subject ( me ) observing the object ( other ), and becomes one with it, is absorbed into, what is contemplated
( without analysis ). Often in Yoga it is the breath contemplated, but it can be anything or anyone, such as contemplating universal vibration of AUM, the scent of a flower, there is no measurement, no judgement, no comparison.
DHARANA is the deep state of refined concentration> The movement of prana is stable. This is a precursor to an effective meditation.
DHYANA: Deep state of meditation where the mind and senses are stilled, so still it reflects clearly the ultimate knowing that all is One. In Zen, no mind, beyond words and thoughts. Just is, issness, the rational, logical, linear mind and its conditioning are at rest. The Universal, like breath, moves in and out. As in contemplation, there is no analysis, no judgement, no comparison.
SAMADHI: When we free ourselves from ego conditioned selective consciousness or particular perspectives, Realizing that Universal consciousness is what we are, one is free to relax completely into the Ocean of Peace and bliss on being, an experience beyond the limits of words and logical grasp.