ASHTANG YOG

Astang / Ashtang Yog is a system of Yog that was taught by the sage Vaman Rishi in the Yog Korunt, which is an ancient manuscript "said to contain lists of many different groupings of asanas, as well as highly original teachings on Vinyas, Drishti, Bandhs, Mudras and Philosophy.

Astanga Yog literally means the "eight-limbed Yog," as outlined by the sage Patanjali in the Yog Sutras.

According to Patanjali, the path of internal purification for revealing the Universal Self consists of the following eight spiritual practices :

1. Yams (Principles or moral code) :

Yam means restraints There are five yamas viz. Ahinsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharaya and Aparigrah.

Ahinsa :

Ahinsa (non-violence) is the foundation upon which the rest of the Yamas and Niyamas are based. One must have Ahinsa 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 - covetousness 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, Swa - adhyay and Ishwar Pranidhan

Sauch :

Physical and mental cleanliness.

Santosh :

Contentment with what one has.

Tap :

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. Asan :

(Yog 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. Dharn :

Dharn 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. Dhyan :

Dhyan is meditation. In Dhyana the mind does not waver from what is started in Dharn. The central aspect in Dhyan 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.