Yoga

As we begin to understand that each of us is being called to raise our own consciousness, as well the consciousness of every other person on earth to a higher level, introspection will surely reveal that we first need to be on a steadfast path of spirituality ourselves, and then share our  awareness with all those around us.

Before we start disseminating our spiritual understanding, it is also very important to know where on the spiritual ladder we are, how far we have come, and how much further we aim to climb. The 8 fold path of Asthanga Yoga serves this aspect very well.

Yoga means, Union with The Divine.

In this system, there are 8 stages of evolution towards Enlightenment. One is considered to have evolved up to a certain level, if one imbibes all the qualities of that level 24 x7. The 8 stages can also be considered as 8 limbs, so when one has to move forward, it cannot happen in a balanced manner if one of the limbs is weak. Therefore one must be aware of where they are weak and strengthen that aspect of themselves if they want to achieve Enlightenment.

No doubt, it is a tough job in today’s world to be a focused and pure being all the time, but that does not mean we should reject systems that teach us purity by saying “Give me a system that suits Me!” We can instead imbibe tenets of a system to a level that suits our individual consciousness.

The Eight-Fold path of Asthanga Yoga:

1) Yama (Regulations)

a) Satya (Speak the Truth) – Unless it causes a greater harm

b) Asteya (Do not Steal) – In thought or deed

c) Aparigraha (Non-Covetousness) – Don’t take what’s not yours and don’t take in excess

d) Brahmacharya (No Sexual Misconduct) – Procreate, satisfy basic needs, but avoid indulgence

e) Ahimsa (No Violence) – In thoughts, words or deeds

2) Niyama (Rules)

a) Schaucha (Be clean) – Inside and outside, in the body as well as in the mind

b) Santosha (Be satisfied) – With what you have

c) Swadhyaya (Introspection about the direction of your life) – To stay on the path of Yog

d) Tapas (Sacrifice) – Acts to maintain or enhance your state of Yog

e) Ishwar Pranidhana (Surrender to the Divine) – All your acts, offer them to the Divine

3) Asana (Sit in Stillness) – In Seclusion to experience peace and tranquility and your            inner self

4) Pranayama (Regulation of Breath) – So as to correct imbalances in prana flow

5) Pratyahara (Ending of Habits and Hang-ups) – Emergence of Holistic & Healthy living

6) Dharana (Occasional pauses of Seperativeness) – Divisive movements in                              Consciousness

7) Dhyana (Contemplative Awakenness) – Meditation without the Meditator

8) Samadhi (Evenminded Mindfulness) – Sabikalpa (occasional) / Nirbikalpa (perpetual)

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