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Although you can begin your yoga practice just to
satisfy your general interest in the physical aspects of yoga, eventually
you will want to learn more about it. So, let's begin.
What is Yog (yoga)?
The meaning of yog is derived from the sanskrit word
"yoj", which in English we know as a yoke, which is an instrument which
unites two different beings (horses) so that the two entities continue
in the same direction. Each of us is made of two aspects, the minds and
the body. When these two aspects of our being are out of alignment, we
would say you are out of "yoj". The object of "yog" is to bring these two
diffect parts of our being into harmony.
How do we do this? By combining two forms of yog, Hatha
Yog, which works on the body, and Raj Yog, which works on the mind. This
is known as Ashtanga Yog.
So, what is Ashtanga Yoga?
In short, Ashtanga Yoga is the combination of the 5 disciplines
of Hatha Yoga and the 3 meditative states of Raja Yoga. Combined, these
constitute the 8 limbs of Ashtanga Yoga.
HATHA YOGA: (physical control)
YAM (yama): (5) Social Disciplines
(how to live within the world)
1. Nonviolence (word, action and thought)
2. Do not steal
3. Release of envy (possessions and accomplishments)
4. Speak and live TRUTH
5. Practice self-restraint (do not live in excess or
depravity)
NIYAM (niyama): (5) Personal Disciplines (how
to live one's life)
1. Maintain mental purity and physical
cleanliness
2. Rise above objects of desire
3. Accept your situation in life
4. Repeat the sutras
5. Devote yourself to a personal diety- or the
universal consciousness
ASAN (asana): (Bandak, Mudra) physical poses,
postures, that help create a sound body and mind (asan = posture, being)
PRANAYAM (pranayama): control of your breath
(prana=life force, yama=control)
PRATYAHAR (pratyahara): control over the
five senses (you do not let yourself be led by the desires provoked by
the five senses)
RAJA YOGA: (meditative)
DYANA: 1st Stage of Meditation. Concentration:
development of conscious awareness
DHARANA: 2nd Stage of Meditation: Contemplation:
deep reflection and meditation
SAMADI: 3rd Stage of Meditation: Enlightenment:
complete sense of oneness with self, universe and environment through deep
meditation. Release of ego for universal self.
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