|
| |
 |
| |
Pathanjali, a sage
who lived around 300-400 B.C. is the father of Yoga.
His works called 'Pathanjali YogaSuthra' deals with
the principles of Yogic Philosophy. He condensed
these principles into 8 concise points called the
'Ashtanga Yoga' or 'Raja Yoga' which consists of
185 terse aphorisms. These are considered to be
the eight steps in which a man or woman will ultimately
attain self- realization and liberation from the
body and mind.
|
|
|
|
| |
The following
are the eight steps of Ashtanga Yoga :
1 : Yama -
Means following non-violence and truth. It helps a man
to follow a set of moral codes that helps in practicing
and preaching the virtue of truthfulness and restraint
2 : Niyama-
Helps in the development of
personal conduct and behaviour of man. Cleanliness of
both body and mind is essential in a man's development.
He should also be friendly with one and all. Help everybody
to share whatever knowledge he has with others and ultimately
be a good Samaritan.
3 : Asana-
Is the practice of physical postures. There are about
84 lakhs of asanas according to the 'HataYoga Pradipika'.
Yoga asanas are a set of postures, which help in toning
both external and internal parts of the body. Because
of this unique feature, yoga is offered as a prevention
and cure for many diseases and disorders.
4 : Pranayama -
Is the control of breath. One can live without solid food
for 40 days, without water for 3 days but cannot live
without breathing for a few minutes. On an average man
takes 16,000 to 20,000 breaths per day.
5 : Pratyahara -
The control of our senses from exterior objects.
6 : Dharana -
Concentration. Helps in the co-relation between the left
and right parts of our brain. It helps a person to pursue
whatever he does with full involvement and attention.
7 : Dhyana -
Is meditation. It is a higher level of concentration,
wherein a man is able to control the brain waves. It helps
to achieve liberation from the distraction of the mind
and body.
8 : Samadhi -
Or super consciousness is a higher level of meditation.
It helps in attaining self-realization, which is the ultimate
aim of Yoga.
|
|
|
|
