Lesson - 26

EIGHT STEPS( ASHTANGAS) OF PATANJALI YOGA:

I) YAMA: Yama is social behavior, how you treat others and the world around you.
These are moral principles. Sometimes they are called the don’ts or the thou shalt
nots.

There are five Yamas = Nonviolence (ahimsa), Truth and honesty (satya), Non-
stealing (asteya), Non-lust (brahmacharya), Non-possessiveness (aparigraha).

The objectives of Yamas is to ensure harmonious relationship and co-existence of

the individual and other members of the society. The five Yamas principles remind
us of our responsibilities as a social being. Though some people say that Yama and
Niyama have certain academic importance only and they do not have practical
utility, in fact all of us knowingly or unknowingly, observe these ethical principles in
our daily life. The degree of observance differs. Patanjali says that the more we
adopt them in of real life, the more meaningful our life will be.

1) AHIMSA (Non-violence)
Non-violence was practiced by Mahatama Gandhi upto perfection, so much so, that
it compelled the British government to go away from the Indian soil. The non-
violence should not only on the physical level but also on mental, emotion and
spiritual level. Exhibiting anger, cruelty or harassment of others are facts of
 violence. The need of ahimsa need no further explanation as the entire world is
praying for WORLD PEACE and freedom from the all pervading terrorism.
2) Satya (Truthfulness)
The concept of truthfulness is a relative one. It depends on one's uprbinging,
intellect, sense organs, understanding, power of discrimination etc. To talk and to
behave according to one's concept of truthfulness brings in mental stability.

3) Asteya (Non-stealing)
Taking away someone's else's things is not only a bad habit but it certainly disturbs
one's mental stability.

4) Brahmacharaya (Chastity or Continence)

It does not mean all should remain bachelor. It means not practicing uncontrolled
and improper sex life. It means disciplined, controlled sex life which brings in
contentment and moral strength.

5) Aparigraha (Non-hoarding)

It is foolish to accumulate wealth and material objects unnecessarily, by unduly

worrying about the future. One has to acquire freedom from greed by giving up
material as well as emotional and intellectual possessiveness.

II) NIYAMA: Niyama is inner discipline and responsibility, how we treat ourselves.
These are sometimes called observances, the do’s, or the thou shalts.

There are five Niyamas = Purity (shoucha), Contentment (santosha), Austerity

(tapas), Study of the sacred text (svadhyaya), Living with an awareness of the
Divine (ishvarapranidhana).

1) Shoucha (Purity)
The body, mind and intellect should be clean. Our thoughts are in fact energy
vibrations. They should be clean and pure.

2) Santosha (Contentment)
One has to put full efforts in the job in had in order to derive maximum
satisfaction in life.

3) Tapa (Penance)
Long and uninterrupted efforts surely bring success.
 4) Swadhyaya (Self-study)
At regular intervals one has to do instrospection of one's body, mind, intellect
and ego.

5) Ishwara Pranidhana (Surrender to supreme Power)

One has to surrender to his chosen deity, so as to get success in the activity.

III) Asanas (Psychosomatic postures)

Yoga asanas, while appearing to deal with the physical body alone, actually
influence the chemical balance of the brain, which is turn improves one's mental
state. They cleanse the body by increasing the blood circulation throughout the
body, purge out the toxins and consequent diseases which are caused by an
irregular life style, unhealthy habits and poor posture.

Asanas tone the whole body, strengthen bones and muscles, correct posture,
improve breathing and increase energy level.

Asanas activate glands and vital organs, making them alert but relaxed. They leave
holistic impact on body and mind.

IV) Pranayama (Disciplined yogic breathing)

'Prana' means vital energy and 'ayama' means stretch, expansion and extension.
Pranayama means disciplined controlled and regulated breathing done with
full application of mind. Asanas and pranayamas are interrelated and
interwoven. Pranayama is a complex process and one has to practice with
greatest sincerity and precision.

V) Pratyahara (Withdrawal of senses)

When the senses withdraw from objects of desire, the mind is released from
the power of senses, which in turn become positive. The mind turns inward
and is set free from the tyranny of the senses. This is pratyahara. Pranayama
directs energy inward and makes mind fit for Pratyahara.

VI) Dharana (One pointed mind)

After withdrawal of senses from outside objects one gets considerable control
on mind, which is made to intensify on a single thought. It is called Dharana.
VII) Dhyana (Meditation)
When the Dharana is prolonged it becomes Dhyana. In Dhyana, one
experiences complete quietness and peace. During dhyana one becomes
free from attachment of the worldly things like joy and sorrow. One achieves
detached involvement.

VIII) Samadhi (Complete absorption)

It is a joint world of 'sama' means alike and 'adhi' means above. In Samadhi
one's consciousness is raised above the ordinary level. Self awarness is lost
and a superior blessful awareness takes birth during samadhi. Samadhi can
only be explained at the intellectual level but can only be experienced at the
level of the heart. Samadhi is the fruit of eight fold path of yoga.

These Ashtangas are separate parts yet they are not watertight compartments. Instead,
they are inter-related and inter-dependent parts. The first four parts, viz. Yama, Niyama,
Asana and Pranayama are collectively known as BAHIRANGA YOGA, which is related to
the overt behavior of the human being. The last three parts, viz. Dharana, Dhyana and
Samadhi are termed as ANTARANGA YOGA, which is also sometimes called Raja Yoga is
related to covert behavior of the human being.
Pratyahara is the link or bridge between Bahiranga Yoga and Antaranga Yoga.

YOGA BREEDS AND NOURISHES POSITIVE THINKING WHICH

IS VITAL FOR SUCCESS IN ANY ACTIVITY. POSITIVE
THINKING SHOWS SOLUTIONS TO ONE AND
ALL IN THE MOST OF THE ADVERSITIES.

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