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- Yama: The five disciplines: non-violence, truthfulness, celibacy, non-stealing, non-covetousness
- Niyama: The five observances: purity, contentment, austerity, self-study, and meditation on the Divine
- Asana: Literally means seat. It originally referred to seated positions. With the rising popularity of Hatha Yoga, it came to mean other postures also. The main functions of Asana are: conative, cognitive, mental, intellectual and spiritual
- Pranayam: Control of Prana or vital breath
- Pratyahara: Abstraction. Reversal of the sense organs (As Vyasa said: "That by which the senses do not come into contact with their objects and, as it were, follow the nature of the mind.")
- Dharana: Concentration. Fixing the attention on a single object
- Dhyana: Meditation
- Samadhi: Super-conscious state of trance. A state of liberation.
Perhaps, a little more on Asanas would be wise, given their universal appeal. The purpose of the Asanas is to create a flow of positive energy so that our concentration is directed within ourselves. The rhythmic energy flow and awareness leads to a mental state of pure joy (Ananda). Physical postures, therefore, end up affecting the various interrelated channels (Nadis) of the mind-body complex. Ultimately, the performance of a perfect Yogasana leads to the absolute intellectual absorption of the mind on a single task or concentration (Dharana), which in turn leads to the fusion of the individual spirit with the Divine Self (meditation or Dhyana).
The regular practice of Yogasanas has an immense amount of therapeutic value. Besides various physiological benefits, they positively affect the individual’s creative intelligence. Regular practice helps to keep the body fit, controls cholesterol level, reduces weight, normalizes blood pressure and improves heart performance.
Asanas harmonize our panic ability and mental energy flow by clearing any blockages in the subtle body leading to mental equilibrium and calmness. They make the mind strong thus enabling our human body to suffer pain with fortitude.
Asanas are of various categories:
- Standing
- Forward bending
- Back bending
- Abdominal and lumbar
- Inverted
- Supine
- Balancing
- Twisting
JNANA YOGA, path of Wisdom or Knowledge
Jnana refers to knowledge or wisdom. However, the emphasis is not on
acquiring information, but on developing the analytical powers of the mind. The manner in which the power of analysis is applied depends on the metaphysical system within which it is practiced.
This is the most difficult path. It requires tremendous strength of will and intellect. Taking the philosophy of Vedanta, the Jnana Yogi uses his mind to inquire into its own nature. We perceive the space inside and outside of a house as different, just as we see ourselves as separate from God. Jnana Yoga leads the devotee to experience his unity with God directly by breaking the walls, dissolving the veils of ignorance. Before practicing Jnana Yoga, the aspirant needs to have integrated the lessons of the other yogic paths - for without selflessness and love of God, strength of body and mind, the search for self-realization can become mere idle speculation. |
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