If you have studied Ashtanga Yoga, or any other yoga style for that matter, you must have come across Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. This is not to be confused with the Mysore-style Ashtanga Yoga developed by Pattabhi Jois. Written sometime around 2nd Century BC, the sutras is a comprehensive guide on the eight stages of evolution that one needs to go through, to attain enlightenment. These also guide the practitioner of yoga, on the path of spirituality and self-realization. It is a step-by-step guide, which you need to follow to get liberation in the true sense of the word. Learn about authentic yoga from the best yoga school in India, today.
The Eight Limbs Explained
According to sage Patanjali, one must understand each step before walking on the same path. However, in the last few decades, as many self-taught Gurus emerged, many of the scripts have been changed. You must walk on the pathway, sequentially, to get maximum benefits.
Let us explore the subject in more detail, so that you can understand it in a better manner. Yama is the ethical guiding principle and Niyama, which comes after it, is the prescribed code of conduct. You need to master these, before moving ahead with the physical manifestations of yoga, like asana or Pranayama.
After you have studied and made the Yama and Niyama, a part of your life, you can navigate to the next practices. They are the asana and Pranayama. For sage Patanjali, there was only one asana, the one that you needed to practice meditation and Pranayama, in a comfortable manner. So, probably asanas came in much later. A learned yoga teacher from the best yoga school in India can explain all of the above in greater detail.
Thereafter comes Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi comes next. The last three stages of Patanjali’s Sutras can only be experienced, once you are in the right mental set-up. If you want to connect to the divine, you need to master all of the above. Then only you can move forward.
- Yama – It teaches, ahimsa, satya, asteya, brahmacharya, and aparigraha. In modern life, you can practice ahimsa by being kind towards others. Moreover, you should also abstain from killing other beings, whether animals, or even plants. Therefore, switching to a vegetarian diet is of utmost importance. Satya speaks about truthfulness. According to the principle of Asteya, you must not indulge in any sort of theft, whether physical or that of intellectual objects. Controlling sexual urges comes next, in the context of brahmacharya. Moderation is the key according to Patanjali. The last one, aparigraha points towards non-attachment. You should not develop too much love for something physically, mentally, or emotionally.
- Niyama – It revolves around ethical observances. They are saucha, santosha, tapas, svadhyaya, and Ishvara Pranidhana. The first one asks one to maintain cleanliness both internally and externally. Thereafter, you are encouraged to develop a feeling of contentment, as in santosha. Tapas is self-discipline. In the context of yoga, even today, if you are not self-disciplined, you cannot go far. Self-study comes next, which encourages introspection and self-love through knowledge. The last one points towards surrender to the divine.
- Asanas – They are the physical poses that create heat within the body and help you to gain flexibility and strength. It prepares the body for higher objectives like meditation and Pranayama. If you move your body parts regularly, it can also help in gaining fine mental health.
- Pranayama – It is nothing but breath-control. When you can manipulate your breath, then you can also balance the energies which flow through the body. Yogic breathing can help you to manage body processes in a far better manner.
- Pratyahara – This is the fifth sutra which talks about the withdrawal of the senses. It means, moving away from distractions. Mindful disengagement from things like social media is one of the practices that takes you forward. It ultimately leads to better mental clarity and also reduces stress.
- Dharana – The cultivation of unwavering focus is what is encouraged through this. You must anchor yourself in the present moment, to develop the quality. In this modern world, practicing mindfulness is absolutely necessary, to stay productive and healthy. Once you can master this, moving ahead towards the next step Dhyana becomes easier.
- Dhyana – It goes beyond the act of Dharana. It is the ultimate state of meditation, which points towards a state of deep absorption. There are several methods of meditation which you can practice today. There is guided meditation and unguided ones as well. You must choose the one that aligns with your mind-set.
- Samadhi – This is the final stage, or you can also call it the ultimate goal. This is the phase, when you are liberated from all attachments, be they material or non-material. In modern times, those who want to remain in family life, must inculcate a sense of purpose and fulfilment, in their actions. Moreover, mindful living is encouraged today.
Thus, you can very well understand the context of learning Patanjali’s Sutras today. It is more than just studying some old and obsolete script. You must study it in detail, and with a lot of conviction, to lead a rich life. You are guided through this comprehensive framework to lead a life that aligns with the guiding principles of the sutras. Deepen your understanding of this practice, through this divine knowledge.
Conclusion
You must ensure to gain holistic knowledge of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras from one of the best schools. Joining a yoga teacher training in India is the best thing to do. You can enrol for a course at the most prestigious schools following the original lineage. It will help you to gain mastery over the holistic subject of yoga, as you get to study from the beginning of time. Learning about the Vedas, Upanishads, and other religious scripts will also open your intellect.
Choose a school which resonates with your lifestyle choices and also offers a certification. These will help you to gain a foothold in this sphere.