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Ashtanga: The 8-Limbed Yoga
Ashtanga is the eight-limbed yoga. It is the path of systematic
analysis and control of the mind. Compiled by Patanjali
Maharishi, Ashtanga Yoga is also known as "Raja Yoga."
1. Yamas- Restraints
- Ahimsa- Non violence, non injury
- Satya- Truthfulness; non telling of lies
- Brahmacharya- Chastity, sublimation of the sexual energy
- Asteya- Not stealing, non-covetness, lack of jealousy
2. Niyama- Observances
- Saucha- Purity (external and internal)
- Santosha- Contentment
- Tapas- Austerity, pure practices
- Swadhyaya- Study of religious scriptures
- Ishwara-pranidhana - Worship of the Lord, surrender
the ego
Together the Yamas and Niyamas form the high moral character
and ethical conduct. The mind is uplifted and purified
for deep meditation.
3. Asana- Steady Pose
For spiritual practice, as for any other pursuit in life,
a healthy and strong system is also essential. Steady
mind presupposes steady body. Attain one-pointedness of
mind and forget about the body.
4. Pranayama- Control of the Vital Energy
(breathe)
The physical nerves as well as the astral energy tubes
(nadis) must be pure and strong enough to withstand various
mental phenomena and disorientations that can occur during
practice. In the process of turning inward, old negativities
may surface. One must be strong to confront these aspects
of the subconsiousness.
5. Pratyahara- Withdrawal of the Senses
from Objects
6. Dharana- Concentration
Concentration of the mind upon either an external object
or an internal idea, to the exclusion of all other thoughts
for at least 12 seconds.
7. Dhyana- Meditation
Meditation is defined as 'an unbroken flow of thought
towards God.'
8. Samadhi- Super-Conscious State
It is sublime beyond description: beyond the grasp of
the mind. Samadhi transcends all ordinary, sensory experiences
as well as time, space and causation. Samadhi represents
the goal of existence. It is what all living beings are
moving towards.
The above information was taken from
the Sivananda Teacher Training Handbook
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