Yog(a): The basics
This is a collection of articles archived for the excellence of their content. |
An integrated science
The Times of India, Jun 18 2016
Nivedita Joshi
Yoga, an integrated science, enables wellness
The sutras of Patanjali cover all aspects of human life, prescribe a code of conduct to lead a life of fulfilment and end with a glorious vision to reach our full potential. Yoga Sutras begin at the very root, mind and intelligence, called chitta or conciousness.In the first chapter Samadhipada, Patanjali analyses the movement and functioning of the mind. The second chapter Sadhanapada deals with practise.Patanjali goes on to provide deep insight into the nature of kleshas or afflictions that affect the body and distract the mind, resulting in distorted behaviour patterns of an individual. The cause of suffering is lack of knowledge and failure to understand the conjunction between Purusha, the seer, and Prakriti, the seen. The external world lures the seer towards its illusory joys, arousing desires. Non-fulfilment of desires results in pain and suffocates freedom if not controlled through yoga. We are all bound by the chain of pain and pleasure.Practise of yoga leads us to experience bliss untainted by pleasure and pain.
Pain may be adyatmika, self-inflicted, or due to adhidaivika, fate or heredity. Or caused by an imbalance of elements in our aadibhautik or constitution lust, anger and greed, all give birth to pain. We participate and aggravate these pains by direct krita, indulgence, by provoking them in karita, the other, or by anumodit, passive acceptance.
In Sadhanapada, Patanjali reaches out to the lowest level of the seeker who is spiritually yet unevolved. The sage strives to inspire him to aspire for absolute freedom and here he coins the term Kriya Yoga. Kriya means action and Kriya Yoga emphasises the dynamic efforts on the part of the sadhaka.
Kriya Yoga comprises eight yogic discipline yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana and samadhi. The seeker is taught to perform asanas so that he becomes familiar with his body and sense intelligence. He becomes alert and sensitive and sharpens his power of concentration. Pranayama gives control over subtle qualities of the elements sound, touch, shape, taste and smell. Pratyahara is withdrawal of the senses and organs of action.
The 16 sutras of the Samadhipada is most illuminating where Patanjali states `Heyam Dhukham Anagatam' (II.16). This aphorism explains that past pain is already extinguished and while the pain we are in process of experiencing can't be totally avoided it can certainly be mitigated to some extent with yogic practice and powers of discrimination. Pain that is likely to occur in the unknown future too can be prevented by adhering to yogic discipline.
According to Patanjali, yoga is a preventive healing art, with its science and philosophy . Practise of yoga assures us of robust health that alone can let us experience spiritual bliss. Patanjali also warns us of the pitfalls that may impede spiritual growth and advises us to stabilise body and mind so that we are not shattered when confronted with tragic realities of human existence.
The third chapter, Vibhutipad, deals with attainments. Patanjali exhorts us to continue the practise of yoga so that the intelligence of consciousness and soul may be equally balanced. Then we attain the highest state of wisdom where the person exists in a perfectly integrated state. This is known as kaivalya. This is the subject matter of the last chapter in the Yoga Sutras called Kaivalyapada that focuses on absolute liberation.
Yoga is an integrated science which alone can restore the wholeness and integrity of our divided being and lets us enjoy real well-being.
Mainly for the mind; body secondary
The Times of India, Jun 20 2016
Hasmukh Adhia
Yoga is for mind, benefit to body is incidental
Most people think of yoga as asanas only , as a way of physical exercise. Some people think of yoga as postures and breathing exercise.Few know of yoga as a technique of meditation. Yoga is a technique of developing awareness of mind with a view to enjoy life with fullness. The benefit that comes to body is incidental. Sage Patanjali defines yoga as the process of gaining mastery over mind.The second appropriate definition of yoga, given in the Yoga Vasishta is “Manah Prasamanopaya Yogah“, which means `Yoga is a subtle technique to calm down the mind'. The Bhagwad Gita defines yoga as a state of equilibrium of mind “Samatvam Yoga Uchyate“. Aurobindo calls yoga as a process of rising above our base nature to divinity . Vivekananda calls yoga as a tool for condensing the process of evolution of man to cosmic being or super consciousness. Who is the ruler of our life? Undoubtedly it is our mind. Raja Yoga is so called because it is a technique of training our mind, which is controlling our life. Many people mistake yogasana to be one of the alternatives available for physical workout. This is so untrue.First of all the purpose of physical exercise is to improve the body , while the purpose of yogasana is basically to control modifications of mind. When we do asanas in the way prescribed by scriptures, our mind becomes steady and quiet.
Once you practise asanas for a long period, the mind learns to be steady in all situations. In the process, the body also becomes flexible and toned.
Another major distinction between asana and other physical exercises is in the method of performing them. In physical exercises, it is believed, that faster the movement, better it is. But in asanas, slower the movement, better it is. And the main benefit of asana comes in maintaining the posture in the final stage.
Also, in yogasana, the coordination of breath with body movement has to be perfect. Then it becomes more beneficial.Breath carries prana, the life-energy of our body . The disturbance in flow of prana in our body causes restlessness of mind and disease in body . Systematic breathing practice removes the imbalance of prana in our body .
So along with asana, breathing coordination is necessary .
The third main distinction lies in the level of awareness.While doing asana, one has to remain fully aware of the body part which is being affected by the posture. Listening to music while doing asana can also cause distraction.This is not the case with physical exercise. Most people workout while listening to loud music or watching TV .Yogasana has to be done in a quiet and pleasant surrounding where one can link body and mind properly by maintaining awareness.
Because of all these differences, yogasana is far superior in its benefit to both body and mind. While both physical exercise and asana improve our skeletomuscular, cardiorespiratory and circulatory systems of the body , yogasana also improves the neuromuscular system and endocrinal system which control our sympathetic and parasympathetic reactions in case of perceived stress. So, in lifestylerelated diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, anxiety and depression, yogasana gives spectacular results.
Happiness is a state of mind. Our idea of `what makes us' happy changes from time to time depending on how trained our mind is to experience happiness. This technique of training your mind is nothing else but yoga.
