Light on Yoga

1. Yoga: Uniting Body, Mind, and Spirit

Yoga is a timeless pragmatic science evolved over thousands of years dealing with the physical, moral, mental and spiritual well-being of man as a whole.

Holistic well-being. Yoga, derived from the Sanskrit word "yuj," meaning to bind or join, is more than just physical exercise; it's a comprehensive system for uniting the body, mind, and spirit. It aims to yoke all aspects of our being to the divine, fostering a state of equilibrium and harmony. This union transcends mere physical fitness, encompassing moral, mental, and spiritual dimensions.

Beyond physical postures. While asanas (physical postures) are a visible component, yoga delves deeper into the realms of mental discipline, emotional balance, and spiritual awareness. It's a practical philosophy designed to cultivate inner peace and self-realization. The practice is not about achieving a perfect pose, but about the journey of self-discovery and the integration of all aspects of the self.

A path to liberation. Yoga seeks to liberate the individual spirit (jivatma) from the limitations of the ego and connect it with the Supreme Universal Spirit (Paramatma). This union leads to liberation (moksha) from suffering and the realization of one's true nature. Through consistent practice, yoga offers a path to transcend the ordinary and experience the extraordinary potential within.

2. The Eight Limbs: A Path to Self-Realization

The right means are just as important as the end in view.

Eightfold path. Patanjali's Yoga Sutras outline an eight-limbed path (Ashtanga Yoga) to achieve union with the divine. These limbs are not sequential steps but rather interconnected aspects of a holistic practice. They include:

• Yama (ethical restraints)
• Niyama (self-discipline)
• Asana (physical postures)
• Pranayama (breath control)
• Pratyahara (sense withdrawal)
• Dharana (concentration)
• Dhyana (meditation)
• Samadhi (union with the divine)

Outward and inward quests. The first three limbs (Yama, Niyama, and Asana) focus on external discipline and physical well-being, preparing the body and mind for deeper exploration. The next two limbs (Pranayama and Pratyahara) bridge the external and internal worlds, teaching control over breath and senses. The final three limbs (Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi) delve into the innermost recesses of the soul, leading to profound meditation and self-realization.

Harmony and balance. The eight limbs work synergistically to create a balanced and harmonious approach to self-transformation. By integrating these practices into daily life, practitioners can cultivate inner peace, self-awareness, and a deeper connection to the universe. The path is not about striving for perfection but about embracing the journey of self-discovery with patience and dedication.

3. Asanas: Mastering the Body for Spiritual Growth

The yogi conquers the body by the practice of asanas and makes it a fit vehicle for the spirit.

More than just exercise. Asanas, the physical postures of yoga, are not merely gymnastic exercises; they are tools for mastering the body and preparing it for spiritual growth. They cultivate steadiness, health, and lightness of limb, promoting mental equilibrium and preventing fickleness of mind. Through asanas, the body becomes a fit instrument for the soul.

Benefits of asana practice:

• Improved physical health: Asanas exercise every muscle, nerve, and gland in the body, promoting strength, flexibility, and vitality.
• Mental discipline: Asanas train the mind to focus and concentrate, cultivating self-awareness and inner peace.
• Body awareness: Asanas foster a deeper connection to the body, allowing practitioners to understand its limitations and potential.

Evolutionary significance. The names of asanas often reflect the natural world, drawing inspiration from plants, animals, and legendary figures. This connection to nature reminds practitioners of the interconnectedness of all beings and the presence of the Universal Spirit in every form of life. Asanas are not just about physical poses; they are about recognizing the divine within.

4. Pranayama: Controlling the Breath, Controlling the Mind

As a fire blazes brightly when the covering of ash over it is scattered by the wind, the divine fire within the body shines in all its majesty when the ashes of desire are scattered by the practice of pranayama.

The science of breath. Pranayama, the rhythmic control of breath, is a powerful tool for regulating the mind and cultivating inner peace. It involves mastering the functions of breathing: inhalation (puraka), exhalation (rechaka), and retention (kumbhaka). By consciously controlling the breath, practitioners can influence the flow of prana (vital energy) within the body.

The mind-breath connection. The mind and breath are intimately connected; the activity or cessation of one affects the other. By regulating the breath, practitioners can calm the restless mind and direct energy into constructive channels. Pranayama is not merely a physical exercise; it's a gateway to mental equipoise and inner peace.

Caution and guidance. Due to its potent effects, pranayama should be approached with caution and under the guidance of an experienced teacher. Improper practice can lead to respiratory problems and nervous system imbalances. Proper practice, however, can free one from disease and unlock the divine fire within.

5. Ethical Living: Yama and Niyama as Foundation

The qualities demanded from an aspirant are discipline, faith, tenacity and perseverance to practise regularly without interruptions.

Moral compass. Yama and Niyama, the first two limbs of yoga, provide the ethical foundation for spiritual practice. They are universal moral commandments that transcend creed, country, age, and time. Yama encompasses ethical disciplines in our interactions with the external world, while Niyama focuses on self-purification through internal discipline.

The five Yamas:

• Ahimsa (non-violence): Cultivating love and compassion for all beings.
• Satya (truthfulness): Living in accordance with truth in thought, word, and deed.
• Asteya (non-stealing): Refraining from taking what is not rightfully yours.
• Brahmacharya (continence): Practicing self-restraint and channeling energy wisely.
• Aparigraha (non-coveting): Letting go of greed and attachment to material possessions.

The five Niyamas:

• Saucha (purity): Maintaining cleanliness of body, mind, and environment.
• Santosha (contentment): Cultivating inner peace and satisfaction with what is.
• Tapas (austerity): Practicing self-discipline and burning away impurities.
• Svadhyaya (self-study): Engaging in introspection and studying sacred texts.
• Ishvara Pranidhana (dedication to the Lord): Surrendering to a higher power and dedicating actions to the divine.

By adhering to these ethical principles, practitioners create a solid foundation for spiritual growth and harmonious relationships with themselves and the world around them.

6. The Guru-Sisya Relationship: Guidance on the Yogic Path

He alone is a Guru who removes darkness and brings enlightenment.

The role of the Guru. The Guru, or spiritual teacher, plays a vital role in guiding the aspirant on the yogic path. A true Guru is free from egotism and selflessly leads the disciple (sisya) towards self-realization. The Guru transmits knowledge of the Spirit and inspires confidence, devotion, discipline, and deep understanding through love.

Qualities of a Sisya:

• Confidence and devotion to the Guru
• Eagerness for knowledge and a questioning spirit
• Humility, perseverance, and tenacity of purpose
• Sraddha (dynamic faith)

A special bond. The relationship between Guru and sisya transcends ordinary relationships, such as those between parent and child or friends. It is a sacred bond built on trust, respect, and a shared commitment to spiritual growth. The Guru guides the sisya, encourages questions, and helps them overcome obstacles on the path to self-realization.

7. Overcoming Obstacles: Distractions and Remedies

To win a battle, a general surveys the terrain and the enemy and plans counter-measures. In a similar way the Yogi plans the conquest of the Self.

Obstacles on the path. The yogic path is not without its challenges. Patañjali identifies several distractions and obstacles (chitta vikshepa) that can hinder the aspirant's progress. These include sickness (vyadhi), languor (styana), doubt (samsaya), indifference (pramada), laziness (alasya), sensuality (avirati), illusion (bhranti darshana), failure to attain continuity of thought (alabdha bhumikatva), and instability in concentration (anavasthitattva).

The fourfold remedy. To overcome these obstacles, Patañjali offers a fourfold remedy:

• Maitri (friendliness): Cultivating a feeling of oneness with all beings.
• Karuna (compassion): Showing compassion and actively relieving the suffering of others.
• Mudita (delight): Taking delight in the good work done by others.
• Upeksha (disregard): Examining one's own faults and being charitable to all.

Planning the conquest. Just as a general plans counter-measures to win a battle, the yogi must plan the conquest of the Self. By understanding the obstacles and applying the appropriate remedies, the aspirant can navigate the challenges of the yogic path and achieve unalloyed happiness.

8. The Nature of the Mind: Understanding Chitta Vrtti

As a breeze ruffles the surface of a lake and distorts the images reflected therein, so also the chitta vrtti disturb the peace of the mind.

Fluctuations of consciousness. Patañjali describes Yoga as "chitta vrtti nirodhah," the restraint of mental modifications or fluctuations of consciousness. The mind (chitta) is composed of three categories: mind (manas), intelligence (buddhi), and ego (ahankara). The fluctuations (vrtti) are the various mental states that disturb the peace of the mind.

Five classes of chitta vrtti:

• Pramana (valid knowledge): Direct evidence, inference, and reliable testimony.
• Viparyaya (mistaken view): Faulty knowledge based on wrong hypotheses.
• Vikalpa (fancy or imagination): Resting on verbal expression without factual basis.
• Nidra (sleep): Absence of ideas and experiences.
• Smrti (memory): Holding fast to past impressions.

Five causes of pain (klesha):

• Avidya (ignorance or nescience)
• Asmita (the feeling of individuality)
• Raga (attachment or passion)
• Dvesha (aversion or revulsion)
• Abhinivesha (love of life or thirst for life)

By understanding the nature of the mind and the causes of pain, the yogi can learn to calm the restless mind and direct energy into constructive channels.

9. The Three Gunas: Balancing the Qualities of Nature

The yogi who is also human is affected by these three gunas.

Qualities of cosmic matter. According to Hindu philosophy, consciousness manifests in three different qualities (gunas): sattva (purity), rajas (activity), and tamas (inertia). These gunas are present in all aspects of life, including our thoughts, actions, and environment. The predominance of one guna influences our tendencies and behaviors.

Characteristics of each guna:

• Sattva: Illuminating, pure, and good; leads to clarity and mental serenity.
• Rajas: Mobile, active, and energetic; can also lead to tension and willfulness.
• Tamas: Dark, restraining, and inert; obstructs and counteracts the tendency of rajas and sattva.

Striving for balance. The yogi, being human, is affected by these three gunas. By constant self-study and disciplined practice, the yogi learns to identify and eradicate thoughts and actions prompted by tamas and rajas, striving to achieve a sattvika frame of mind. When sattva alone remains, the human soul has advanced towards the ultimate goal.

10. Sadhana: Constant Practice as the Key to Freedom

Constant practice alone is the secret of success. Verily, there is no doubt of this.

Spiritual endeavor. Sadhana, or constant practice, is the cornerstone of the yogic path. It is not merely theoretical study but a spiritual endeavor that requires dedication, discipline, and perseverance. Just as oil seeds must be pressed to yield oil, the sadhaka must by constant practice light the divine flame within himself.

The parable of the chariot. The Kathopanishad uses the parable of the individual in a chariot to illustrate the importance of co-ordinated effort in the quest for self-realization. The Self is the Lord of the chariot, reason is the charioteer, mind is the reins, and the senses are the horses. Only by disciplining the mind and senses can the chariot reach its destination.

Renunciation and action. Sadhana also demands renunciation, not of the world, but of desires that take us away from the Lord. The yogi renounces selfish motives and dedicates actions to the Lord or to humanity. By constant practice and renunciation, the sadhaka can achieve inner peace and fulfill the quest of the soul to meet its Maker.

Last updated: February 26, 2025