Lucknow: The word Yoga literally means union – uniting with or attaining one’s highest state known as Brahman. Yoga also refers to the techniques to attain that state, its fundamental philosophy being that perfection in every person isinherent but concealed by layers of self-imposed ignorance.The method to attain the Yogic state with the hurdles that crop up have been chronicled thoroughly in the numerous Yogic traditions ofIndia over millennia. The AshtaangaYoga or 8-limbed Yogic path is the most popular part of the Yogic process; health benefits through A Asanas(physical postures)and Praanaayaama(breath control) are well known. In this article we outline the broader conceptual framework and terminology of the Yoga systemas formulated by Rishis of yore in important texts.
- The Vedas and Upanishads describe perception in the Yogic state
- Patanjali Yoga sutras describe the path of Yoga in detail
- Haṭha Yoga texts describe ways to remove physical obstacles for the journey
- Tantra and AAgamas describe how to harness universal forces to accelerate the journey
The steps of Yogic path described briefly:
- IDENTIFICATION & CATEGORIZATION
Firstly, one has to identify one’s own current condition. Cittarefers to one’s state of mind.
- Citta-bhumi-s are the attributions or the markers of citta at any given point of time.One may identify one’s Citta-bhumi and upgrade to the next level by applying the five suitable techniques.
- Citta-vrtti-s are working conditions of citta, potent to influence the inner
observer when it attains proximity with either objects, means of observation and or the observer itself. The whole goal of Yoga is to be cautious of five Vrttis, which may hinder or help in the endeavour.
- Citta-vikshepaand Sahabhuvaare obstacles and accompanies of obstacles, which do not allow progress,and include physical to subtle layers of mind. These are listed as nine with five accompanies.
- Avidyaa-kshetraindicates different levels of expressions of deep-rooted impressions todeal with,listed as four.
- Klesha-s are afflictions in the mind which control behavioural aspects and are described as of five types.
- Tivrasamvegais intensity of aspiration towards the goal. One has to know how
intensively involved one is in pursuing the goal. The seekers are of nine types.
- APPLICATION (kathambhavaakaankshaa)
Abhyaasa and Vairaagyaare the first steps of Yoga; continuous
effort to resist lust, greed, ego etc. and detachment from materialistic pursuits respectively.
- Citta-parikarmaare the methods of tranquilizing Citta by techniques suitable to the temperaments of individuals.
- Kriyaa-yoga is conglomeration of Tapas (spiritual discipline/austerity), Svaadhyaaya
(self-study) and Ishvarapranidhaana(surrender to the Supreme) to enable the distracted person to shift consciousness inward within oneself, away from the externalworld.
- Ashtaangasare means of achieving Samadhi (absorption into the object of Dhaaraṇa),
Yama (self-restraint), Niyama (fixed observance), AAsana(physical postures), Praanayaama
(breath regulation); Pratyahaara(abstraction), Dhaarana(concentration) and Dhyaana
(contemplation).
- Mahaavratais an unshakable commitment towards a principle, irrespective
of time, place, race, condition etc.
- Pratipakshabhaavanaais an effort to cultivate positivity and overcome negativity.
- Samyamais a technical term referring to the combined application of Dhaarana, Dhyaana
and Samaadhion an object of meditation.
- PROGRESSION (Gati)
There are many markers within the system of Yoga to indicate whether the path followed iscorrect and in the right spirit.
- Antaraaya-abhaava; number of obstacles reduces gradually while the practice of Yoga
is dedicated and committed.
- Dvandva-anabhigata; a seeker doesn’t vacillate on account of any external or internal
turbulence from any sources.
- Vibhuti-s; the mastery over five elements, senses, body, knowledge of the internal
and universe etc., in the form of Vibhuti (self-realized individuals). These ‘Vibhuti-s’ are
capable of influencing, changing and mastering anything in the world.
- Samprajnaata and Asamprajnaata; clarity of understanding the gross and subtle nature
of the universe at different levels from external to internal.
- Tanukaraṇa; afflictions reduce to minimal levels of intensity in manifestations.
- Bhumi-s; levels of absorption rise from gross to subtle and deeper levels.
- ACCOMPLISHMENT (siddhi)
After following the path of Yoga what one achieves as a result is the success.
- Siddhi – refers to fulfilment achieved in the form of extraordinary abilities through
the practice of Yoga
- Khyaati (purusha-prakrti) – clear knowledge about true self and the other
- Svarupa-avasthaanam– establishing in oneself while getting away from all kinds of
sufferings and joyfully celebrating that which is universal
Team Siddhanta Knowledge Foundation
https://siddhantaknowledge.org/
