Introduction to Yoga school of Philosophy

1. Introduction to Yoga Darshana

• Yoga is a significant Vedic tradition with philosophical principles.
• Patanjali systematized Yoga tenets in his Yoga-sutras, forming the Yoga Darshana.
• Yoga acts as a methodology to realize the difference between prakriti (nature) and purusha (consciousness).
• It outlines practical steps to achieve the distinction between prakriti and purusha, leading to liberation.
• Key aspects: Understanding the nature of chitta (mind), its states, activities, and control methods.

2. Definition of Yoga

• Patanjali defines yoga in Yoga-sutra II.2: "yoga chitta vritti nirodha" - cessation of mental modifications.
• Goal: Calming the mind to clearly perceive the distinction between prakriti and purusha.

3. Process of Calming the Mind

• Yoga involves simultaneous progress in physical, psychological, and moral aspects of a person.
• Process leads to a state of concentrated chitta focusing on the purusha.
• Goal: The chitta becomes completely stopped and the purusha shines in its true nature.

4. Ashtanga Marga (Eight-Limbed Path of Yoga)

• Yama (Forbearance):
  • Five Yamas: Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Aparigraha (non-greed/non-possessiveness), Brahmacharya (continence)
  • Negative commands (Don'ts) for ethical conduct.
  • Brahmacharya: Regulated approach, not complete abstinence * Niyama (Observances):
  • Positive commands (Do's) for discipline and purity.
  • Shaucha: Cleanliness of body and mind.
  • Tapas: Neutrality to extremes, tolerance of hardship/discomfort, developing physical and mental balance
  • Svadhyaya: Study of Vedic texts.
  • Ishvara Pranidhana: Devotion to Ishwara (Teacher/Focus).
  • Santosha: Contentment (different from happiness). * Asana (Physical Posture):
  • Only one sutra in Yoga Sutra is dedicated to asana- “Sthira, Sukha, Asana”.
  • Primary goal is physical stability and comfort
  • Inculcates physical fitness for further stages. * Pranayama (Breath Control):
  • Regulating/controlling the breath, calming the mind.
  • Focusing on breath to reduce mental activity. * Pratyahara (Sense Withdrawal):
  • Withdrawing the senses from external world to internal focus, sensory deactivation.
  • Focus on internal organs/processes. * Antaranga Prayoga/Yoga (Internal Practices)
  • Dharana (Concentration):
    • Fixating on a single mental entity (e.g., tip of nose).
  • Dhyana (Meditation):
    • Continuous uninterrupted flow of thoughts on the chosen entity.
  • Samadhi (Enstasy/Absorption):
    • Oneness between the object and the thought; no thought present after a time and then only purusha shines.

5. Purpose and Benefits of Yoga

• Transforms psychological, moral, and physical aspects.
• Offers benefits such as stress relief and enhanced well-being.
• The true purpose is to realize the true nature of the Jiva (individual consciousness).
• Aims to liberate oneself from the cycle of mundane existence.
• More than just physical exercises; it is a way of life.
• Seeks metaphysical understanding, not just temporary happiness, but happiness arising from within that is lasting happines.