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Introduction to Yoga school of Philosophy

1. Introduction to Yoga Darshana Kaivalya.jpg

  • 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.
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