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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):**
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  • Positive commands (Do's) for discipline and purity.
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*Shaucha*Shaucha: Cleanliness of body and mind.
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*Tapas*Tapas: Neutrality to extremes, tolerance of hardship/discomfort, developing physical and mental balance
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*Svadhyaya*Svadhyaya: Study of Vedic texts.
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*Ishvara Pranidhana*Pranidhana: Devotion to Ishwara (Teacher/Focus).
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*Santosha*Santosha: Contentment (different from happiness).
*   **Asana (Physical Posture):**
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  • Only one sutra in Yoga Sutra is dedicated to asana- “Sthira, Sukha, Asana”.
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  • Primary goal is physical stability and comfort
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  • Inculcates physical fitness for further stages.
*   **Pranayama (Breath Control):**
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  • Regulating/controlling the breath, calming the mind.
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  • Focusing on breath to reduce mental activity.
*   **Pratyahara (Sense Withdrawal):**
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  • Withdrawing the senses from external world to internal focus, sensory deactivation.
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  • Focus on internal organs/processes.
*  **Antaranga Prayoga/Yoga (Internal Practices)**
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Dharana (Concentration):**
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    • Fixating on a single mental entity (e.g., tip of nose).
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Dhyana (Meditation):**
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    • Continuous uninterrupted flow of thoughts on the chosen entity.
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Samadhi (Enstasy/Absorption):**
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    • Oneness between the object and the thought; no thought present after a time and then only *purusha*purusha shines.
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    • 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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