YOGA:Yoga is a spiritual process that involves bringing the body, mind and soul together (yoga). The word ‘yoga’ and its process and concept are related to the meditation process in Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism. The word ‘yoga’ is derived from the root ‘yuj’. Sanskrit grammar mentions two yuj metals, in which one means to add and the other is manaḥ samadhi, that is, stability of the mind. That is, in general, the meaning of yoga is to have relationship and to have mental stability. In this way both are yoga in the form of goal and means. Patanjali has prescribed an eight-limbed process of reaching the goal known as Ashtanga Yoga. The eight limbs are Yama, Niyama, Aasan, Pranayam, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyaan and Samadhi. For many, Yoga is equal to Asanas but this is only of the parts of authentic Yoga. In Sanskrit, as they were originally composed, these eight steps are Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi. The eight steps of Ashtanga yoga can be understood under three parts. Five Yama’s.

Five Yama’s- The above five are called ‘Yama’, this is the first phase of Ashtanga Yoga. Different religions have explained Yama in their own way but Yoga considers it as the first step to reach Samadhi.

(1) Truth(सत्य) : A logical mind is needed to understand the truth. Rational intelligence comes from the elimination of confusion and duality. Confusion and duality are removed by being equal in mind, word and deed.

(2) Ahinsa: ‘Atmavat Sarvabhuteshu’/’आत्मवत् सर्वभूतेषु’ – That is, considering everyone as oneself is non-violence. Not doing violence with mind, word and deed has been considered as non-violence, but non-violence has a wider meaning than this. To do injustice or violence to oneself is also a crime. Anger, greed, attachment, suppressing any instinct, causing pain to the body, etc. are all violence against oneself.

(3) Asteya/(अस्तेय ): This is also called Achoury, that is, not having the feeling of stealing, nor bringing the thought of stealing in the mind. The mere thought of taking money, land, wealth, women, knowledge etc., any such thing which was not earned by one’s own efforts or was not given to us as a gift or reward, destroys Asteya. Due to the effect of this feeling on the mind, there is an obstacle in the mental progress. The mind becomes diseased.

(4) Aparigraha/(अपरिग्रह): It is also called non-attachment, that is, not having attachment towards any idea, object and person is Aparigraha. Some people have a tendency to collect, due to which useless things or things start getting stored in the mind. This creates contraction in the mind. Miserliness or miserliness is born from this. Habits are also born out of attachment. To renounce this tendency through mind, word and deed is to be non-possessive.

(5) Celibacy/(ब्रह्मचर्य): Keeping control over the senses is considered celibacy.

Next artical on ‘Niyam’ will come soon to be continoue….

Artical By

Poonam Bhardwaj