Patanjali Yoga Sutra: Day 10

DAY 10: THE EIGHT LIMBS OF YOGA
     
Human consciousness is like a seed. Seed has the possibility of trees, branches, flowers, fruits etc; of multiplication and so is the human mind. Seed requires proper water, sun light and other conditions to blossom similarly for human consciousness; either it can be in a dormant state or can start sprouting. This sprouting of human consciousness is 'discrimination' ('viveka'). Freedom comes with viveka. All other species are governed by nature. They don’t have freedom. Human mind has been given the freedom and also given the 'viveka'. You will hardly find any animal who overeats…:)

The freedom is given with the knowledge of consequences of action. The specialty of human life is governed by discrimination.

Through practices of yoga the impurity gets eliminated and wisdom shines through.

·         Limbs of yoga:

Each limb is connected to the whole and they all grow together like limbs in the body.

1.    Yama

                         i.         Ahimsha (non-violence)

• It is complete lack of viveka.
• Violence comes with frustration and it catches on to the surrounding. Eg. A person who cannot do any harm to anybody might do the same while he is part of mob. Mind gets frustrated.
• Viveka can dawn when person takes the path of non-violence. Dropping the intention to destroy something is non-violence. The intention of destroy something can cut your very roots. (Himsha is associated with intention.)
• Violence done by you, you make it do by other or you approve of it - all is Himsha

                       ii.         Satya (truth)

• To be with something non changing. It’s not just speaking truth. It's total commitment to establish in truth.
• Knowing that everything is changing, being in truth.
• Once established in truth, your acts will bring fruits; fruit of action will follow actions. You will have success in actions.
• Truth is not just a word. It is state of consciousness. Truth doesn't mean we need to blunt.
• Anytime when you are opening your mouth, you are distorting the truth.

                      iii.        Astheya (non-stealing)

• Astheya doesn't mean stealing physically. If you are looking at something and your mind wishes to possess the same, you have already indulged in stealing. Such thoughts bring jealousy. People who steal, they remain poor. If you don't steal, all the wealth comes to you. A little intention to steal can keep you poor. Very often poverty is self-made.

                      iv.         Brahamacharya (celibacy)

• Brahamacharya means moving beyond small identifications. Being not interested in shapes and forms of the body and seeing the infinite is brahmacharya
• Seeing yourself more than the body is brahamacharaya.
• It brings strength.
• This is 'walking (charya) in infinity (brahama)'. When you are in meditation you are 'space', you are limitless, you don't feel the body and bodily pleasures.
• The person obsessed with sex is simply un-attracting and he/she doesn't have any strength, vigor or commitment.

                        v.        Aparigraha (non-accumulation)

• When you don't accumulate, you get the knowledge of previous births and of different species. The communication improves.
• Non accumulation simply means confidence in oneself, in once abilities; knowledge of oneself.
• Life has been here for so long and will be here so long.
• Who is stingy: a person who doesn't have idea of self.
• This doesn't mean that we should not save. But you should share, give to others. This brings good vibes to you. If you are not happy someday, give away something to somebody.  You will also feel happiness due to good vibrations.
• Dakshina: When the giver is thankful to the receiver for accepting the gift.

These five are great rules. These five principles are applicable to all the people, at all stages, at all the times. These are universal.

2.    Niyama

                         i.         Sauch (physical purity)

• Water should run through this body; both inside and outside. With this your attachment to your        physical body is lifted.
• Non-contact with anybody of any sort can bring the ability to realize oneself and can bring the clarity in thinking. Most of the great works have come in solitude.

                       ii.         Santosha (contentment)

• Santosha is a practice. Contentment makes you happy. Just be happy and joyous. Enjoy your breath. To be happy unconditionally is the rule of yoga. Remember that someday even this body will go. Your own body will desert you someday. Strength of your happiness is measured through the adversity of situation you are in; everybody can smile in good times.
• Throughout our life we are unhappy for what we have and for what we don't have.
• Develop the habit of santosha to be happy; being happy in you.
• Santosha is the greatest happiness of the life.
• An attitude that 'It will pass through' gives you incomparable happiness.

                      iii.        Tapa

• A little endurance patience.
• The body and senses become strong.
• Impurities are eliminated.

                      iv.         Swadhyaya (self-study)

• By the self-study the divine presence is felt and you become a part of divine. Different parts of consciousness starts developing. 

                        v.        Eswar Pranidhana (devotion/surrender)

• One pointed devotion leads to samadhi. 

3.    Aasana

Something which is comfortable and steady is aasana. You are erect/steady still comfortable, you are in aasana. Feeling the body, letting go the effort and feeling the infinity is the main point. The dualities and conflicts are removed. Anytime you are confused, do aasanas. Breaking the movement of breath (consciously breathing)

4.    Pranayama

Breathe in, hold, breathe out, hold, take attention to different parts of body is pranayama. There is fourth type of pranayama that happens automatically. Through pranayama, mind gets ability to stay at one point. You get direction, intention and clarity comes to your mind.

5.    Pratyahara

The substitute food for mind is pratyahara. Gives the ability to see all our senses and body as 'one whole'. Then all the senses listen to you (you need not to listen to your senses). Your energy becomes complete.

6.    Dhyan

7.    Dharana

8.    Samadhi