Understanding Yoga #2: Ashtanga Yoga

So which yoga should one practice?

In order to achieve universal consciousness (Samadhi) one needs to prepare the body and mind towards it. Hatha yoga/Astanga yoga are two of the traditional practices to prepare the body and mind while Gyana yoga is a way to enhance one's knowledge to understand life and beyond.

These techniques can be practiced simultaneously and compliment each other to help the Yogi to achieve his goal.

When one decides to begin practice, consistency and discipline are very important.

Ashtanga Yoga

Sage Patanjali also known as the 'Father of Yoga' compiled 195 aphorisms (sutras). These serve as framework for integrating yoga into daily routine in order to lead an ethical life. In the 29th sutra, he has mentioned the limbs of the eight fold path.

yama niyama asana pranayama pratyahara dharana dhyana samadhayo 'shtavangani ||29||
यम नियमासन प्राणायाम प्रत्याहार धारणा ध्यान समाधयोऽष्टावङ्गानि ॥२९॥

Yama -        Respect for others
Niyama-      Respect for yourself
Asanas-       Harmony with your body
Pranayama- Enhancing your energy
Pratyahara-  Balancing your emotions
Dharana-     Overcoming thoughts
Dhyana-      Contemplation
Samadhi-     Bliss

Each fold(limb) has been described individually in other sutras.

Ashtanga yoga is the most commonly adopted practice of yoga.

Watch this space for more on the kinds of Yoga. Also, follow Krisattva Wellness on Facebook and Instagram for updates on all things relating to yoga and wellness.

Yoga- An art of the Body and Mind

There are many forms of exercise to maintain fitness and keep in shape. But, yoga is one form of practice that is not considered an exercise; in fact, it is a practice of the body to co-ordinate with the mind to become one with the soul. The postures are called ‘Asanas’. Learning and teaching yoga is an art. There is a bonding between the teacher and the practitioner to explore the art of evolving to unite with the soul. After the basic rules of discipline of self, the body is ready to grow in the practice of Asanas.

Every asana is derived from nature and the teacher helps the practitioner attain the posture with ease and as per their capacity, reminding him always to avoid competition and instead improve the postures according to his body flexibility, though a healthy competition is good. Each posture is an art where the body takes form of the animal, bird or other beings in nature that they are derived from. While holding the posture, each and every related muscle, nerve, organ in context is stimulated and stretched, resulting in improvement of elasticity, strength and toning. Once the body gets stretched and opened out, blood, oxygen and nutrition supply improves a great deal. This helps the body overcome minor and major discomforts and makes its co-ordination with the mind easier. This also prepares the practitioner for pranayamas.

Pranayamas are breathing techniques that one finds easier to practice once their body is flexible and they can sit in upright posture without discomfort. ‘Prana’, is that vital energy, which is also called the Life Force. Disciplined breathing is the key here. Three locks (bandhas) of the body are very crucial during the practice of pranayamas. Here, the mind enjoys better oxygen supply and the body, too, benefits with abundant oxygen supply and smoother blood flow to various parts of the body. This enhances the health of the body and mind, making them more co-ordinated for union with the supreme self.

Next is the bridge - between the physical and the spiritual self. Bridging the two selves is very important, as this brings the required balance.

Dharana - steadiness of the mind. It can only be achieved with practice.

Dhyana - steadiness of the mind for longer duration. The capacity to disconnect with consciousness. This, too, requires practice and patience.

Samadhi - The ultimate bliss. Nothingness. It’s definitely attainable, an art every person is born to achieve!