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The Eight Limbs of Raja Yoga
Compiled by the
Sage Patanjali Maharishi in the Yoga Sutras, the Eight Limbs are a progressive
series of steps or disciplines which purify the body and mind, ultimately
leading the yogi to enlightenment. These 8 limbs are:
- Yamas
- The Yamas or restraints (Do not's) are divided into five moral injunctions,
aimed at destroying the lower nature. They should all be practiced and
developed by the letter but also more importantly in the spirit. They should
all be practiced in word, thought and deed.
- Ahimsa
or non-violence
- Satyam
or truthfulness
-
Brahmacharya or moderation in all things (control of all senses).
- Asteya
or non-stealing
-
Aparigraha or non-covetousness
- Niyamas
- The Niyamas or observances (Do's) are also divided into five and complete
the ethical precepts started with the Yama.. These qualities are:
- Saucha
or purity - this internal and external cleanliness.
-
Santosha or contentment
- Tapas
or austerity
-
Swadhyaya or study of the sacred texts
- Ishwara
Pranidhana which is constantly living with an awareness of the divine
Presence (surrender to God's Will)
- Asanas-
Postures
- Pranayama-
regulation or control of the breath. Asanas and Pranayama form the
sub-division of Raja Yoga known as Hatha-Yoga
-
Pratyahara - withdrawal of the senses in order to still the mind.
- Dharana
- concentration. The last 3 steps constitute the internal practice of Raja
Yoga. When Dharana is achieved, it leads to the next step:
- Dhyana
- meditation is that state of pure thought and absorption in the object of
meditation. There is still duality in Dhyana. When mastered Dhyana leads to
the last step:
- Samadhi
- the superconscious state. In Samadhi non-duality or oneness is
experienced. This is the deepest and highest state of consciousness where
body and mind have been transcended and the Yogi is one with the Self or
God.
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