The term "Ashtanga" means eight limbs or branches, of which asana or physical yoga posture is merely one branch.
The other seven are:
-
Yama (Ethical Standards)
Yama is about our moral standards and sense of integrity, focusing on our behavior and how we conduct ourselves in life. Yamas are universal practices that relate best to what we know as the Golden Rule, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
2. Niyama (Self-Discipline and Spiritual Observances):
This limb has to do with self-discipline and spiritual observances. Regularly attending temple or church services, saying grace before meals, developing your own personal meditation practices, or making a habit of taking contemplative walks alone are all examples of niyamas in practice.
3. Asana (Posture)
These are the postures practiced in yoga, with the ultimate aim of caring for and nurturing the body. Through the practice of asanas, we develop the habit of discipline and the ability to concentrate, both of which are necessary for meditation.
4. Pranayama (Breath Control)
The literal translation of this word is "life force extension" and it's used to describe the practice of controlling your breath. Pranayama exercises can help clear physical and emotional obstacles in the body to free the breath and so the flow of prana - life energy.
5. Pratyahara (Withdrawal of the Senses)
This means withdrawing our awareness from the external world and outside stimuli. Keenly observing ourselves without criticism allows us to step outside of our reactions to events and feelings, and instead see them as they truly are.
6. Dharana (Concentration)
Having relieved ourselves of outside distractions, we can now deal with the distractions of the mind itself. This is the practice of concentration, which precedes meditation. In dharana, we learn how to slow down the thinking process by concentrating on a single mental object: a specific energetic center in the body, an image of a deity, or the silent repetition of a sound.
7. Dhyana (Meditation)
Uninterrupted flow of concentration creates dhyana, the practice of meditation. Although concentration (dharana) and meditation (dhyana) may appear to be one and the same, a fine line of distinction exists between these two stages.
8. Samadhi (Absorption)
This is the final stage, at which union with the divine is said to occur. Here, the meditator merges with his or her point of focus and transcends the Self altogether. The meditator comes to realize a profound connection to the Divine, an interconnectedness with all living things.
These eight steps of yoga interact and intertwine with one another, forming a complete system for experiencing inner peace and understanding the nature of the self. They are a practical roadmap to help you navigate life's challenges and find the Divine within yourself.
STAGES AND SYMPTOMPS YOU FIND DURING PRACTICINSING YOGA
Embark on a captivating journey into the enchanting world of yoga and meditation, where tranquility and serenity await. As you delve into the practice with dedication and openness, you'll discover a tapestry of stages, signs, and symptoms that weave together to create a truly transformative experience.
Stage 1: Awaken the Seeker As you take your first steps onto the sacred path, a spark ignites within you. The seeker awakens, yearning for inner peace and harmony. Like a lotus bud unfurling its delicate petals, you begin to explore the vast possibilities that lie ahead.
Signs and Symptoms: Restlessness, a longing for something more, a sense of disconnection from oneself and the world, a growing curiosity about the mind-body connection.
Stage 2: Embrace the Breath In this stage, you become intimately acquainted with your breath, the ever-present rhythm of life. Each inhale and exhale becomes a gentle anchor, drawing you closer to the present moment. The breath becomes the gateway to self-awareness and a powerful tool for nurturing a calm and focused mind.
Signs and Symptoms: Heightened awareness of the breath, improved lung capacity, reduced stress levels, increased mental clarity, a sense of lightness.
Stage 3: Unveiling the Body Temple As you progress on your journey, the temple of your body reveals its secrets. Through mindful movement and yoga postures, you learn to listen to the whispers of your muscles and bones. The body becomes a vessel for self-expression and a conduit for the flow of prana, the vital life force.
Signs and Symptoms: Increased flexibility, enhanced strength and balance, improved posture, release of physical tension, a sense of vitality.
Stage 4: The Gateway Within Meditation becomes your trusted guide, leading you into the depths of your own consciousness. Through silent observation, you discover the vast landscape of your mind, embracing thoughts and emotions with compassion and non-judgment. The gateway within opens, revealing the infinite potential of your true nature.
Signs and Symptoms: Enhanced focus and concentration, emotional resilience, reduced anxiety and depression, greater self-acceptance, profound insights and moments of deep stillness.
Stage 5: Unity in Oneness In this final stage, the boundaries between self and the world dissolve, giving rise to a profound sense of interconnectedness. You experience a unity with all beings, nature, and the cosmos. Love and compassion flow effortlessly, and you become a beacon of peace and harmony, radiating your inner light into the world.
Signs and Symptoms: Expanded consciousness, a sense of oneness with all creation, deep compassion and empathy, inner peace, a natural inclination towards service and kindness.
Dear seekers of tranquility and self-discovery, the journey of yoga and meditation beckons you. Explore these stages, signs, and symptoms as you embark on a path that leads to the awakening of your true potential. May you find solace and fulfillment as you delve deeper into the wondrous realms of your own being.