Samyama - Internal Limbs of Yoga YS III - 7

Yoga Sutra III - 7 -TRAYAM ANTARANGAM PURVEBHYAH - These three [dharana, dhyana and samadhi] are more internal that the preceding five limbs.


Swami Satchidananda tell us "In Ashtanga Yoga, dharana, dhyana and samadhi are the more antaranga, or inner practices. Even to practice yama and niyama, you need the outside world. How will you practice non-injury if there is nothing outside to injure? How to deal with the outside world is taught through yama and niyama. Even your body is an outside world for you, so in asana you do something with your body; in pranayama you do something with your prana; in pratyahara you do so mething with your senses. But dharana, dhyana and samadhi are totally inward. They are on the mental level. That is what Patanjali means by saying these three are more inner than the preceding five."

From "How to Know God - The Yoga Aphorisms of Patanjali" translated and commented on by Swami Prabhavananda and Christopher Isherwood we are told that the first five limbs of yoga are only a training ground for the aspirant in preparation of samyama (concentration, meditation and absorption). "The mind and senses have to be purified by the cultivation of ethical virtues and the whole organism has to be strenghtened in order that it may be able to undergo the tremendous experiences that await it. " We are further informed that this is just the beginning and even in samyama perfection is just the beginning. "For whenever we are inclined to feel proud of some tiny indication of spiritual growth in ourselves, we shall do well to remember Brahmananda's amazing and sobering words : 'Spiritual life begins after samadhi.' "

See related posts:

• The Eight Limbs of Yoga - YS II - 28, 29
• Yama - Abstinence YS II - 30
• Niyama - The Observances - YS II - 32
• Asana - Posture YS II - 46
• Pranayama - Breath Control YS II - 49
• Pratyahara - Withdrawal of the Senses YS II - 54
• Dharana - Concentration YS III - 1
• Dhyana - Meditation YS III - 2
• Samadhi - Contemplation YS III - 3
• Samyama - Last Three Limbs of Yoga YS III - 4

Aparigraha - Non- GreedYS II - 39

Yoga Sutra II- 39 - APARIGRAHA STHAIRYE JANMAKATHAMTA SAMBODHAH - When non-greed is confirmed, a thorough illumination of the how and why of one's birth comes.

Swami Satchidananda tells us that "Aparigraha is abstention from greed or hoarding--which is a form of stealing ---or not receiving gifts. " He says that many times gifts are an advance of future obligations to the giver, and that accepting them binds us and makes us lose our neutrality. However, if one is strong enough to remain free from obligation, then the gifts can be accepted. "Feel, 'I am giving her an opportunity to use her money in the right way, but I am not obligated by this gift.' " The commentary ends "When the mind becomes calm and clear by being free of desires and obligation, we gain the capacity to see how our desires caused our present birth. We directly see the cause and effect relationship because we are detached from it; we are no longer bound up with it."

"Attachment, and the anxiety which accompanies attachment, are obstacles to knowledge. As long as you are clinging desperately to the face of a precipice (and thereby to your life) you are in no condition to survey the place you climbed up from or the place toward which you are climbing. So Patanjali tells us that freedom from attachment will result in knowledge of the whole course of our human journey, through past and future existences. Such knowledge would, of course, be in itself proof of the theory of reincarnation." - "How to Know God - The Yoga Aphorisms of Patanjali" translated and commented on by Swami Prabhavananda and Christopher Isherwood

See related posts:

• Asteya - Non-Stealing YS II - 37
• Yama - Abstinence YS II - 30

Niyama - The Observances - YS II - 32

Yoga Sutra II - 32 - SAUCHA SAMTOSHA TAPAH SVADHYAYESVARAPRANIDHANANI NIYAMAH - Niyam consists of purity, contentment, accepting but not causing pain, study of spiritual books and worship of God [self-surrender].

The next and second limb of yoga which is niyama, concerning the observances. Swami Satchidananda tells that with the five points of yama and the five points of niyama can be likened to the ten commandments of the Christian and Jewish faith, as well as the Buddhist ten virtues. Swami Satchidananda reminds us that there is no religion that does not have " moral or ethical codes." "All spiritual life should be based on these things. They are the foundation stones without which we can never build anything lasting."

There is a little more commentary on this sutra from "How to Know God - The Yoga Aphorisms of Patanjali" translated and commented on by Swami Prabhavananda and Christopher Isherwood in regard to purity. Purity is spoken about as cleanliness of both physical and mental. If man regards his body as the dwelling- place of the Self or Atman, he would want to naturally keep his body and mind clean. The external cleanliness of the body makes us feel better, thus affecting the mind. Then there is commentary regarding the internal organs being cleansed and using proper diet. "We must regulate our reading, our conversation, and indeed, our whole intake of mental 'food.' " They state in regard to cleanliness, what matters is our own attitude and keeping constant alertness and discriminative awareness.

Related posts:

• The Eight Limbs of Yoga - YS II - 28, 29
  
• Yama - Abstinence YS II - 30

Yama - Abstinence YS II - 30

Yoga Sutra II - 30 - AHIMSA SATYASTEYA BRAHMACARYAPARIGRAHA YAMAH- Yama consists of non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, continence, and non-greed.

Yama is the first limb of Ashtanga Yoga. (Ashtanga Yoga means to purify the mind through eight (Asht) steps). Swami Satchidananda informs us that "We should remember here that each of the eight limbs is equal to the others and necessary."

The categories of Yama are:

• "Ahimsa is not causing pain" Here, Swami Satchidananda explains that other authors misconstrue ahimsa as "non-killing" and that "Killing is different from causing pain." It is explained that the causing pain is even more harmful than killing in that words, thoughts can also cause pain.


• Satyam is truthfulness


• Asteyam from the Wikipedia refers to not stealing, not coveting, nor hoarding, as well as not obstructing other people's desires in life.


• Brahmacharya - continence or celibacy


• Aparigraha - not hoarding, being greed, limiting possessions to what is necessary. Swami Satchidananda says the other translation here "is not accepting gifts."
  

See previous related post:

The Eight Limbs of Yoga - YS II - 28, 29

Yama and Discipline

The Eight Limbs of Yoga - YS II - 28, 29

Yoga Sutra II- 28 - YOGANGANUSTHANAD ASUDDHI KSAYE JNANADIPTIR A VIVEKAKHYATEH - By the practice of the limbs of Yoga, the impurities dwindle away and there dawns the light of wisdom, leading to discriminative discernment.

Swami Satchidananda states that from this point on, Patanjali gives different ideas about Yoga practice as it is divided into eight stages or limbs. This is why the sutras are referred to as Ashtanga Yoga or eight limbs. Patanjali is now covering the information already given, but in a more practical way as to remove the impurities of the mind.

Yoga Sutra II- 29 - YAMA NIYAMASANA PRANAYAMA PRATYAHARA DHARANA DHYANA SAMADHAYO STAV ANGANI - Yama = abstinence; niyama = observance; asana - posture; pranayama = breath control; pratyahara = withdrawal of the senses; dharana = meditation; samadhayh = contemplation, absorption or superconscious state; ashta = eight' angani = limbs or part

The eight limbs of Yoga are:
1. yama (abstinence)
2. niyama (observance)
3. asana (posture)
4. pranayama (breath control)
5. pratyahara ( sense withdrawal)
6. dharana ( concentration)
7. dhyana ( meditation)
8. samadhi (contemplation, absorption or superconscious state)

Yoga as Inspiration

Yoga for me is inspiration. It makes me stay positively connected to the joy that is part of my true nature. It makes me excited. It is life! The word inspiration means the act of breathing, which we definitely need to live.

To me yoga is like the water for a plant and if it does not get watered it dies. Or if you have a mirror and it is not cleaned periodically it gets dusty. Pretty soon it gets dull and not reflective, therefore one cannot see an image in it.

The mind is like a mirror and it can become dull as well. When one practices yoga , one keeps the mind clear of cobwebs and body fresh. I like to compare the body to a car. If you don't clean the air filter the car will literally stop and won't run. The same with the lungs. If we don't breathe full and deeply, we have low energy levels and become tired and lazy. Of course we know that if there is no oxygen within a few minutes the body dies.

According to Pantanjali there are eight limbs of yoga. Pantanjali's Yoga Sutras II - 29 "Yama Niyamaasana Pranayama Pratiyahara Dharana Dhyana Samadhayo 'Stavangani" translated as the eight limbs of yoga: 1. Yama (abstinence);2. Niyama (observance); 3. Asana (postures); 4. Pranayama (breath control); 5. pratyahara (sense withdrawal); 6. dharana (concentration); 7. dhyana (meditation); 8. samadhi (contemplation, absorption or super-conscious state).

As we become aware and study the many branches of yoga, we can use them accordingly. Like when one practices hatha yoga (asanas) everyday, one is tuning up the body, keeping the blood flowing and the joints lubricated. Or when one practices dhyana (meditation) regularly we can keep the mind clean. When yoga is practiced there is always inspiration and rejuvenation in more ways than one!

Stay tuned for more. You can check out http://www.bometernally.com/

Swadhyaya

We are all ultimately looking for that joy we have inside of ourselves. There are different things that we do that connect us to that joy. We might realize that is what we are doing especially when we start to ask the question 'Why am I here and what is the purpose of life?' Swadhyaya can lead us to that joy inside. Swadhyaya is a Sanskrit word and is translated as study, reciting aloud, or repeating or rehearsing to one self. It literally means study of the Self.

On the yogic path, which "I" define as a way of life, many tools are needed and we carry all of them. Swadhyaya is a tool in which language and sound becomes an important link to help release that joy we have inherently. It is from my experience of studying spiritual texts that I was introduced to accessing some of my inner joy. I remember one of the evening chants that I attended at the ashram. See the post on Yama and Discipline. I remember looking at a very long string of Sanskrit words for the Shiva Mahimnam Stotram. I was amazed that words could be so long and how was I going to pronounce them? As I attended more recitations of the chant, it began to give me an experience of joy. I could not explain the feeling. Just simply saying a more than mouthful of Sanskrit phrases could bring so much joy. It's like a revelation of "The kingdom of heaven is within".

Just looking at the words on the page could not reveal the depth of beginning to know my "Self" through this venue would reveal. Swadhyaya is a great tool of yoga to discover. There is so much more to say on this topic, however, I will pause here.

Until next time, stay tuned.

Yama and Discipline

Yama is a sanskrit word which has many meanings in different contexts. It could mean restraint and discipline which is what I am referring to here. Yama is the first limb of yoga as defined in the Yoga Sutras of Pantanjali It explains the codes of ethical behavior to be looked at and followed daily. Yama has five principles which I will go into another time.

Then there is the word discipline which has various meanings. For most of us, according to our perspective, it could have negative and or positive connotations. The discipline I am referring to is regularity; following a certain order. Discipline is important in practicing the many aspects of yoga. In fact it is the key in mastering yoga.

I remember many years ago, when I first stayed at an ashram for a couple of weeks. An ashram is an abode of spiritual teacher; a place for disciplined community living. There was a certain time to get up, to do spiritual practices- like meditation, chanting, seva (selfless service), eating and going to bed. It was very new to me. Learning to sit in a crossed leg posture with lots of other people, eating in a huge dining room, taking turns using the restrooms. It was surprising with so many people living together that everything could go so smoothly. Everyone followed the schedule.

When I finally came home, I noticed that I missed the schedule, the regularity that I had become accustomed to for those two weeks. That was surprising to me. It made me realize that yama, discipline could actually be a positive thing. It was through the discipline that things actually became easier. Previously I felt that I did not like discipline and thought that doing things when I wanted to was freedom. But ironically in being undisciplined things are actually harder and erratic.

Through the years of practicing yoga, whether it be the asanas (physical postures), the meditation, the contemplation of life, I have come to see the value in yama and how it applies to everyday life. Looking at nature like the sunrise and sunset; the waxing and waning of the moon; the change of seasons it becomes obvious that there is a certain discipline on a grander scale. And it is that discipline, that yama that allows us to always be om, to be at peace and present in our live.