In the realm of yoga, Patanjali stands as a guiding light, with his contributions profoundly influencing the philosophy, principles, and practices of this ancient discipline.
The word ‘Yoga’ is derived from the Sanskrit root ‘Yug’, meaning ‘To Join’ or ‘To Unite’. As per yogic scriptures, the practice of yoga leads to the union of individual consciousness with that of the universal consciousness, which further opens up to the realms beyond the material world.
Patanjali laid out this path in his Yoga Sutras so that humans in the generations to follow could find and move on the path to enlightenment and beyond.
The eight limbs of Patanjali’s Ashtanga Yoga:
- Yama (Restraints): Principles guiding one’s behavior towards others, fostering a harmonious relationship with nature and society.
- Niyama (Observances): Practices that cultivate self-awareness, self-improvement, and a connection with the divine.
- Asana (Postures): Physical postures practiced to prepare the body for meditation, enhance well-being, and promote balance.
- Pranayama (Breath Control): Techniques to regulate and control the breath, calming the mind and enhancing prana (life force), establishing a deeper connection between body and mind.
- Pratyahara (Sense Withdrawal): Directing the senses inward, withdrawing from external distractions to enhance mental preparation and increase the power of the mind.
- Dharana (Concentration): Focusing the mind on a single object to develop mental discipline.
- Dhyaan (Meditation): Sharpening the consciousness, leading to a serene state and glimpses of the Divine.
- Samadhi (Absorption): A state of indescribable bliss and joy, merging individual consciousness with universal consciousness. It’s the union of Shiva and Shakti, realizing pure consciousness and ultimate freedom.
In today’s era, Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras are as relevant and necessary as when he laid them down. The individual can start at the very beginning with Yam and Niyam or even start with Dhyaan – under the auspices of a Guru – and move onto Samadhi.
Our journey on this earth, between our two epoch points of birth and death, need not be one of aimlessness or rigidity or dogma. Our journey on earth, is for each one of us, to explore and understand ourselves, to free ourselves from the continous cycle of birth and death and rebirth.
The calling to walk this path, comes to the individual in various ways and means. Depending on the Karmic Samskaras, the individual responds in their own unique manner. The presence of the Guru helps the individual to walk this path while balancing the journey of both – the inner and outer worlds – in a pleasant, enjoyable manner.