Ashtang YOGA.pptx

Astanga Yoga
Dr. Debi Prasad P Mishra
Director, NITTTR, Kolkata
DR. D.P.MISHRA, DIRECTOR, NITTTR, KOLKATA 1

Content of the Presentation
Brief History of Yoga
Contribution of Patanjali and Yoga Sutras
Four Periods of Yoga
Four Paths of Yoga
Meaning of yoga
Types of Yoga
Ashtanga Yoga
Fundamentals of Yoga sadhana
Seven laws of Yoga sadhana
Concluding remarks
References
Translators and Contributors in field of Yoga

A Brief History and Development of Yoga:
The science of yoga has its origin thousands of years ago, long before the first religions
or belief systems were born.
In the yogic lore, Shiva is seen as the first yogi or Adiyogi, and the first Guru or Adi
Guru.
According to the Rig-Veda the first use of the root of word
“yoga” is in hymn 5.81.1. A dedication to rising Sun-god in the
morning, where it has been interpreted as “yoke” or
“yogically” control.
Shiva- Aadiyogi

A number of seals and fossil remains of Indus Saraswati valley civilization with Yogic motives and
figures performing yoga indicate the presence of Yoga in India.

Historical evidences of the existence of Yoga were seen in the pre-Vedic period (2700
B.C.), and thereafter till Patanjali’s period.
The main sources, from which we get the information about Yoga practices and the
related literature during this period, are available in Vedas (4), Upanishads(108), Smritis,
teachings of Buddhism, Jainism, Panini, Epics (2), Puranas (18) etc.
Sage Patanjali preached this darshan in a clear and brief
arrangement through his yoga-sutras (aphorisms) in Sanskrit

Patanjali Yog Sutra 1.2

Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
Some pages from a historic Yoga sutra manuscript
(Sanskrit, Devanagari). The verses are highlighted
and are embedded inside the bhasya
(commentary).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoga_Sutras_of_Patanjali

https://yogasutra.site/

States of the Mind
1. Scattered (Kshipta): normal during the waking state, mind constantly moving around
2. Dull (moodha): sleepy, lethargic, dull, “my brain is fried!”
3. Partially focused (vikshipta): early stages in meditation –mind strays from object of
meditation
4. One-pointed (ekagra): able to hold focus on a single object for some length of time
5. Fully arrested (niruddha): mind is completely one-pointed and focused

In Shreemad Bhagwad Geeta

Four Periods of Yoga:
The pre-Vedic period (2700 B.C.)
The period between 500 BC - 800 A.D. is considered as the Classical period
The period between 800 A.D. - 1700 A.D. has been recognized as the Post Classical
period
The period between 1700 - 1900 A.D. is considered as Modern period

Patanjali had given three phenomenal
Shastras to the world:
1. 195 Sutras for Yoga Sastra
2. Yoga Sutras demonstrate the ways to conquer our mind through concentration and
purity. Therefore, Yoga sutras are highly beneficial to humanity.
3. Mahabhashya (Grammar) for Vyakarna (A grammar work by Vyasa)

The Yoga Sutras comprises of four parts or padas namely:
1. Samadhi Pada
2. Sadhana Pada
3. Vibhuti Pada
4. Kaivalya Pada

Meaning of Yoga
"Yoga is about harmonizing oneself with the universe. It is the technology
of aligning individual geometry with the cosmic, to achieve the highest
level of perception and harmony.”

Some Declaration:
Yoga does not adhere to any particular religion, belief system or community; it has always
been approached as a technology for inner wellbeing.
Anyone who practices yoga with involvement can reap its benefits, irrespective of one’s
faith, ethnicity or culture.
Traditional Schools of Yoga :These different Philosophies, Traditions, lineages and Guru-
shishya paramparas of Yoga lead to the emergence of different Traditional Schools of Yoga
e.g. Jnana-yoga, Bhakti-yoga, Karma-yoga, Dhyana-yoga, Patanjali-yoga, Kundalini-yoga,
Hatha-yoga, Mantra-yoga, Laya-yoga, Raja-yoga, Jain-yoga, Buddha-yoga etc.
Each school has its own principles and practices leading to ultimate aim and objectives of
Yoga.

https://us.humankinetics.com/blogs/excerpt/the-four-primary-types-of-yoga
Types of Yoga

Ashtang
Yoga

In Sanskrit "Ashta + anga" is Ashtanga.
"Ashta" means Eight and "Anga" is limbs so it means Eight Limb path, ashtanga yoga is
based on Yoga Philosophy of Patanjali.
The Asanas, Pranayamas or the dharana which we have studied earlier or the yam and
niyam are based on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.
Hence, we will acquaint ourselves with the fundamentals as stated by Patanjali first.
Astanga Yoga: Introduction

Eightfold Path of Yoga

8 Limbs of Yoga= Astang Yoga
Image Ref: Wikipedia.org

LIMB 1
Yamas [YAAH-muhs] - guidelines for ethical standards and moral conduct
1. Ahimsa [uh-HEEM-saah] - nonviolence
2. Satya [SUHT-yuh] - truthfulness
3. Asteya [uh-STAY-uh] - nonstealing
4. Brahmacharya [bruh-muh-CAHR-yuh] - moderation
5. Aparigraha [uh-PUH-reeg-ruh-huh] - nonattachment

LIMB 2
Niyamas [nee-YUH-muhs] - observances and disciplines
1. Saucha [SHOWH-chuh] - cleanliness
2. Santosha [suhn-TOH-shuh] - contentment
3. Tapas [TUH-puhs] - austerities (translated as "heat" or "purifying practices")
4. Svadhyaya [svaahd-HYAAH-yuh] - study of spiritual scriptures
5. Ishvara pranidhana [EEHSH-vuh-ruh pruh-need-HAAH-nuh] - practice of awareness
and surrender to the presence and divine will of God

LIMB 3
Asana [AAH-suh-nuh] - practice of physical postures

Asana (Different Posture)

Surya Namaskar

Pranayama [praah-naah-YAAH-muh] - special breathing techniques used to control
the life force, or energy, in the body
LIMB 4

TYPES OF PRANAYAMA
Natural Breathing
Basic Abdominal breathing
Thoracic breathing
Clavicular breathing
Yogic breathing
Deep breathing with ratios
Fast breathing
Viloma – Interrupted Breathing
AnulomVilom – Alternate Nostril Breathing
Cooling Breath - Sheetali, Sitkari, Kaki
mudra
Ujjayi – Victorious Breath
Bhramari – Humming Bee Breath
Bhastrika – Bellow’s Breath
Surya Bhedan – Right Nostril Breathing

Pranayama
Prāṇāyāma is the control of the breath, from the Sanskrit prāṇa (प्राण,
breath)[33] and āyāma (आयाम, restraint).
After a desired posture has been achieved, verses II.49 through II.51
recommend prāṇāyāma, the practice of consciously regulating the breath (inhalation, the
full pause, exhalation, and the empty pause).
This is done in several ways, such as by inhaling and then suspending exhalation for a
period, exhaling and then suspending inhalation for a period, by slowing the inhalation
and exhalation, or by consciously changing the timing and length of the breath (deep,
short breathing).

Practicing Pranayama on a regular basis has
many benefits :
Improves lung capacity
Strengthens abdominal muscles
Lowers blood pressure
Reduces cholesterol
Beneficial for sinus issues
Reduces stress
Increases alertness

The “ Vayus”- The currents of vital energy

Anuloma- Viloma: Pranayama

LIMB 5
Pratyahara [pruht-yaah-HAAH-ruh] - withdrawal of the senses as part of the
transcendence of constant nervous stimuli; practice of sensory detachment through
deep relaxation techniques
Pratyāhāra is a combination of two Sanskrit words prati- (the prefix प्रति-, "against" or
"contra") and āhāra (आहार, "bring near, fetch").
It is a process of retracting the sensory experience from external objects.
It is a step of self extraction and abstraction.
Pratyahara is not consciously closing one's eyes to the sensory world, it is consciously
closing one's mind processes to the sensory world.
Pratyahara empowers one to stop being controlled by the external world, fetch one's
attention to seek self-knowledge and experience the freedom innate in one's inner world.

LIMB 6
Dharana [dhaahr-UHN-aah] - concentration and focus
Dharana is the sixth limb of Ashtanga Yoga.
The word ‘Dharana’ simply means ‘unbending concentration of mind’.
Working with complete focus and concentration is something that satisfies every individual at the
maximum.
Each of us feel a sense of frustration when we are not able to focus.
The inability to focus may be because our minds were racing with ideas, judgments, worries,
songs, or even memories.
The main idea underlying Dharana, is the ability to focus on something uninterrupted both by
external or internal distractions.

LIMB 7
Dhyana [dhahy-AAH-nuh] – meditation* (not correct meaning)
Dhyana forms the seventh constituent or limb of the ancient science of Yoga.
It is derived from the Sanskrit root “dhyai” which means, “to think of”.
The literal meaning of Dhyana is meditation.
It concentrates upon a point of focus, with the intention of knowing the truth about it, and is the thought and
meditation of spiritual things.
While practicing Dhyana Yoga, we meditate on a single flow of idea.
The purpose is to withdraw all senses from various objects of interest.
The focus is laid upon one object. Dhyana Yoga produces a state of tranquility.
Its objective is to cleanse the subconscious, develop concentration, clear the mind, and bring about
various stages of unified communion with God.

Dhyana

Combination of
Dhyana, Mantra
yoga, Pranayama
leads to
awakening of
Kundlini.
https://www.andrewnoske.com/wiki/Chakras

LIMB 8
Samadhi [suh-MAAHD-hee] - state of ecstasy, bliss, and enlightenment that
transcends the Self and merges with the Divine.

Samadhi
• Samadhi is a physical and mental state of body which denotes higher levels of concentrated
meditation, or Dhyana.
• Hindu and Buddhist scriptures consider Samadhi a precursor for enlightenment.
• It is part of Ashtanga Yoga.
• When one becomes absorbed in it, personal identity vanishes.
• In the moment of Samadhi, nothing mundane exists.
• Total Independence, the literal meaning of Samadhi, is ‘to bring together, to merge’.
• When in Samadhi, we are assimilated with the object of our choice.
• We blend and become one with it.
• It becomes an identity without differences, and a liberated soul enjoys pure awareness of this pure
identity.
• When the individual attains the Supreme Cosmic Consciousness from which it descended, the
goal of Samadhi is reached.
• The final stage of Samadhi terminates at the instance the soul is freed.
• The absolute and eternal freedom of an isolated soul is beyond all stages and it is beyond the
boundaries of time and place.

Samadhi Explained

The Fundamentals of Yoga Sadhana:
Yoga works on the level of one’s body, mind, emotion and energy.
This has given rise to four broad classifications of Yoga:
1. Karma yoga, where we utilize the body;
2. Bhakti yoga, where we utilize the emotions;
3. Gyana yoga, where we utilize the mind and intellect; and
4. Kriya yoga, where we utilize the energy.

1. Law of Pure Potentiality – In essence, your true Self has unbound potential for creativity and eternal
life. It is the idea that you are part of the bigger system that moves and flows with the universe.
2. Law of Giving and Receiving – The universe has an energy source that is always flowing in and out
everything a part of itself. Because you are a part of this universe, there is a balance of giving and taking
for everything that you want in your life (such as love, inner peace, etc.).
3. Law of Karma – Like a cause and effect, everything that you do will have an equal amount of intention
behind it when it returns to your presence. It’s almost like a “pay it forward” type of deal. If you do good
actions with no ego behind them, your kindness is rewarded in the form of positive karma later in life.
4. Law of Least Effort – This does not mean you can’t go to work! Instead, this law focuses on the idea of
not resisting any obstacles you may face while trying to complete your goals. If the goals are motivated
by love and kindness, the energy of the universe is in your hands and at your will.

5. Law of Intention and Desire – In a quiet state of mind, making your intentions and desires clear to
the universe without malice can help grant you access to the universe’s infinite organizing power. This
is the idea of “speaking it into existence.”
6. Law of Detachment – This practice can be harder to follow with our modern society, but the idea is
not to force situations to go your way. Rather than work yourself sick to achieve a goal, know that
things will work out as intended by the universe. However, you should try to act as much as you can
to achieve your goal.
7. Law of Dharma – A Dharma is a purpose in life. This law brings comfort in knowing that everyone
has a purpose that can be exposed through service to others. As a reward for your kindness and
willingness to show yourself, you are given unlimited love, abundance, and true fulfilment in your life.

Concluding Remark
Different social customs and rituals in India, the land of Yoga, reflect a love for ecological
balance, tolerance towards other systems of thought and a compassionate outlook
towards all creations.
Yoga Sadhana of all hues and colours is considered panacea for a meaningful life and
living. Its orientation to a comprehensive health, both individual and social, makes it a
worthy practice for the people of all religions, races and nationalities.

References:
https://www.shivashantiyoga.com/the-eight-limbs-astanga-yoga-patanjali-yoga-sutra/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashtanga_(eight_limbs_of_yoga)
https://ia803004.us.archive.org/9/items/patanjaliyoga/yoga_sutras_three_commentaries.
pdf
https://palamidessi.blog/2009/11/03/pratyahara-the-least-known-yoga-pratice-five-steps-
five-senses/
https://mea.gov.in/in-focus-
rticle.htm?25096/Yoga+Its+Origin+History+and+Development
https://www.yogapoint.com/info/typesofyoga.htm
https://8limbsyoga.com/about-yoga/
http://ravikonddayoga.blogspot.com/2015/

Modern translations and commentary on Yoga
•1907: Ganganath Jha's Yoga Sutras with the Yogabhashya attributed to Vyasa into English in its entirety. With notes drawn
from Vācaspati Miśra's Tattvavaiśāradī amongst other important texts in the Yoga commentarial tradition.
•1896: Swami Vivekananda, Raja Yoga provides translation and an in-depth explanation of Yoga Sutra.
•1912: Charles Johnston Dublin University: The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali: The Book of the Spiritual Man.
•1953: Swami Prabhavananda, Patanjali Yoga Sutras, Sri Ramakrishna Math, Madras, India.
•1961: I. K. Taimni, The Science of Yoga commentary with Sutras in Sanskrit and translation and commentary in English. 1963: Swami
Hariharananda Aranya's Bhasvati.
•1978: Swami Satchidananda, The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Integral Yoga, Yogaville.
•1989: Georg Feuerstein, The Yoga-Sûtra of Patanjali: A New Translation and Commentary, Inner Traditions International; Rochester,
Vermont.
•1993: B. K. S. Iyengar, Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patañjali. Harper Collins.
•1996: Barbara Stoler Miller, The Yoga Sutras Attributed to Patanjali; "Yoga – Discipline of Freedom. University of California Press,
Berkeley.
•2003: Chip Hartranft, The Yoga-Sutra of Patanjali: A New Translation with Commentary, Shambhala Classics, Boulder, Colorado.
•2009: Edwin F. Bryant's The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali: A New Edition, Translation, and Commentary. North Point Press, New York.
•2013: Swami Kriyananda, Demystifying Patanjali: The Yoga Sutras - The Wisdom of Paramhansa Yogananda. Crystal Clarity
Publishers, Nevada City.
•2020: Viswanatha Thalakola, The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali Made Simple, Amazon KDP Select, Seattle, USA.

Ashtang YOGA.pptx

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