Sage
Patanjali, the father of Yoga, penned down the principles, tools and
techniques of Yoga to enable the humanity, as a mean to connect the
individual consciousness ( Chitta) with Universal Consciousness (
Mahat). According to Patanjali, the sole purpose of yoga is quieten the
fluctuations in our consciousness so that we can be aware of our true
self and the purpose of life. Health, wellness and peace of mind are the
side effects of yogic way of life.
To
a restless mind, yoga is just a circus of postures where bodies are
bend in many ways and pride is taken on every successful bending. When
the ego-centric mind does yoga, outcome is more ego and less peace and
well being. The true sense, yoga is to quiten the mind and let the soul
experience the body and mind.
Contrary
to the popular beliefs, Yoga is not an exercise system but a way of
life. It is more than Asanas, which are meant to brought the subtle
intelligence of cellular level to surface for keeping the body healthy
and fit. According to Patanjali, practicing of yoga starts with Yam (
ethical code of behavior) and takes us to Samadhi ( perfectly balanced
and peaceful mind).
Eight
petals of Yoga are Yam ( moral code ), Niyam ( behavioural code of
discipline), Pranayaam( breath management), Asanas ( postures for
wellbeing), Prathyahar( inward channeling of energies) Dharna(
concentration on what is right), Dhyan ( meditation for silencing of
thoughts) and Samadhi( sustained state of bliss).
According
to Patanjali, practicing Yoga is a journey, a way of life where, our
awareness, understanding and control moves from body, mind and to the
soul. Yoga is to live with knowingness with laws of nature and our true
identity. In the yogic way of life, we keep on removing hurdles of
physical and mental stiffness, ego, hatred and fear, layer by layer so
that our bliss body ( Anadmaykosh) is revealed and enjoy the beauty of
life and love.
A
true yogi discard nothing and accept all. A true yogi also accepts his
powers to transform everything into more positive situation and outcome.
He understands the power of connection with the Universal consciousness
and make all efforts to sustain and strengthen this connection.
To experience the yogic way of life, one must follow the following steps
a.
Understand that both body and mind are tools to life and not your true
identity. This kind of understanding breaks us from the slavery of body
and mind and helps us to restore our master-ship over body and mind.
Healthy body and disciplined mind is the prerequisite to a joyous life
b.
Understand and control the elixir of life- your breath. Without
controlling the breath, it is impossible to control the mind. Through
Pranayaam, we regulate breath and circulate the universal wisdom of
Prana to each and every part of our body and mind. Here, learning the
art of breathing is the critical.
c.
Everything with do at physical, mental or emotional level has
consequences. Without following Yam and Niyam, we cannot walk the path
of Yoga. If one is not following the principles of Satya, Ahimsa, Asteya
etc, the energy generated through Pranayaam, Asana etc becomes
uncontrollable.
d.
The life has no beginning and no end. There is no need to hurry or
compete on the path of Yoga. Find your own path and move forward,
continuously. Listen to your inner sense and voice.
e.
The ultimate goal of Yoga is to experience the life with a sense of
nothingness.This nothingness is filled with unlimited universal wisdom,
nishkam karma with seva and devoid of sense of judgement. This
nothingness is the absence of everything created by our mind like fear,
ego, greed and anger.
In real sense, yoga is the
path of celebrating life in harmony with the universal consciousness.
Yoga is aligning the body, mind and soul with the energies of supreme
divine and working for the divine purpose of making the life more
beautiful and loving. This is the spirit of Yoga where there there is
endless love and well being for all.
Sarvesham Swastir Bhavatu
Sarvesham Shantir Bhavatu
Sarvesham Purnam Bhavatu
Sarvesham Mangalam Bhavatu
Om Shanti, Om Shanti, Om Shanti..............
Great article about shunya, you are share here Thanks
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