Yoga

What actually is ashtanga yoga? THE term ashtanga yoga is often referred to as if it were a distinct type or school of yoga. In fact, along with ashtanga yoga, other ‘types’ of yoga also are mentioned with the names of certain gurus prefixed to the word, yoga. Sometimes, a question is even asked, “Do you practise ashtanga yoga or any other type of yoga?”! Yoga itself is often a misunderstood concept. Many limit the purport and scope of it to merely performing certain complex postures (asana). An understanding of certain simple, yet important issues on ashtanga yoga and, in fact, on yoga itself, would be enlightening. Yoga is not limited to just performing asana. Yoga, is an approach and way of life. It is the progress of the aspiring, limited and bounded soul towards the unlimited power and potential of the divinity within. The term yoga is derived from the Sanskrit word, yuj, which literally means, ‘to join’. This, therefore, is the process of uniting or joining or narrowing the gap between this limited existence and that unbounded divinity and power. In essence, this is the manner of releasing the retarding forces within for true progress — that is, bridging the gap between what one actually presently is and the ideal. In his Yoga Sutra, Patanjali prescribes (2, 29) eight sequential and progressive stages in this journey towards ultimate yoga. These, thus, are the eight parts or limbs (ashtanga yoga) and progress from the very basics involving the first two stages of yama and niyama (self-restraints and observances, respectively five each, as named by Patanjali). These simple codes include non-violence, truth, honesty, continence, absence of greed, cleanliness, contentment, austerity, self-study and faith in God. It is only when the first two stages (yama and niyama) are observed that the aspirant becomes fit for the third stage which is practice of the needed postures (asana) for all-round development of the body and mind. This is akin to climbing on to the third step only after the first two are crossed. Therefore asanais just one stage or limb (the third) of ashtanga yoga. The subsequent finer and subtler stages are pranayama (breath regulation), pratyahara (sense withdrawal), dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation) and samadhi (ultimate oneness with the divine). Comprehension of the above would, perhaps, serve to give a clearer understanding of the concepts and objectives which Patanjali may have had in his mind, as he envisioned ashtanga yoga.