Yoga

Origin

Yoga is essentially a spiritual discipline based on an extremely subtle science, which focuses on bringing harmony between mind and body. It is an art and science of healthy living. The word ‘Yoga’ is derived from the Sanskrit root ‘Yuj’, meaning ‘to join’ or ‘to unite’. The aim of Yoga is Self-realization, to overcome all kinds of sufferings leading to \’the state of liberation\’ (Moksha) or ‘freedom’ (Kaivalya). Living with freedom in all walks of life, health and harmony shall be the main objectives of Yoga practice.

Historical Development of Yoga

Yoga is the ancient science which originated in India and is now used by people all over the world for maintaining physical, emotional and mental health. As per one of the classical texts of yoga called Hatha yoga Pradipika, mentions Lord Shiva as the first teacher of yoga, whereas Bhagavad Gita mentions Lord Krishna as the first teacher of yoga.
Some historical researchers have proved that yoga was in existence during the time of Vedas. Post the Vedic period, the great sage Patanjali systematized yoga, elaborated its meaning and the knowledge related to it through Patanjali yoga sutras. After sage Patanjali, many sages contributed largely to the field with their practices and literature.

For the sake of systematic study of the historical development of yoga, the yogic period can be divided into three periods, namely:

1. Pre-Patanjali period (Before 500 BC)

2. Patanjali period (500 BC to 800 AC)

3. Post Patanjali period (800 AC onward)

Pre – Patanjali Period

The historical evidence of yoga indicates the existence of ancient science in 4500 BC. So, the period extending from 4500 BC up to the Patanjali period is considered the pre-Patanjali period. The main sources of information available from that period include Vedas, Upanishads. 

Vedas – In the Hindu tradition, there are four Vedas namely Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda and Atharvaveda. No direct explanation of the word yoga can be found in any of the Vedas.

•But the meaning of other important yogic terms such as asana, pranayama, mudras, meditation techniques, cleanliness techniques Yama and Niyama and the dharanas are all elaborated in the Vedas. The asanas explained in the Vedas were more focused on meditation. 

The pranayama explained in the Yajurveda is similar to Anuloma Viloma.

Upanishads – Upanishads are the essence of Vedas. Out of all the Upanishads available, there are 10 which are of utmost importance. 

These 10 Upanishads talk about yoga and its various aspects. The panchkosha theory which is used in the treatment of diseases through yoga is elaborated in the Taittariya Upanishad. 

While the Kathopanishad explains how to attain Samadhi. Other Upanishads with information related to yoga are Ishavasya Upanishads, Kenopanishad and Shwetasvatara Upanishads.

Smriti -The Smritis which talk about yoga are Yajnavalkya Smriti, Manusmriti and Harita Smriti. 

The epics- The two main epics which give out major details about yoga are Ramayana and Mahabharata. Ramayana explains the moral disciplines, Yama and Niyama in detail.

Puranas – The Bhagavata Purana explains bhakti yoga. The Linga Purana elaborates details about Yama, Niyama and pranayama. Vayu Purana mentions the details about dharana, pratyahara and dhyana.

Patanjali Period

 During the Patanjali period, yoga was a combination of various beliefs, ideas and techniques that often contradicted and conflicted with each other. The Patanjali period is defined in the Patanjali Yoga Sutras, the first systematic presentation of yoga. 

These texts were written sometime in the 2nd century and are mainly focused on the path of Raja Yoga, also known as the “classical yoga”. Sage Patanjali laid down the practice of yoga into an eight-limbed path. Sage Patanjali is considered as the father of yoga

Post-Patanjali Period

Tantra yoga was developed during this period, which was more about radical techniques to cleanse the mind and body to break down the knots which bind us to our physical existence. The exploration of the spiritual and physical connections and body-centered practices led to the birth of hatha yoga which is one of the most popular forms of yoga. The Natha yogis of the hatha yoga tradition such as Gorkshnatha, Gorkshnatha, Matsyendaranatha, Swatmaram Suri, Cauranginatha, Shrinivasa Bhatt, Gheranda are some of the prominent names who popularized the hatha yoga practice during the post-Patanjali period.

The post-Patanjali period was followed by the modern period which extended from 1700-1900 A.D. This is the period when great yoga gurus such as Ramana Maharshi, Paramhansa Yogananda, Ramakrishna Paramhansa, Swami Vivekananda, etc. contributed greatly for the development of raja yoga. During this period, Vedanta, Hatha Yoga and Bhakti Yoga flourished and at present are the most popular forms of yoga being practiced all over the world.

Aṣṭāṅga yoga

Ashtanga yoga (Sanskrit: aṣṭāṅgayoga, \”the eight limbs of yoga\”) is Patanjali\’s classification of classical yoga, as set out in his Yoga Sutras. Eight Limbs of Ashtanga Yoga

1.Yamas (Principles or moral code)

Yamas are ethical rules and can be thought of as moral imperatives (the \”don\’ts\”). The five yamas listed by Patanjali in Yoga Sutra are: 

1. Ahimsa (अहिंसा ): Principle of Nonviolence, non-harming other living beings

2. Satya (सत्य): Principle of truthfulness, non-falsehood

3. Asteya (अस्तेय): Principle of non-stealing

4. Brahmacharya (ब्रह्मचयय): Continence / Celibacy

5. Aparigraha (अपररग्रह): A principle of non-hoarding or non possessiveness

2. Niyamas (Personal Disciplines)

The second component of Patanjali\’s Yoga path is niyama, which includes virtuous habits and observances (the \”dos\”).

1. Shaucha (शौच): purity, clearness of mind, speech and body.

2. Santosha (संतोष ): contentment, acceptance of others, acceptance of one\’s circumstances.

3. Tapas (तपस): persistence, austerity, self-discipline.

4. Svadhyaya (स्वाध्याय): study of self, self-reflection, introspection of self\’s thoughts, speech and actions.

5. Ishvarapranidhana (ईश्वरप्रहिधान): contemplation of the Ishvara (God/Supreme Being, Brahman, True Self, Unchanging Reality) As with the Yamas, Patanjali explains how and why each of the Niyamas help in personal growth.

3. Āsana (Yoga Positions or Yogic Postures)

Patanjali begins discussion of Āsana (आसन, posture, seat) by defining it in verse 46, as follows, 

स्थिरसुखमासनम्॥४६॥

The meditation posture should be steady and comfortable. Asana is a posture that one can hold for a period of time, staying relaxed, steady, comfortable and motionless. Āraṇya translates verse II.47 of Yoga sutra as, \”asanas are perfected over time by relaxation of effort with meditation on the infinite\”; this combination and practice stops the quivering of body. Any posture that causes pain or restlessness is not a yogic posture.

•4. Prānāyāma (Yogic Breathing)

Pranayama is the control of the breath, from the Sanskrit prāṇa (प्राण, breath) and āyāma (आयाम, restraint).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).

5. Pratyāhāra (Withdrawal of Senses)

Pratyāhāra is a combination of two Sanskrit words prati- (the prefix प्रति -, \”against\”) and āhāra (आहार, \”bring near, fetch\”). Pratyahara is drawing within one\’s awareness. Pratyāhāra, is like turning down the volume on the outside world so you can hear your inner thoughts more clearly. It\’s about consciously taking a step back from distractions and sensory inputs, allowing your mind to focus inward.  By practicing pratyāhāra, you learn to control your attention and become more aware of your thoughts and feelings without being constantly pulled by external influences.

6. Dhāraṇā (Concentration on Object)

Dharana (Sanskrit: धारणाा) means concentration, introspective focus and one-pointedness of mind. The mind is fixed on a mantra,or an object one wants to observe, or a concept/idea in one\’s mind. Fixing the mind means one pointed focus, without drifting of mind, and without jumping from one topic to another.

7. Dhyāna (Meditation) 

Dhyana (Sanskrit: ध्यान) literally means \”contemplation, reflection\” and \”profound, abstract meditation\”. Dhyana is integrally related to Dharana, one leads to the other. Dharana is a state of mind, Dhyana the process of mind.

8. Samādhi (Salvation)

Samadhi (Sanskrit: समाधि) literally means \”putting together, joining, combining with, union\”. Samadhi is that spiritual state when one\’s mind is so absorbed in whatever it is contemplating on, that the mind loses the sense of its own identity. The thinker, the thought process and the thought fuse with the subject of thought.

The Cleansing Shat Kriyas of Hatha Yoga

The Hath Yoga Pradipika outlines Ṣaṭkarmas (Shat kriyas) or six purification procedures designed to cleanse the body and mind. 

 ‘Sat’ in Sanskrit means six, and ‘karma’ translates to action or technique. 

The six techniques that make up Ṣaṭkarmas are:

1. Kapalabhati – Purifies and Cleanses the Lungs and Respiratory Tract Through Breath

The term Kapalbhati is a merging of two words, Kapal which defines the skull and its associated organs and functions and Bhati which roughly translates into shining, luminous or glowing. As the name indicates, this particular is focuses on the purification and cleansing of the lungs, in turn leading to the maintenance of healthy brain function. This kriya also assists in detoxification and cleansing of the entire lymphatic system.

2. Neti – Cleanses and Purifies the Upper Nasal Track by Flushing

Neti kriya is focused on cleansing and purifying the nostrils and nasal passages. this Kriya can be performed using a liquid medium to flush out and clean the nasal passages. Homemade saline solution can be used for this cleansing. It is very effective for any kind of flu and helps to drain out any impurities which have entered inside the nasal passage from the atmosphere outside. Performing this Kriya is not only beneficial for cleansing the nasal passages but also for combating muscular tension in the facial muscles and creating a youthful, healthy glow in the face. It also assists with relieving anxiety and combating mild depression and mental congestion of various kinds. Over and above that it promotes balance throughout the body’s entire nervous system.

3. Trataka – Promotes Eye Health and Focus through Tearing Cleansing

Trataka is a Kriya specifically formulated towards developing overall eye health. it is aimed at developing and retaining healthy eyesight and focus. One performs this kriya by focusing the unblinking eyes on a selected object. in most cases, it is a candle flame that burns in a closed room to ensure a steady flame. Starting with the eyes closed until they are relaxed, you then open the eyes and stare at the brightest point of the flame above the candlewick without moving or blinking the eyes. Since the eyes start to tear up they are closed for a short period and then the exercise is repeated. The tear ducts secreting fluid cleanses the eyes. it is important to keep the eyes relaxed throughout the cycles of this kriya.

4. Nauli – Cleansing the Digestive system using the Abdominal Muscles And Viscera

Nauli is a technique that involves the massage and stimulation of the abdominal muscles. It is typically performed on an empty stomach and is often incorporated into pranayama or yogic breathing exercises.

Some of its benefits include Improved digestion, Constipation relief, Reduced bloating, Stronger core muscles and reduced backache

To perform Nauli, sit in a comfortable seated position with your legs crossed. Exhale all of the air from your lungs and hold your breath. Next, contract the abdominal muscles and pull inwards, creating a circular motion. Do this by isolating the rectus abdominal muscles and rotating them in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.
Once the circular motion has been completed a few times, release the abdominal muscles and inhale deeply.

5. Dhouti – Intestinal Cleansing through Purging

Dhouti Kriya is specifically focused on cleansing the intestinal tract. It is particularly rigorous but hugely beneficial kriya. This kriya is performed to induce vomiting and purge the intestine of any blockages or impurities.

Apart from its beneficial cleansing properties, this kriya is highly effective in dealing with gastric issues, constipation and bile disorders. It also enhances renal functions and benefits the liver.

6. Basti – Cleansing Of The Rectum through Yogic Enema

The Abdomen Is Divided Into Three Sections, The Upper, Middle And Lower Abdominal Sections. Basti Kriya Is Targeted Towards Cleansing The Lower Abdomen Specifically, Including The Bladder And The Pelvic Region.

This Kriya Is Often Referred To As A Yogic Enema And Is Conducted To Cleanse And Purify Any Impurities Or Toxins In The Lower Abdomen Via The Colon. 

This Kriya Is Also Adept In Treating Urinary Disorders, Digestive Complaints, Combating Irregular Bowels And Dealing With Troublesome Issues Such As Excessive Bile And Flatulence.