Pathanjali the Sage, physician and Yogi who lived around 3,000 years back had codified the mythical art of Yoga into eight sections in his 'Yoga Sutra'. Yama (restraints), Niyama (observations), Asana (physical postures), Prathyahra (withdrawal), Pranayama (regulation of vital energy ). Dharana(concentration) , Dhyana (meditation), and Samadhi (equilibrium of mind and intellect) are the eight sections. We can examine each of them precisely.
1) Yama (restraints)
a) non-violence,
b) Not indulging in untruth,
c) Moral and ethical conduct in sexual aspects
d) Mercy, straight forwardness and patience
e) Timely performance of duties
e) Timely performance of duties
i) Abstinence from desiring the wealth and belongings of others.
2) Niyama (observations)
a) Mental, personal and environmental cleanliness:
thinking, speaking and acting good things only.
b) Satisfaction and happiness in whatever is given by the circumstances.
c) Belief in the Divine laws explained by sages.
d) Giving charity to the needy and deserving persons.
e) Offering to God
f) Meditating on the divine existence.
g) Listening to the words of Seers and Masters, h) Careful study of science and philosophy.
i) Concentrating on the holy words.
j) Controlling the sensory organs and mind.
k) Self study and reading
l) Eliminating negative thoughts and attitudes, by replacing their with positive thoughts and attitudes.
3) Asana (physical postures)
According to Sage Pathanjali, asana is a physical postur suitable for comfortable sitting without movement for some tim "Sthiram sukham Asana". 64 Asanas were developed by late teachers; which are useful as treatments for certain pathologica conditions if combined with proper diet and life style and also with utilization of medicinal herbs. They are also suitable fo physical fitness, (similar to Gymnastics, etc).
4) Prathyahara (withdrawl)
Sensory organs such as eyes, ears etc are withdrawn from their objects such as sights, sounds etc. Inner energy is directed towards the centre or core of the mind (Chittha).
5) Pranayama (regulation of Vital energy)
Movements of prana are regulated through appropriate physical postures and breathing exercises i.e. through regulating absorption and distribution of cosmic/solar energy, which activates and cleanses the nervous system especially Central Nervous System. Energy - absorbing capacity of C.N.S. is also regulated through taking suitable food articles.
6) Dharana (Concentration)
Concentrating uninterruptedly on the divine light manifested in the inner mind of aspirant.
7) Dhyana (Meditation)
Concentrating on the movement of subtle-energy, which has become slow, and perceivable in the body-mind of aspirant as also in the Cosmos.
8) Samadhi (Balanced intellect and Equanimity)
Contrary to the common perception, this stage is to be achieved while living in this world itself. This is the state of equilibrium of intellect which enhances the health, memory power, efficiency, subtle intelligence, moral reasoning power, and wisdom of the aspirant.
(N.B: The Nirvana (Liberation) (Final Departure of Vital Energy from body) of Accomplished Yogis and Gurus is scientifically termed "Mahasamadhi")
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