YOGA
An Introduction To Yoga And Yogic Practices
Yoga is an Indian discipline of theory and practice which leads to the realization of ultimate truth. The discipline of yoga consists of the modes and methods which were discovere d by Indian Rsi and muni to overcome the sufferings (dukha) and bring liberation (samadhi/moksa) from the sufferings of life - the ultimate aim of human life . The discipline of yoga is a path of selfi - discipline which also leads to the knowledge about 'self'.
Generally the word 'yoga' means 'union'. Etymologically, it has been derived from Sanskrit root 'yuj' which means to bind, join , attach or yoke. Yoga signifies communion of self with the supreme universal spirit to obtain relief from pain and suffering. According to panini grammar , it has three meanings- Union (Yujir Yoge), Samadhi (Yuj samadhau) and constraint, restraint ( yuj Samyamane). Examples for these uges can be found in the sacred and classical Sanskrit literature.
The discipline of Yoga has a very old history. Its origin can be traced to the pre - vedic age as some references are found in the Indus valley civilizations. Veda, Upanisad, smrti , purana as well as Epics all give due importance to the system of Yoga . Though in the beginning , there was no separate treatise on Yoga , Yet the word 'Yoga' has been referred to quite frequently in the Vedas , but in altogether different contexts. We find the description of asana pranayama , dhyana etc . in the Upanishads also. In the smrti literature except YAJNAVALKYASMARTI, no independent treatise on yoga seems to have existed...
Yogasutra of Maharsi Patanjali is perhaps the first systematic work on Yoga. The Yogasutra is a compilation of all the scattered references which have been put by maharsi patanjali in the from of sutra-s (aphorisms), hence , popularly known as yogasutra.
Yoga has been defined differently in various text books. Maharsi patanjali defines yoga ' Yogascittavrttinirodhan'. Which means Yoga is the control of the thought waves in the citta (mind stuff ) Its ultimate aim is to live a life beyond the consciousness of body ,
mind and intellect. According to Gita , ' Samatvam Yoga Ucyate'. I.e. harmony or balance is Yoga.
The system of Yoga in Gherandasamhita is denominated as Ghatathayoga ( Yoga based on body). Ghatasthayoga can be considered as the means of acquiring tattvajnana (the knowledge about 'self' ) or Atmabodhkara as described by Forks Sanath.
Different schools of Yoga advoy different sets of practices , depending upon the goal. Patanjali advocated AstangYoga which, comprises yama , niyama, Adana, pranayama , pratyahara, dharana, dhyana and samadhi.
यमनियमासनप्राणायामप्रत्याहारधारनाध्यानसमाधयोष्टावडगानि!
In Hathayoga tradition, Goraksanath in Goraksatakam advocates sadangayoga (six - limb yoga) which includes asana, pranasamyama , peatyahara , dharana, dhyana and samadhi.
आसनं प्राणसंयामःप्रत्याहारोथ धारणा।
ध्यानं समाधिरेतानि योगाडगानि भवन्ति षट।।
Gheranda Muni in the following verse of Gherandasamhit propounded saptasadhana ( seven constituents) of Ghatasthayoga I.e. sodhana , ( purification), drdhata (strength), sthairyam (steadiness), dhairyam ( composure), laghavam (lightness), pratyaksam (realisation) and nirliptam (detachment).
शोधनं द्ढता चैव स्थैर्य धैर्य च लाघवम्।
प्रत्यक्षं च विनिलिप्त घटस्य सप्तसाधनम्।।
From the above discussion, it is clear that the system of yoga , in general, understands the role of inner - sense - organ (citta) in the achievement of liberation and self- realization . It also deals with the functioning of the citta physical body and therefore prescribes certain methods for its purification. Sat-karma (sodhanakriya -s) is one of the yogic practice which have been prescribed to purify the body .
It is a fact that the yogic practice such as asana , pranayama and Sat- karma gained importance after the arrival of Tantrasadhana and Nathasampradaya . In the tradition of Hathayoga, these practice occupied an important place. In Hathayogapradipika, Hatharatnavali , Gherandasamhita and Satkarmasangrah, these practice have not only been described clearly but other less discussed esoteric areas also have been elaborated.