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YOGA & SADHANA
योगश्चित्तवृत्तिनिरोधः — The Union of Consciousness
Derived from the Sanskrit root yuj ("to join" or "unite"), Yoga is far more than physical postures — it is the supreme science of self-realization defined by Sage Patanjali as "the stilling of the fluctuations of the mind."
THE FOUR PATHS OF YOGA
चत्वारो योगमार्गाः
THE EIGHT LIMBS OF RAJA YOGA
अष्टाङ्गयोग — Patanjali's Ashtanga Path
1
यम
Yama
Ethical restraints: Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya, Aparigraha.
2
नियम
Niyama
Personal observances: Saucha (purity), Santosha (contentment), Tapas (discipline), Svadhyaya (self-study), Ishvarapranidhana.
3
आसन
Asana
Steady and comfortable posture for meditation (Sthira Sukham Asanam).
4
प्राणायाम
Pranayama
Mastery and expansion of vital life force (prana) through breath control.
5
प्रत्याहार
Pratyahara
Withdrawal of the senses from external distractions to turn awareness inward.
6
धारणा
Dharana
Single-pointed concentration of the mind on an object, mantra, or chakra.
7
ध्यान
Dhyana
Unbroken flow of meditative awareness toward the Divine.
8
समाधि
Samadhi
Complete absorption and union of the individual self with universal consciousness.