Tame your monkey mind - Part 2 - Still your mind with the 8 limbs of Yoga

Om Namah Shivaya!

Yoga as such has been misinterpreted largely as a physical fitness routine only. Asanas are part of the 8 limbs of Yoga (Ashtanga). Purpose of Yoga is to unite the body and mind into one pointedness which helps us to become one with our true Self or the all pervading consciousness. According to Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, Yoga is stoppage of mental modifications of mind. In Sanskrit the sutra goes like this - Yogas chitta vritti nirodha Yoga is an ancient science/ philosophy / lifestyle gifted to human kind by the Rishis of ancient India. The Yogis practiced Yoga as the way of life to attain Self realization. Only a few exceptions like the great Ramana Maharshi of Arunachala can transcend Yoga and attain Self realization. For the rest souls like us, Yoga is a path to Self realization. The 8 limbed or the Ashtanga Yoga is integral to bring our minds to stillness. Next time you unroll your mat, remember it is not just the breathing exercises and postures that will remove your suffering. It is all the 8 limbs practiced diligently.

Here are the 8 limbs -

1. Yamas - the five ethics one should practice for being a responsible human being

• Ahimsa - Not just physical non-violence, one should practice non-violence in our thoughts, words and actions. Be mindful of these three at all times.

• Satya - Being truthful to self, to others at all times.

• Asteya - Non-stealing (self explanatory).

• Brahmacharya - Practicing celibacy when single and being faithful to your partner once married.

• Aparigraha - Avoiding materialistic desires and becoming a minimalist with clarity on wants and needs.

2. Niyamas - the five personal ethics one should follow in life.

• Saucha - Cleanliness to keep one and others healthy. Cleanliness is not only for the body but also for the mind.

• Santosha - Being content and happy all the time.

• Tapas - Austerity and self-discipline.

• Swadhyaya - Study of holy scriptures.

• Ishwarapranidhana - Surrendering oneself to Ishwara. It means all actions are done towards the conscious Self. Not only during prayer. Dedicating all our actions towards Ishwara and ensure there is divinity in our thoughts, words and actions.

3. Asanas - Yoga postures or exercises that are done in a steady and comfortable way. As Patanjali's sutra on Asanas goes, Sthira-Sukhamasanam meaning Asanas performed should be steady and comfortable. My Yoga guru says one should not perform Asanas beyond their limits to satisfy their ego. Asanas are meant to relax, soothe and strengthen the muscles and joints of the body enabling to sit in meditation for hours together.

4. Pranayamas - Regulation of Prana through proper breathing techniques.

5. Pratyahara - Sense withdrawal

6. Dharana - One-pointed focus.

7. Dhyana – Meditation.

8. Samadhi - The highest experiential state of meditation where one becomes united with the Self.

One has to follow each and every limb of Yoga to purify the body and mind. It takes good understanding, discipline, time and effort. Without a clean mind, no matter how many Pranayamas, Sun salutations or how many difficult postures one does or holds, he/she cannot attain the stillness leading to bliss.

Remember it is not easy to start but it is even tough to stop once you are on the path of Yoga. Be consistent and have a strict discipline.

Namaste and Happy breathing!