Dear Friends,
Namaste!
We saw that Patanjali had to create the eight armed octopus called “Ashtanga Yoga” to be able to cover that glorious and multi-faceted thing called ‘Life’.
We also stated that whilst these eight limbs appear independent of one another; they are actually interconnected. In fact, it is very difficult to master a particular limb unless we master all the preceding limbs. Let’s briefly see how that is the case (we would be discussing these limbs in much more detail later)…
Limb 1 – Value System (‘Yama’)
Our value system forms the very ‘core’ of our being. More than anything else, it is this value system that anchors our life. Value system is what we live by. Management Guru Stephen Covey in his famous book “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” has unequivocally stated that strong values act as the foundation for a Happy, Healthy and Successful life. Value system provides us with the much needed purpose and direction. Without this set of core values, we would be starting our journey on a wrong footing and never reach our desired destination!
The science of Yoga prescribes five values. Truth (‘Satya’), Non-violence (‘Ahimsa’), Non-accumulation (‘Aparigraha’), Non-stealing (‘Asteya’) and Conscientious Behavior (‘Brahmacharya’).
Limb 2 – Discipline (‘Niyama’)
A man once went to God saying, “O God, give me everything so that I can enjoy life!” God smiled and said, “My dear fellow, I have given you life so that you can enjoy everything!”
If we have a slick sports-car but we drive it without following traffic rules, without an eye on the speedometer, without paying any heed to our own safety and that of our fellow-travelers, without properly cleaning, oiling and maintaining the car, it is a no-brainer as to how long we would be able to enjoy it.
Likewise, if we have to make the most of life, we have to adhere to certain observances, follow certain rules, obey certain regulations and enjoy within that framework. Laws of nature/life/science will operate clinically, objectively, ruthlessly and ignorance of the same is no excuse!
“In order that one can hope to excel
One must know the rules of the game well
Else it will lead to all opportunities’ abuse
Rules are rules and ignorance is no excuse”
The science of Yoga prescribes five observances. Cleanliness (‘Shaucha’), Acceptance (‘Santosh’), Consistent Effort (‘Tapa’), Self-study (‘Swadhyay’) and Contemplation of the Divine (‘Ishwar Pranidhana’).
Limb 3 - Postures (‘Asana’)
From gross to subtle goes the journey of evolution. Before we can hope to find our spirit, we should first be able to touch our toes! Before we can hope to excel at meta-physical level, we must organize our affairs well in the physical world. Before we can start controlling our more subtle faculties (viz., mind and intellect), we must have our body in order first.
Postures enable us to gain control over our body. After having cleansed it externally (through ‘Shaucha’), postures help us cleanse it internally by throwing out toxins, toning various glands (thyroid, pituitary and pineal to name just a few) and increasing efficiency of the five systems (nervous, digestive, circulatory, excretory and respiratory). They help us to reduce fat and build/tone muscles. The body becomes firm, well-balanced, well-proportioned. Immunity goes up by a few notches as well.
Theoretically, the number of postures is infinite! Patanjali states “Any position that is steady, firm, comfortable and done with awareness is an Asana” (“Sthira Sukham Asanam”).
Limb 4 - Breath Control (‘Pranayama’)
“We possess the world’s most wonderful bridge
Of subtle and gross bodies it joins the ridge
Collapsing of this bridge called breath
Is also more commonly known as death”
No breath – no life! Hence breath control is so closely linked to life-force control. Breath control creates pneumatic force which can be used in a controlled manner to not only enhance physical benefits of Asana but also paves the way for controlling mind and intellect.
Our breathing pattern is closely linked to our emotions. For example, when we get quite agitated, our breathing becomes shallow and irregular. On the other hand, when we are at peace, our breathing becomes smooth and deep. This works the other way round as well. We can actually control our emotions (i.e., our mind – for it is the seat of our emotions) if we consciously regulate our breathing by taking deep and slow breaths.Try it, especially when you feel stressed and see it work like magic!
There are dozens of breath control techniques that an aspirant can practice.
Critical things to remember, however, are to ensure that our body is ‘baked firm’ by postures first and the practice takes place under expert guidance. Uncontrolled or ill-controlled force can be quite destructive!!
Let’s discuss the remaining four limbs (viz., sense-control, concentration, meditation and blissful existence) next Tuesday.
Watch this space…
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