Yoga Wisdom

Within the scope of the yamas is the practice of truth.  Many people can argue about the meaning of truth, but in this context it means being as honest as possible within a given situation.  We know when we are telling the truth and when we are not.  When practicing yoga we find that telling the truth as we know it supports our endeavors to clarifying our consciousness.  This occurs on many levels.

On the physical level it can be demonstrated that speaking a falsehood energetically weakens the body.  Kinesiologists have been utilizing this principle for a long time.  A muscle can be tested for strength while speaking the truth.  Muscles respond stronger when a statement is true rather than when it is weak.  When a statement is false the muscle tested will not be able to function with much strength.  By practice of truth we enable our bodies to be strong and optimally functional physically.

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Chapter 2 sutra 30 of Patanjali’s text reads, “Non violence, truth, non stealing, conservation of vital forces, and non possessiveness are the yamas-universal disciplines.” 

The universal disciplines outline behaviors and states of mind conducive to soul peace.  For the peace of the eternal Self to manifest fully, a foundation in the universal disciplines is essential.  Before jumping into a full hatha yoga and meditation practice we need to evaluate our lives.  When the foundation of all our actions are centered in a peaceful state of consciousness, each aspect of daily life becomes a sacred moment in tune with our infinite spiritual core.  Vigilant practice of the yamas provides this foundation and elevates each moment of life into a practice of yoga.

Established in non violence, our actions are soothing and peaceful.  First we intend to do no harm to the planet and its inhabitants.  Then as this becomes natural to us, we evaluate our minds and intend not to even hold thoughts of animosity, jealousy, or any other thought negatively directed towards anyone. 

Instead of forceful restaint, one way to enter into non violence is to make an effort to assist someone in experiencing joy in life.  On the mental level we can consciously direct our thoughts to be unconditionally positive and loving.  (Note: This doesn’t mean you become all sappy and let people run all over you.  It means that if you find yourself thinking negative thoughts in regards to a particular person or situation, that you make an effort to see the highest good that could possibly come of that situation or you imagine that person in a peaceful light, free of the negative attributes experienced.  You also want to not do violence towards yourself, and sometimes relieving yourself of negative situations is the best way to do that.  This is done with grattitude for the opportunity to learn and not with resentment.) Basically, we are choosing to acknowledge the negative patterns in our life, release the need to hold on to them, and then choosing to experience spiritually uplifting thoughts and actions.

As the power of our consciousness develops through yoga our intentions and imaginations become more potent to effect the results of our own lives and the lives of others.  As our consciousness expands we also have a greater impact on the collective consciousness of the planet.  When established in perfect peace, that frequency radiates from us through all creation. 

More will be written about the yamas on a later entry…

According to the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali II.28, ”By practicing the eight limbs of yoga, as the impurities diminish, there is a light of knowing leading to discrimination.”  What does this mean? 

Complete practice of yoga, of which there are eight aspects, removes the impurities that block realization of spiritual freedom.  First, the impurities are removed.  As these impurities dissolve our powers of discrimination develop.  Discrimination is invaluable to fully comprehend the knowledge that unfolds from within us to impart our total spiritual freedom.Knowledge of the eternal Self is compared to light in this sutra.  As the particles of ignorance are wiped away from the spotlight of divine grace through dedicated yoga practice, the light of knowing shines forth freely.  Then we are in the flow of spiritual realization.  The flow never responds to force, but it will flow when obstacles to its path are removed.         

According to Patanjali in chapter two verse twenty-nine, “Yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana, and samadhi are the eight limbs.”  The eight aspects to be practiced are translated here from Sanskrit to English in order: refraining from harmful behaviors, cultivating life-enhancing behaviors, developing steady meditation posture (the purpose of hatha yoga), practice of scientific breathing techniques, inward flowing of attention from the senses, focused attention, meditation, and cognitive absorption. 

All of these practiced together refines a person’s being to experience oneness with their true self.  This is a full expression of their unique divine potential. 

 A more detailed description of each limb and their application is planned for a future entry.

 

Thanks for visiting. 

The intention of this site is to share the spiritually transformative and practical applications of the ancient science of yoga.  Yoga is a vast subject that extends far beyond the physical exercises of hatha yoga.  Hatha yoga is the third (asana) of eight limbs in the full system of yoga.  When these eight limbs (Yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana, and samadhi) are combined and practiced together, all levels of one’s being unites in a joyous celebration of eternal life and Self-realization.  We are here to have such an experience, as this is the absolute purpose of our existence in human form. 

Along the way we will also explore Ayurveda and Jyotish, which are sister sciences to yoga.  They are supports that enable one to acheive the four goals of life most efficiently and effectively.  We all have a right to a vocation in accord with our talents and interests, to enjoy life, to give back in service to society, and to complete spiritual liberation.  These too are all a part of yoga, and Ayurveda (knowledge of life and longevity) and Jyotish (the science of light) provide a useful map of the territory to ensure our success in fulfilling these innate aspirations.  Ayurveda teaches us of health and vitality.  Jyotish shares the cosmic energetic influences in life that shape our perception of reality and how we relate to the world.  Both provide knowledge of the self that is key to successful yoga practice.

To supplement the inner realizations that occur along the way we will also explore important yogic texts.  These include The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, The Bhagavad Gita, and Vasistha’s Yoga.  By inquiring into the inner meaning of these works we will attune our consciousness to that of the sages who authored them.  Keeping the company of sages and rishis, even if only in thought alone, is an excellent support for the practice of yoga. 

So off we go into Self-realization, personal transformation, and global enlightenment…