The eight-fold path of Ashtanga yoga of Patanjali

 

Often students ask me what kind of yoga we practise in the studio.

It is true that today there are many different yoga schools and it is very easy for beginners to get lost in this diversity. In addition, and particularly in the Western world, yoga has become quite popular as a purely physical exercise practice, breaking away from its original purpose of spiritual liberation.

As a matter of fact, Yoga is much more than the physical practice of asanas. Indeed, yoga is one of the six Darchans (philosophical streams – or schools – of ancient India). These six Darchans are Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Samkhya, Yoga, Vedanta, and Mimamsa. These six philosophical schools have their source in the sacred knowledge of the Vedas (15th century BC).

The origins of Yoga

Yoga is a very ancient Indian science of exercise and healing (we have evidence of yoga practice since 5th century BC) passed along from teacher to student through oral tradition and physical practice.

In the 2nd century BC, sage Patanjali realized that Yoga had become too complex and diversified for anyone to grasp in a meaningful way, so he codified all aspects of yoga into a certain format known as the Yoga Sutras. In this brief work, containing only 196 sayings, Patanjali clearly explains what Yoga is.  In his sutras, he describes the eight-fold path of Yoga which leads to self-realization. This unique path is known as the Ashtanga-Yoga of Patanjali (Ashta in Sanscrit means “Eight”, therefore Ahstanga yoga means “eight limbs of yoga”).

When one refers to Ashtanga yoga, we need to precise if we mean Ashtanga-Yoga of Patanjali (the reference to the eight-fold path as described above) or Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga which is a style of yoga as exercise created by K. Pattabhi Jois during the 20th century.

For the past ten years, I have been practicing Hatha Yoga, following the teaching method of B.K.S Iyengar. Hatha Yoga is traditional yoga based on the principles of Ashtanga-Yoga of Patanjali which includes the practice of postures, breathing techniques (Pranayama), and meditation.

 How Pantajali defines Yoga

The Patanjali sutras are divided into four parts and consist of 196 aphorisms (or sutras) in which the author defined what yoga is and its ultimate goal as well as the benefits of Yoga. He explains thoroughly how to practice in order to achieve the state of meditative consciousness (Samādhi).

In the second sutra of the first chapter which is called Samādhi Pada, Patanjali defines what yoga is:

1.2 yogah cittavrtti nirodhah

Yoga is the cessation of fluctuation in the consciousness

Yoga is therefore defined by Patanjali as the control of fluctuations in mental content (and therefore is not just a postural exercise).

It is the art of studying the behavior of mental content which has three functions: knowledge, willpower, and movement. Yoga empowers us to understand the workings of the mind and helps us to calm these movements, leading us into a state of peaceful silence that remains at the very heart of consciousness. Yoga is therefore the art and science of the mental discipline which refines and cultivates the mind.

The supreme goal of yoga is liberation, it is the state of consciousness where the individual soul (Purusha) and the Divine (Purusha Vishesha) are united. In Indian thought, this Divine or Universal Spirit can neither be described nor represented. Therefore, one does not find his representation in Indian culture. Yoga is not a religion: each yoga practitioner can associate this Universal Spirit with his own culture. The yogi does not look heavenward to find God: he knows that HE is within.

The eight-fold path of Ashtanga yoga of Patanjali

Here is how Patanjali describes the 8 stages of Yoga:

  1. Yama (universal moral commandments): explains the code of ethical behavior to be observed and followed in everyday life reminding us of all responsibilities as social beings. Yama has five principles: nonviolence, truthfulness, freedom from avarice, chastity (but not total abstinence) and freedom from desire.
  2. Niyama (self-purification by discipline): is the positive current that brings discipline, removes inertia, and gives shape to the inner desire to follow the yogic path. The principles of Niyama are cleanliness, contentment, austerity, the study of one’s own self (which includes the body, mind, intellect and ego), and devotion to God.
  3. Asana (Postural practice which prepares the body and mind for the more advanced stages of yoga). Performing an asana helps to create and generate energy. Staying in as asana organizes and distributes this energy while coming out of the pose protects the energy preventing it from dissipating. In yoga sutras, 111.47 Patanjali explains the effects of an asana: the perfected body has beauty, grace, and strength which is comparable to the hardness and brilliance of a diamond. While practicing an asana, one must focus attention on the inner body, drawing the mind inward to sharpen the intelligence. Then, the asana becomes effortless as the blemishes on both the gross and the subtitle body washed off. This is the turning point in the practice of asana when the body, mind, and self unite. The practice of asanas improves physical and mental health and prepares us for the next step of yoga which is Pranayama. Patanjali clearly specifies that Pranayama should be attempted only after the asanas are mastered.
  4. Pranayama (Rhythmic control of the breath): Prana is vital energy, while Ayama means “stretch, expansion, and extension”. Pranayama can be described as the “expansion and extension of the energy of life force”. Patanjali begins pranayama with the simple movement of breathing, leading us deeper and deeper into ourselves by teaching us to observe the very act of respiration. Pranayama has three movements: prolonged inhalation, deep exhalation, and prolonged stable retention all of which need to be performed with precision. Control of breathing gives us emotional stability, helps us to maintain calmness and a clear mind in all situations of daily life.
  5. Pratyahara (withdrawal and emancipation of the mind from the domination of the senses and exterior objects). When the senses withdraw from objects of desire, the mind is realized from the power of senses, which in turn become passive. Then the mind turns inward and is set free from the tyranny of the senses.
  6. Dharana (concentration): keeping attention, focus, and concentration in all activities, including during asana practice.
  7. Dhyana (meditation): contemplation of the chosen subject of meditation.
  8. Samādhi (a state of super consciousness brought about profound meditation in which the individual aspirant – sadhaka or yogi – become one with the object of his meditation – Paramatma or Universal Spirit). This is the highest concentrated consciousness, connection with the Divine is the final stage of yogic exercises. The experience of Samādhi is achieved when the knower, the knowable and the known become one. The state of total absorption is Samādhi. ThoughSamādhi can be explained at an intellectual level it can only be experienced at the level of the heart. Ultimately it is Samādhi which is the fruit of the discipline of Ashtanga yoga.

The last three steps of yoga take the yogi into the innermost recesses of his soul and keep him in harmony with himself and his Maker. These stages are called Antarathma Sādhanā, the quest of the soul.

Fig.1: Eight Limbs of Ashtanga yoga

In conclusion

“I am always happy with the smallest improvement; I do not try to reach Perfection; but only the little perfections of everyday” B.K.S Iyengar.

Yoga is an ancient art based on an extremely subtle science, that of body, mind, and soul. The prolonged practice of yoga will, in time, lead all of us in this learning journey to a sense of peace and a feeling of being at one with his or her environment.

Everyone is free to choose how far they want to go in the yoga path, we are all students and very few people have reached the state of Samadhi. Respecting the principles of Yama and Niyama, practicing asanas and Pranayama regularly, already bring great benefits for physical health and emotional balance.

I encourage you to continue your practice and set realistic goals for yourself. Be curious, patient, persistent, and indulgent with yourself and you will discover the benefits of yoga through your personal experience.

When asked how to overcome the yoga learning journey challenges, BKS Iyengar used to say only one thing: Keep practicing!

Sources:

  1. Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali – BKS Iyengar
  2. Light on Yoga / Yoga Dipika – BKS Iyengar
  3. Yoga the path to holistic health – BKS Iyengar
  4. Yoga Makaranda – Tiramalai Krishnamacharya
  5. Conference “Six Darshans” by Ekaterina Komissaruk (Oct. 2020)