The Five Points of Yoga
We have been given a couple of different sets of things to remember. This set is specific to the physical practice of yoga. If we go on the teach yoga, we have been instructed to emphasize these to our students. Yoga is a system of self-discipline based on simple living and high thinking. The body is the vehicle of the soul, and like an automobile, it has certain requirements. We have been practicing these this month, and hopefully we have created good habits that will continue back in the real world!
1) proper exercise (asana) - the lubricating system of the car
2) proper breathing (pranayama) - the battery
3) proper relaxation (savasana) - the cooling system
4) proper diet - the fuel
5) positive thinking and meditation (vedanta and dhyana) - the responsible driver
Brahman = Atman
I remember learning this in world religions class at Westtown. This means that Brahman (the infinite, eternal, supreme reality) is the same as Atman (absolute consciousness of the individual). They are one. So we (our true self) is god, and god is ourself.
Sounds simple, right? But there are a few things that get in the way of us knowing this truth. Absolute consciousness is veiled by the upadhis, or limiting adjuncts. These are simply (or not so simply) the body and the mind. Jiva is the individual soul, it is atman that identifies with the body and mind. Another thing is maya or the illusion, the creative power of Brahman. Everything in this world is maya, it is not real. Brahman plus maya is Isvara, or Brahman with attributes. Isvara is further subdivided into the hindu trinity of Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver), and Siva (the destroyer). To make things complicated, all of these have many incarnations and therefore many names. But the basic idea here is that "the names are many but god is one". And we are part of that same "oneness", because there is no "other". The meaning of 'yoga' is UNION.
The 3 Gunas
Maya, or creation, is made up of 3 essential qualities. They are present in varying degrees in everything, from the gross (physical) to the subtle (the mind, emotions, energies). These are the 3 gunas, which i will describe further because we have learned about them a lot:
Sattva
Sattva in the mind is purity and knowledge. Sattva in the universe is information, knowledge, and preservation.
Rajas
Rajas in the mind is desires, ego, restlessness and attachment. Rajas in the universe is energy, change, and action.
Tamas
Tamas in the mind is dullness and lethargy. Tamas in the universe is matter and solidity. It is the veiling quality that makes us think that what we know is reality.
Yogis try to cultivate sattva in all things. Sattvic food, sattvic environments, sattvic personal care. Doing this makes sattva in the mind grow.
The Four Paths of Yoga
If you haven't noticed, or if you are new to my blog, I have been doing a lot more than stretching this month. Yoga, or "union with the divine" is pursued through four paths:
Karma Yoga
The yoga of action, of selfless service. The karma yogi dedicates himself to serving the god who is present in all living things, without attachment to the 'fruits' or the outcomes of action. This sounds easy enough, but really it is not. I think about the volunteering that I have done. I typically do it because I like the organization and the work it does, or because I feel good after. Apparently this is good, but not good enough.
The yoga of action, of selfless service. The karma yogi dedicates himself to serving the god who is present in all living things, without attachment to the 'fruits' or the outcomes of action. This sounds easy enough, but really it is not. I think about the volunteering that I have done. I typically do it because I like the organization and the work it does, or because I feel good after. Apparently this is good, but not good enough.
Bhakti Yoga
The yoga of devotion, the approach of pure love. Supposedly the easiest form of yoga or path to god, but I am not sure. The bhakti yogi channels all emotions into devotion to and love of god in a personalized form. Forms of devotion include chanting, japa (repeating a mantra), and pujas (ceremonies and rituals). We are going to have the opportunity to be "initiated" into a mantra, which is associated with a particular deity who we feel strongly about (the ista-devata). I am thinking about it, but I could use some guidance.
The yoga of devotion, the approach of pure love. Supposedly the easiest form of yoga or path to god, but I am not sure. The bhakti yogi channels all emotions into devotion to and love of god in a personalized form. Forms of devotion include chanting, japa (repeating a mantra), and pujas (ceremonies and rituals). We are going to have the opportunity to be "initiated" into a mantra, which is associated with a particular deity who we feel strongly about (the ista-devata). I am thinking about it, but I could use some guidance.
Raja Yoga
The scientific, systematic approach. First you control the body and breath, andthen the mind. There are 8 steps, which i will go into later if I feel like it. I have to know them for the exam.
The scientific, systematic approach. First you control the body and breath, andthen the mind. There are 8 steps, which i will go into later if I feel like it. I have to know them for the exam.
Jnana Yoga
The intellectual approach. Through study of scripture and philosophy, the jnani learns viveka or discrimination between the real and unreal, and vairagya or dispassion and unattachment. But the intellect can only take you so far. Then you must discard it and simply KNOW. This one is the most abstract. I don't quite get it.
The intellectual approach. Through study of scripture and philosophy, the jnani learns viveka or discrimination between the real and unreal, and vairagya or dispassion and unattachment. But the intellect can only take you so far. Then you must discard it and simply KNOW. This one is the most abstract. I don't quite get it.
Ok brunch time, this is enough for now. more studies later.
very helpful to read this summary in your own words. I have read all your blog postings now, and will want to revisit them again. sometimes I just laugh out loud at your enjoyment.
ReplyDeleteL,
D