Yoga for life

1. Yoga The ScienceYoga The Science
YOGAYOGA
Yogi – A yoga practitioner practicing yoga in caves inYogi – A yoga practitioner practicing yoga in caves in
the Himalayas; i.e. far away from common life.the Himalayas; i.e. far away from common life.
But Yoga can be practiced by everyone.But Yoga can be practiced by everyone.
Two Extreme Views:Two Extreme Views:
• Yoga is highly difficult & complexYoga is highly difficult & complex
•Yoga is too SimpleYoga is too Simple
YOGA IS TO BE STUDIED IN ITS TRUE FORMYOGA IS TO BE STUDIED IN ITS TRUE FORM

2. Yoga The ScienceYoga The Science
• Yoga is a highway for happiness & prosperity.Yoga is a highway for happiness & prosperity.
• Material pleasures cannot give true satisfaction or joy.Material pleasures cannot give true satisfaction or joy.
• There is no limit that our expectations & desires canThere is no limit that our expectations & desires can
fulfill.fulfill.
• Continue doing your duties without expectations.Continue doing your duties without expectations.
• Such impartial attitude towards the duties of life is YOGASuch impartial attitude towards the duties of life is YOGA

3. Yoga The ScienceYoga The Science
Yoga means to JOINYoga means to JOIN
To join Atman with ParamatmanTo join Atman with Paramatman
PARAMATMANPARAMATMAN
The controller of the universal energyThe controller of the universal energy
ATMANATMAN
The controller of the selfThe controller of the self
If Paramatman is the ocean, Atman is a drop of its water, kept separate in aIf Paramatman is the ocean, Atman is a drop of its water, kept separate in a
container (Body)container (Body)
Atman is confined to the body mind complex, and has its own separate identityAtman is confined to the body mind complex, and has its own separate identity
When Atman merges with Paramatman, it looses its own identity.When Atman merges with Paramatman, it looses its own identity.
This is the aim of Yoga!This is the aim of Yoga!

4. Yoga The ScienceYoga The Science
Tools AvailableTools Available
• Body (Perfectly Healthy)Body (Perfectly Healthy)
• Mind (Totally Purified)Mind (Totally Purified)
• Intellect (Properly Trained)Intellect (Properly Trained)
Present ConditionPresent Condition
• Body (Not Healthy)Body (Not Healthy)
• Mind (Not Purified)Mind (Not Purified)
• Intellect (Not Trained)Intellect (Not Trained)
Yogic Practices help in this EvolutionYogic Practices help in this Evolution

5. Yoga The ScienceYoga The Science
Yogic practice can be used for:Yogic practice can be used for:
• Correcting the disorders of the bodyCorrecting the disorders of the body
• Keeping the body in a healthy conditionKeeping the body in a healthy condition
• Improving mental capacitiesImproving mental capacities
• Developing the intellectDeveloping the intellect

6. Yoga The ScienceYoga The Science
Patanjali YogaPatanjali Yoga
Ashtanga YogaAshtanga Yoga
(Eight Limb Yoga)(Eight Limb Yoga)
• Yama : Social DisciplineYama : Social Discipline
• Niyama : Self DisciplineNiyama : Self Discipline
• Asana : PostureAsana : Posture
• Pranayama : Breath controlPranayama : Breath control
• Pratyahara : Withdrawal of sense organsPratyahara : Withdrawal of sense organs
• Dharana : Concentration of MindDharana : Concentration of Mind
• Dhyana : MeditationDhyana : Meditation
• Samadhi: Union with GodSamadhi: Union with God

7. Yoga The ScienceYoga The Science
Yoga is a science of personality developmentYoga is a science of personality development
• Physical ConditionPhysical Condition
• Mental ControlMental Control
• Emotional BalanceEmotional Balance
• Intellectual DevelopmentIntellectual Development

8. Yama – Social DisciplineYama – Social Discipline
YamaYama
1.1. Ahimsa – Non ViolenceAhimsa – Non Violence
2.2. Satya – TruthfulnessSatya – Truthfulness
3.3. Asteya – Non StealingAsteya – Non Stealing
4.4. Brahmacharya – Sexual ControlBrahmacharya – Sexual Control

9. Yama – Social DisciplineYama – Social Discipline
YamaYama
• The first component of Ashtanga YogaThe first component of Ashtanga Yoga
• Rules for Social DisciplineRules for Social Discipline
(Guidelines on how to behave in society)(Guidelines on how to behave in society)
• These are universal laws respected everywhereThese are universal laws respected everywhere
(Laws of Nature)(Laws of Nature)
• These are natural instinctsThese are natural instincts
• These are easy to followThese are easy to follow

10. Yama – Social DisciplineYama – Social Discipline
Ahimsa – Non ViolenceAhimsa – Non Violence
* Means of behaviour towards all living creatures* Means of behaviour towards all living creatures
* Absence of harmful intentions or thoughts* Absence of harmful intentions or thoughts
* To be followed on three levels* To be followed on three levels
i) Physicali) Physical
ii) Verbalii) Verbal
iii) Mentaliii) Mental
* Control your actions, words & mind* Control your actions, words & mind
* Generate love & compassion towards all living creatures* Generate love & compassion towards all living creatures

11. Yama – Social DisciplineYama – Social Discipline
Satya – TruthfulnessSatya – Truthfulness
• Fact is factFact is fact
There is no other way than to accept itThere is no other way than to accept it
• We try to hide the factsWe try to hide the facts
• We do not accept the factsWe do not accept the facts
• One lie requires many more lies to support itOne lie requires many more lies to support it
• Untruthfulness in all its various forms creates many types ofUntruthfulness in all its various forms creates many types of
unnecessary complications in lifeunnecessary complications in life

12. Yama – Social DisciplineYama – Social Discipline
Asetya – Non StealingAsetya – Non Stealing
• Stealing means to take anything without theStealing means to take anything without the
permission of its ownerpermission of its owner
• Yoga sadhaka should not take anything, whichYoga sadhaka should not take anything, which
does not belong to them.does not belong to them.
• They should not even take intangible or highlyThey should not even take intangible or highly
prized things, such as credits for something theyprized things, such as credits for something they
have not done.have not done.

13. Yama – Social DisciplineYama – Social Discipline
Brahmacharya – Sexual ControlBrahmacharya – Sexual Control
• In its real sense means the abstinence from sexualIn its real sense means the abstinence from sexual
indulgence to obtain a higher yogic level, no compromiseindulgence to obtain a higher yogic level, no compromise
of this discipline is possibleof this discipline is possible
• One cannot get real bliss realised by the transcendentOne cannot get real bliss realised by the transcendent
knowledge of higher yogic life, whilst having sexualknowledge of higher yogic life, whilst having sexual
pleasures at the same timepleasures at the same time
• One may not be required to give up sexual activitiesOne may not be required to give up sexual activities
straightaway, but must completely abstain beforestraightaway, but must completely abstain before
commencing serious practice of Yoga on a higher level.commencing serious practice of Yoga on a higher level.

14. Yama – Social DisciplineYama – Social Discipline
Brahmacharya – Sexual Control (cont.)Brahmacharya – Sexual Control (cont.)
• A real yogi should be prepared to completely give up, notA real yogi should be prepared to completely give up, not
only physical indulgence in sexual activities, but alsoonly physical indulgence in sexual activities, but also
thoughts & emotions concerned with itthoughts & emotions concerned with it
• In a wider sense Brahmacharya means a freedom fromIn a wider sense Brahmacharya means a freedom from
cravings of allcravings of all sensualsensual enjoymentsenjoyments
• The attitude of the mind is responsible for these cravingsThe attitude of the mind is responsible for these cravings

15. Yama – Social DisciplineYama – Social Discipline
Aparigraha – Non PossessivenessAparigraha – Non Possessiveness
• The tendency to accumulate worldly goods is consideredThe tendency to accumulate worldly goods is considered
a basic instinct in human lifea basic instinct in human life
• Necessities – comforts – luxuriesNecessities – comforts – luxuries
(These are subjective & limitless)(These are subjective & limitless)
• One needs to satisfy its childish vanity & desires, toOne needs to satisfy its childish vanity & desires, to
appear superior to othersappear superior to others
• One must spend time & energy in accumulating theseOne must spend time & energy in accumulating these
things, which are not really needed.things, which are not really needed.

16. Yama – Social DisciplineYama – Social Discipline
Aparigraha – Non Possessiveness (cont.)Aparigraha – Non Possessiveness (cont.)
• Maintaining & guarding the accumulated itemsMaintaining & guarding the accumulated items
• Constant fear of loosing themConstant fear of loosing them
• Feeling of pain if actually lostFeeling of pain if actually lost
• Feeling of regret to leave them behind, when bidding goodbye toFeeling of regret to leave them behind, when bidding goodbye to
this world.this world.
• We spend our valuable time & resources to accumulate, yet theyWe spend our valuable time & resources to accumulate, yet they
generate a constant source of disturbance to us.generate a constant source of disturbance to us.
• Hence minimise your needsHence minimise your needs

17. Yama – Social DisciplineYama – Social Discipline
• Yamas are to be followed fully irrespective of place, time, casteYamas are to be followed fully irrespective of place, time, caste
without exceptionwithout exception
• It is necessary to follow the Yamas 100% to attain a level of higherIt is necessary to follow the Yamas 100% to attain a level of higher
yogic practiceyogic practice
• When you undertake yoga practice, try to follow Yamas as much asWhen you undertake yoga practice, try to follow Yamas as much as
you canyou can
• If you follow Yama & Niyama you will be able to perform Asana &If you follow Yama & Niyama you will be able to perform Asana &
Pranayama betterPranayama better
• If you practice Asana & Pranayama better you will automaticallyIf you practice Asana & Pranayama better you will automatically
start following Yama & Niyamastart following Yama & Niyama
• Following Yama & Niyama will help to attain the goal of yoga:Following Yama & Niyama will help to attain the goal of yoga:

18. Niyama – Self DisciplineNiyama – Self Discipline
NiyamaNiyama
Shoucha – Cleanliness, PurityShoucha – Cleanliness, Purity
Santosha – ContentmentSantosha – Contentment
Tapa – AusterityTapa – Austerity
Swadhyaya – Self StudySwadhyaya – Self Study
Ishwara Pranidhana – Surrender to GodIshwara Pranidhana – Surrender to God

19. Niyama – Self DisciplineNiyama – Self Discipline
• Second component (Anga) of Ashtanga YogaSecond component (Anga) of Ashtanga Yoga
• Rules for self disciplineRules for self discipline
• Yamas are moral & prohibitive, whereas Niyamas areYamas are moral & prohibitive, whereas Niyamas are
disciplined & constructivedisciplined & constructive
• Yamas provide ethical foundation & Niyamas provideYamas provide ethical foundation & Niyamas provide
physical & mental foundation for furthering studies ofphysical & mental foundation for furthering studies of
YogaYoga
• Yamas can be practiced only within a society, butYamas can be practiced only within a society, but
Niyamas can be practiced anywhere irrespective ofNiyamas can be practiced anywhere irrespective of
societysociety

20. Niyama – Self DisciplineNiyama – Self Discipline
Shoucha – Cleanliness, PurityShoucha – Cleanliness, Purity
• Purity of body, mind & intellectPurity of body, mind & intellect
• These instruments become impure when things are added to them.These instruments become impure when things are added to them.
Shoucha helps to eliminate these additions.Shoucha helps to eliminate these additions.
• Hatha Yoga prescribes many practices for the purification of theHatha Yoga prescribes many practices for the purification of the
internal bodyinternal body
• The cleansing practices are divided into six major categories:The cleansing practices are divided into six major categories:
ShatkarmasShatkarmas
1) Dhouti1) Dhouti 2) Basti2) Basti 3) Neti3) Neti 4) Tratak4) Tratak
5) Nouli5) Nouli 6) Kapalbhati6) Kapalbhati

21. Niyama – Self DisciplineNiyama – Self Discipline
ShatkarmasShatkarmas
1.1. Dhouti – Cleaning of the digestive tractDhouti – Cleaning of the digestive tract
2.2. Basti – Cleaning of the rectumBasti – Cleaning of the rectum
3.3. Neti – Cleaning of the Nasal passageNeti – Cleaning of the Nasal passage
4.4. Tratak – Cleaning of the eyesTratak – Cleaning of the eyes
5.5. Nouli – Improving the digestionNouli – Improving the digestion
6.6. Kapalbhati – Cleaning of the lungsKapalbhati – Cleaning of the lungs
&&
For purification of the mind – Mantra SadhanaFor purification of the mind – Mantra Sadhana

22. Niyama – Self DisciplineNiyama – Self Discipline
Santosha – ContentmentSantosha – Contentment
• This is a mental attitude that keeps the mind in a condition ofThis is a mental attitude that keeps the mind in a condition of
equilibriumequilibrium
• Circumstances impact on the mind & cause it to react. TheseCircumstances impact on the mind & cause it to react. These
reactions disturb the equilibrium of the mind & in turn disruptreactions disturb the equilibrium of the mind & in turn disrupt
the physical condition of the bodythe physical condition of the body
• To avoid these disturbances train your mind to react withTo avoid these disturbances train your mind to react with
contentmentcontentment
• Always say “Very nice Very nice!”Always say “Very nice Very nice!”
• A continual practice of Ashtanga Yoga along with training theA continual practice of Ashtanga Yoga along with training the

23. Niyama – Self DisciplineNiyama – Self Discipline
Tapa – Austerity, Self DisciplineTapa – Austerity, Self Discipline
• This includes various practices, the object of which is toThis includes various practices, the object of which is to
purify the sadhakas body mind complex for further studypurify the sadhakas body mind complex for further study
of Yogaof Yoga
• Practices include fasting & observing various vows.Practices include fasting & observing various vows.
These are performed to control the functions of the bodyThese are performed to control the functions of the body
& mind& mind
• A systematic practice begins with simple exercises, toA systematic practice begins with simple exercises, to
exert control of willpower & in progression more difficultexert control of willpower & in progression more difficult
practices are performed. This practice loosens thepractices are performed. This practice loosens the
association of the consciousness with the body mindassociation of the consciousness with the body mind
complexcomplex

24. Niyama – Self DisciplineNiyama – Self Discipline
Swadhyaya – Self StudySwadhyaya – Self Study
• Study is the process of acquiring knowledge, both theoretical &Study is the process of acquiring knowledge, both theoretical &
practicalpractical
• The explanation given by Patanjali of study is as follows:The explanation given by Patanjali of study is as follows:
Deerghakaal – for long periodDeerghakaal – for long period
Nairantarya – continued, uninterruptedNairantarya – continued, uninterrupted
Satakarasevito – with full unconditional faithSatakarasevito – with full unconditional faith
• The style of study will depend on the individual selfThe style of study will depend on the individual self

25. Niyama – Self DisciplineNiyama – Self Discipline
Ishwarpranidhana – Total surrender to GodIshwarpranidhana – Total surrender to God
• The progressive practice of Ishwarpranidhana will lead to samadhi,The progressive practice of Ishwarpranidhana will lead to samadhi,
the state of unionthe state of union
• Ishwarpranidhana is a process of transformation from human to GodIshwarpranidhana is a process of transformation from human to God
• Ishwarpranidhana is the concept of loosing the identity of the self &Ishwarpranidhana is the concept of loosing the identity of the self &
merging it with that of Ishwara the Godmerging it with that of Ishwara the God
• This effort may take many forms according to the temperaments &This effort may take many forms according to the temperaments &
the previous Sanskaras of the sadhakathe previous Sanskaras of the sadhaka
• Ishwarpranidhana is explained in detail in Bhakti YogaIshwarpranidhana is explained in detail in Bhakti Yoga