The Eight Limbs of Raja Yoga
(This is an excerpt from a University Of Metaphysical Sciences course at www.umsonline.org, please feel free to visit the school website)
Now let’s take a closer look at Raja Yoga, which is a series of principles that are meant to purify the body, the emotions, the mind, and lead one to enlightenment. The Yoga Sutras by Patanjali Maharishi explain the Eight Limbs.
Yamas:
Yamas are all about standards, integrity, honesty and ethics. Literally,
yama has the meanings of “rein, curb or bridle oneself, restraint.”
These are rules for proper conduct in society and in life. This yoga deals
with the personality and the lower nature. This is a set of “don’ts”
and “no no’s.” The famous quote, “do unto others
as you would have them do unto you” is at the core of the purpose
of yamas. The five ideals are:
- Ahimsa: (non-violence,
compassion, non-harmfulness) This is more than just non-violence.
This is actual compassion for all living things. This is literally an
inability to do harm in to any creature, not even an ant. When a person
saves spiders and flies from the house, this is ahimsa. It also includes
non-violence to the self, like refraining from self-abusive or self-depreciating
dialogue. It is not passive, however, and one practices the attitude
of being willing to help when help is needed by others, and not passing
them by.
- Satya: (truthfulness,
integrity, honest communication) Satya means “to speak the
truth.”Speaking the truth sometimes can cause harm, so whenever
this is the case, since it would violate ahimsa, it is better to say
nothing at all. Satya is a commitment to truthfulness, no deception,
no exaggerations and no gossip. We must think before we speak.
- Asteya: (non-stealing,
not taking advantage of others, consideration) Steya means “to
steal.” Asteya means “non-stealing.” We must not take
advantage of other people, even if they are naïve, and refrain
from taking anything that does not belong to us if it is not freely
given by its owner. This also has to do with being considerate to others
and not being an “energy vampire” on their time and resources.
It includes not stealing the ideas of others as well.
- Brahmacharya: (continence,
moderation, control of the senses) For many, the obstacle on the
path to enlightenment has been the senses. The senses tempt and invite
distraction. Addiction to the pleasure of the senses blocks awakening.
This yama most often is known to mean abstinence from sexual activity,
refraining from gluttony, lust, and staying focused on the goal of spiritual
awakening. Living in excess is a violation of this yama.
- Aparigraha: (non-covetousness, non-materialism, non-greed, non-possessiveness) This means to live simply and take only what you need. It is important not to take advantage of the situation or be greedy. Be fair, and refrain from exploiting for the purpose of material gain. Hoarding material things means that one does not have faith in the source to provide for the future. The yogi embraces change and impermanence, and does not fear for survival by thwarting and coveting material wealth and belongings.
Niyamas:
These are the do’s in the Eight Limbed Path Of Yoga. These are personal
observances, rules or laws that the self should be governed by. Literally,
niyama means in Sanskrit “rules or laws.” These are also divided
into five categories. These are:
- Sauca/Saucha:
(purity, inner and outer cleanliness) Outer cleanliness has
to do with personal hygiene and general good grooming. It also means
to have a clean environment and orderly surroundings. Inner cleanliness
has to do with the right diet, right exercise, and toxin removal, all
of which in turn create a healthy mind.
- Santosa/Santosha:
(contentment, acceptance of what is, humility) We must be at
peace with what we have and refrain from being depressed about what
we don’t have. To find contentment even if life is not perfect,
this is santosa. We are where we are for a reason and there is a purpose
to life’s challenges. It may even be karma. We must be willing
to accept what happens and be grateful for what we already have, for
there is always someone who has it worse.
- Tapas: (austerity,
self discipline, pay attention) Literally, it means to heat the
body and cleanse it. It also means to burn up our desires that stand
in the way of the ultimate goal of becoming one with the Source of Self.
We must also pay attention to all our habits, what we eat, how we breathe,
in general—mindfulness. It is about self-discipline and staying
in shape in body, mind and emotions.
- Svadhyaya/Swadhyaya:
(study of the sacred texts and self study) Sva means “self”
and adhyaya means “inquiry” or “examination,”
thus self-inquiry by self-examination. Part of examining the self includes
learning about scriptures and sacred writings, and excepting the teachings
of spiritual teachers. Anything that cultivates self inquiry and self-awareness
is svadhyaya in action. Going to satsang, reading spiritual books, journaling,
and other inwardly focused activities to enhance spiritual understanding
of the self are in this category. I always say, “If you want to
know who God is, study yourself.”
- Ishwara
Pranidhana: (constant awareness of the divine Presence, surrender
to God's Will) This literally means “lay all your actions
at the feet of God.” This is awareness of the Oneself in everything
and our awareness of our self as part of God. Here, we let go of the
illusion that we are in control and surrender our will to a higher (deeper)
force. Meditation every day on recognizing ourselves as part of a larger
force is imperative for vigilance and discipline in this niyama.