Yoga: The Path to Enlightenment (Part-1)

The 8 Steps of Yoga- A Spiritual Quest for Enlightenment

One of the most sought after aspects of life for mankind is enlightenment. The answers to questions we have all asked ourselves time and time again, the mysteries of life, the desire to know and be more like the higher being we call God. This spiritual consciousness leads us to a quest for enlightenment…a way to God- The All Knowing.

There are many ways or paths to enlightenment and Yoga is one of the most ancient of them. We’re not talking about the Americanized new age aerobics they call Yoga, with its latest yoga inspired apparel and purely physical focus of what was once an ancient Indian practice for self realization, which is key to obtaining enlightenment. The true philosophy of Yoga is it’s practice to attain a state where the self is perceived as the awareness that experiences thoughts. It is a state of mind involving the detoxification of material and worldly goods, strengthening the body and achieving a higher level of self consciousness that allows one to surrender themselves completely in order to be brought closer to God.

As we saw in the Types of Yoga, only a few stress on the physical aspects of Yoga, namely Hatha Yoga and Ashtanga Yoga among the classic types. Even these types of yoga are practiced to purify the physical body and bring strength in order to lead to the purification of the mind. This disciplined path for purification of our attachments to the temporary material world of form. Even our body is considered just an object or carrier of energies or what is sometimes referred to as a Soul. The path to enlightenment is a path that people undertake various spiritual practices to attain Divinity.

Yoga places great importance in meditation. This indispensable practice involves concentrated efforts of meditation where thinking, slowly comes to a rest and becomes a non-influence whereby the mind knows that it is perceiving what is. It is considered a state of oneness with all existence. It takes great patience and a conscious effort to overcome distractions and to let go completely in meditation. Even a little meditation a day gets you closer to enlightenment, as well as offers you great health benefits.

The path to enlightenment according to Patanjali, the sage of yoga, involves the practice of 8 steps also known as the 8 limbs of Yoga. These 8 steps are not mere temporary rituals  but a complete lifestyle and if followed, leads to a person’s personal development that in time will achieve the harmony of the mind, the body and the spirit which leads to Samadhi or enlightenment. These 8 Limbs of Yoga leading up to Samadhi/Enlightenment are-

1. Yamas - Ethical restraints for moral behavior. Necessary to change your attitude towards others and the world around you for harmonious living. There are 5 Yamas-

• Ahimsa (Non-violence)
• Satya (Truthfulness)
• Asteya (Non-stealing)
• Brahmacharya (Non-lust)
• Aparigraha (Non-possessiveness)

2. Niyams – Observances or actions regarding moral behavior towards oneself. Necessary for achieving a balance within oneself. They include:

• Saucha (Cleanliness)
• Santosa (Contentment)
• Tapas (Austerity)
• Svadhyaya (Study of Sacred texts and one’s self)
• Isvara pranidhana (Awareness of the Divine)

3. Asana – Practice of Yoga postures and exercises.

4. Pranayama – Practice of breathing exercises. and breath control.

5. Pratyahara – Withdrawal of the senses.Complete inward focus and attention to one’s self so you are no longer distracted by outside events.

6. Dharana – Concentration and focus of the mind without any distraction, internal or external.

7. Dhyana – Meditation. An uninterrupted flow of concentration aimed to heighten one’s awareness and oneness with the universe. An unbroken stream of consciousness that is no longer focused on a single thing but is all encompassing.

8. Samadhi - Enlightenment through a State of Super-consciousness. The merging of the self with the universe. Bliss. It is more an end result, rather than a practice.

Every step and effort towards enlightenment provides greater awareness, well being and joy. So, why not learn more about and take up Yoga as a way of life today. Take our advice, Yoga is a well-rounded physical, mental and spiritual practice that’ll energize you and bring most important benefit – the balance in your life.

*Photo Credits: photos by alicepopkorn and Marcia_Salviato on flickr

For  special Yoga Apparel, comfort clothing designed according to the Colors of the Chakras and the best trendy, high quality and comfortable  Fitness Apparel do visit YogacaraShop.com