These limbs are actually the steps to reach the super spiritual awakening related to that particular type of yoga.
The word YOGA is derived from the Sanskrit (The Ancient Indian Language) YOG/YUJ meaning “to yoke,” or “to unite”. The practice aims to create union between body, mind and spirit, as well as between the individual self and universal consciousness. Such a union tends to neutralize ego- driven thoughts, Stabilize mind and behaviours, creating a sense of spiritual awakening. There are different types of YOGA like Raaj Yoga (Ashtanga Yoga), Hath Yoga etc, and each of them have their own limbs/Components. For example limbs/Components of Raaj Yoga (Ashtang Yog) are:-
- YAM (Moral Code)
- NIAYAM (Disciplines),
- ASAN (Yoga Postures),
- PRANAYAAM (Control over breathing),
- PRATYAHAAR (Withdrawal of Senses),
- DHARANA (Concentration),
- DHYAAN (Meditation),
- SAMADHI (Salvation/ Super Spiritual Position)
There are Total eight limbs of Ashtang Yog. In Sanskrit “Ashta + Anga ” is ashtanga. “Ashta ” means Eight and “Anga ” is limbs so it means Eight Limbs. These limbs are actually the steps to reach the super spiritual awakening related to that particular type of yoga. But we can follow only some of the limbs of any type of yoga to live a healthy and peaceful life like ASAN, PRANAYAAM, and MEDITATION. This is what people are doing. The practice of Yoga started with the ancient Indian civilization. The science of yoga has thousands of years ago. Shiva, The Hindu GOD, called the Aadi Yogi (Means the first one or the initiator who achieved the super spirituality) OR Mahayogi (who achieved the biggest/Highest level of all types of YOGA).
Adiyogi poured his knowledge into the legendary Saptarishi which means “seven sages”. These sages then carried this science to different parts of the world. Later On the great Sage Patanjali systematized and codified the existing practices of Yoga, its meaning and its related knowledge through his Yoga Sutras known as “Patanjali Yog Sutra”. After Patanjali, many Sages contributed greatly for the preservation and development of this science through their well-documented practices and literature.
Ayurveda this body is made up of 5 elements — Space, Air, Water, Earth and Fire
Nowadays many people follow Yoga-Posture (ASAN) and PRANAYAAM (Breathing Exercise) to keep themselves healthy. It is true and it works. According to YOGA and AYURDEDA (Ancient Indian Medical Science) you cannot reach a super spiritual position without having a healthy body and a healthy mind. As we all heard, “A sound mind lives in a sound body”. So these ASAN and PRANAYAAM help you to heal your disease, Stabilize mind and senses and help you to live a healthy life.
The ancient Indian literature VEDA including YOGA and Ayurveda given the concept as :- “Yatha pinde tatha brahmande, yatha brahmande tatha pinde” The translation of this quote is as “All that is in the universe is within you, and All that is within you is in the universe. Means your body is a miniature universe. Also as per the Ayurveda this body is made up of 5 elements — Space, Air, Water, Earth and Fire.
It means YOGA and ARYURVEDA help us to connect with nature and with the universe. The simple concept is:- if you keep in touch with nature, you will stay healthy. There are many things that we should know in depth before practicing and teaching YOGA to others so that we can achieve all the benefits of this great science.
Composed by: “Ravi S. Mishra is an Instrumentation and control engineer. He has done research on ancient Indian literature, Science and History including Astrology, Ayurveda, Yoga etc for many years.”
