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In
the ancient teachings of the east, there are eight stages, or "means
to union", that one must accomplish before the achievement
of enlightenment.
Stage
1 :: Yama
The
first stage is designed to harmonize one's social interactions.
Rules
of social conduct:
- Ahimsa,
harmlessness
- Satya,
truth to all beings
- Asteya,
abstention from theft
- Brahmacarya,
abstention from incontinence
- Aparigraha,
abstention from avarice
Stage
2 :: Niyama
The
second stage is designed to harmonize one's feelings. Rules for
self-purification:
- Sauca,
internal and external purification
- Santosa,
contentment
- Tapas,
fiery aspiration
- Svadhyaya,
spiritual study
- Ishvara-pranidhana,
devotion
Stage
3 :: Asana
The
third stage is designed to strengthen and exercise every bone,
muscle, nerve, gland and organ in the body. These postures awaken
and align the various energetic pathways (nadis). Asana is translated
into physical posture, right poise and position to life.
Stage
4 :: Pranayama
When
the yogi is harmless in thought, word and deed, unselfish, and
knows the meaning of right poise, the science of regulation and
controlling the breath, or pranayama, is practiced.
Ujjayi
is one of the eight types of breath. The mouth is closed. The
breath is inhaled evenly through both nostrils to retain one's
heat, while tucking the chin slightly in and down in order to
restrict the larynx, and lifting the upper pallet to allow the
breath to swirl at the back of the throat before entering the
lungs (making the characteristic "hissing" sound). Ujjayi
pranayama is an even rhythmic breath using the sound as a mantra
to engage the mind, nostril breathing to create balance &
heat, and regulation to deepen awareness with each part of the
breath.
These first four stages or "means to union" are preparing
the practitioner for the final four stages of practice.
Stage 5 :: Pratyahara
Sense
withdraw
Stage
6 :: Dharana
Concentration
Stage
7 :: Dhyana
Meditation
Stage
8 :: Samadhi
Union
with pure consciousness
continue
to
Is Yoga Right for You?
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