Before getting in the discussion of the first three themes that we will be discussing in the study group – January: Asana, February: Pranayama, and March: Pratyahara – we thought it would be important to give a little background as to both how these themes relate to one another and within the broader context of the sūtras.
YS II.29 introduces Ashtanga yoga – the eight limbs of yoga. Ashta means eight, Anga means limb. The eight limbs are: 1) Yama – ethical practices; 2) Niyama – observances; 3) Asana – postures; 4) Pranayama – breath regulation; 5) Pratyahara – withdrawal of the senses, 6) Dharana – concentration on an object; 7) Dhyana – meditation on an object, and 8) Samadhi – complete absorption. Together these eight angas create a path to Yoga. Ashtanga yoga is a multifaceted practice, encompassing morality (yama and niyama), physical disciplines (asana and pranayama), mental alertness (pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, and dhyana) and spiritual awakening (samadhi). Iyengar yoga approaches Patañjali’s concept of Ashtanga Yoga from a physical perspective, using the body as the vehicle to explore these eight limbs.
The physical body is first controlled through the third limb, asana – bringing the consciousness and awareness to the flesh of the body, ultimately balancing the mind and the body and cultivating internal energy (prana). Many practitioners start with asana, as it is a physical discipline that is easily accessible. From the verb root as – to sit, a good asana is a posture from which meditation can arise easily and spontaneously. Once the physical body is understood and steadiness in asana is attained, pranayama is accessible. Cultivation of a stable and comfortable body through asana makes the body free from distraction and ready for pranayama. Pranayama creates an alert mind, here the senses are primed to become further quieted and focused in the practice of pratyahara. Asana controls the body, pranayama clears the mind and pratyahara trains the withdrawal and focusing of the senses inward. Pratyahara is the priming of the mind and senses for the internal and spiritual quests that follow.
References:
Astadala Yogamala: Vol. 1. B.K.S. Iyengar. New Delhi: Allied Publishers Pvt. Limited, 2006. pp. 163, 175-182.
Light on the Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali. B.K.S. Iyengar. London: Thorsons, 1993. pp. 140-141.
The Tree of Yoga. B.K.S. Iyengar. Boston: Shambhala, 2002.
Yoga: A Gem for Women. Geeta S. Iyengar. Spokane: Timeless Book, 1990. pp 14-32.
The Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali: A New Edition, Translation, and commentary with Insights from the Traditional Commentators. Edwin P. Bryant. New York: North Point Press, 2009. pp. 241 – 242.
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