* The description of first four limbs of yoga viz. Yam, Niyam, Aasan and Pranayam. and practices complementary to the same. * Different types of - Pranayam.
The description of first four limbs of yoga viz. Yam, Niyam, Aasan and Pranayam.
and practices complementary to the same.
Shri Narayan Muni said:-
O you of firm resolve, the great sages have explained eight features of Samadhi -yoga, which I shall narrate to you in sequence. 1.
The eight features to attain Samadhi as mentioned in the science of yoga, are- firstly Yamas and then are described Niyamas; then Asanas; the fourth and fifth are Pranayama an Pratyahara; Then Dharana (the sixth one) followed by Dhyana (seventh) and eighth one is the Samadhi. The principle one i.e. (Angi), is Samadhi and it is accomplished by the help of other seven subordinate ( complementing) features. 2 - 3.
O Sage, the first five among them are outer features and the preceding three, Dharana etc are the inner ones. 4.
I shall now narrate briefly, the characteristics of these along with their effects, separately, as described in the science of Yoga. 5.
(1) Yama:-
By wise person are said ‘Yamas’ to be, restraints which make the aspirant firm in Yoga by making him to hold back the evil tendencies like violence and such other sins. 6.
O Suvrat, the five Yamas are said to be - Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), Brahmacharya (celibacy), Asteya (non stealing), Aparigraha (non acceptance). 7.
Ahimsha:-
Not to hurt any being, physically, by speech or by thought ( mind), this is described as Ahimsha (non violence) by the noble sages. 8.
Satya:-
Giving consideration to what is righteous and unrighteous, to speak whatever is appropriate, and which is in the good of all, such speech is said to be Satya (truth). 9.
Asteya:-
Not to take any belonging of others , that is not given directly, by force or in absentia, is called Asteya (non stealing). 10.
Brahmacharya:-
Understanding the reality about the sensual pleasures, to avoid any contact with women in eight ways, is called Brahmacharya (celibacy) which is helpful for attainment of Brahman. 11.
Aparigraha:-
Reflecting about the evils of the sensual objects, having abandoned those, not to accept those or have them, is a Aparigraha; thus say the sages who have realized the Truth. 12.
The result of strict observance of non-violence is non-enmity to all beings . Observance of truth makes the merit of the person permanent. 13.
The strict observance of Asteya i.e non stealing results in the gain of various divine jewels and the resultant of celibacy is the attainment of yogic accomplishments and vigour, in short time. 14.
Five Niyamas:-
Finally, the resultant of Aparigraha is the ending of all the distractions of mind. These are the five Yamas and now I shall narrate the five Niyamas. 15.
(2) Niyama:-
Niyamas are the rules which make the Yogi to turn back from motivated to unmotivated acts, leading to emancipation. 16.
According to the masters of yoga the five Niyamas are – purity (shoucha), penance (tapa), contentment (santosha), self-study (swadhaya) and worship of God (Ishwararchana). 17.
Shoucha:-
Purity is two-fold - internal and external. External purity can be done by water and clay and the internal one can be had by purification of emotions. 18.
Tapa:-
The withering up of the body by observance of vows like - kruchhra, chandrayan, etc. and the practice of concentration (control and channelizing energies) of the senses ,is called Tapa (penance). 19.
Santosha:-
O of good will, being contented with whatever available food etc by God’s will, and having no desire for anything more, is said to be Santosha (contentment), by wise. 20.
Swadhyaya:-
To study persistently and devotedly Upanishads or such other scriptures dedicated to Lord, according to one’s ability, is called Swadhyaya (self-study). 21.
Ishwar-archanam:-
To contemplate on the Lord in mind ; sing praise of Lord by speech; and to worship the Lord by offering flowers, sandal paste, etc. physically; these together are known as Ishwar-archanam (workship of Lord). 22.
Fruit of Five purity:- Purification of the spirit, placidity of mind ,restrain of the senses, and ability to visualize the Self, is the fruit of purity (shoucha). 23.
The resultant of penance is the purification of senses and intellect, and eradication of sins; and fruit of contentment is the attainment of highest happiness. 24.
Attaining the grace of one’s one favour favourite deity is the fruit of self-study (Swadhyaya) ;and attainment of Samadhi in a short period is the result of the worship of Lord. 25.
(3) Aasan:-
The third feature (limb) of yoga is said to be Asana, (firstly ) it is the seat on which a yogi sits and (secondly) it is a posture he sits in for concentration, for attaining the final goal of Yoga. 26.
There are various postures described by the knowers of yoga, but the main amongst them are eighty four in number, useful for the yogis. 27.
However out of them, thirty postures are considered important by the yogis. Out of those thirty, I shall now narrate fourteen main ones. 28.
These fourteen postures are namely: Swastika, Gomukha, Veera, Yoga, Padma, Kukkuta, Kurma, Dhanurasana, Mayura and Paschimatana and Shavasana. Siddha, Sinha, Bhadra;. I shall now narrate the characteristics of each posture respectively in correct manner. 29 - 30.
Swastikasana:-
Having firmly inserted both insteps (toes) between the thighs and the calves, a yogi should sit straight, this is said to be ‘Swastikasana’. 31.
Gomukhasana:-
Placing the right ankle by the side of left hip and similarly the left (ankle) by the side of right hip, which resembles the face of cow; this postures is named as ‘Gomukhasana’ 32.
Virasana:-
Sitting erect placing one foot under the opposite thigh and on the other foot the opposite thigh, is said to be ‘Virasana’ which is easy to practice for the yoga aspirants. (Satsangi-jivan) OR Sitting erect placing the feet under the thighs is said to be ‘Virasana’ which is easy to practice for the yoga aspirants. (refer- Ayyangar book) 33.
Yogasana:-
When the anus is pressed with the ankle-bone crosswise, it is known as the ‘Yogasana’ which is approved by yoga experts. 34.
Padmasana:-
When the right foot is rested on left thigh and the left foot on the right thigh; and the toes are grasped by hands that are crossed from the back, it is known as ‘Padmasana’. 35.
Kukkutasana:-
Adopting the padmasana, fixing the palms on the ground by inserting the arms between the thighs and the knees (calfs) and lifting the body up from the ground, is known as ‘Kukkutasana’. 36.
Uttana koormasana:-
Adopting the kukkutasana lock and winding the arms round the neck, lying supine like a tortoise it is ‘Uttana koormasana’. 37.
Dhanurasana:-
When the right foot is placed under the right thigh and the knee is held with a rounded right hand, it is known as ‘Dhanurasana’. As approved by sages, this asana is useful to cure stomach diseases, and helps to awaken kundalini. Moreover, it is also helpful in making the limbs stable. 38 - 39.
Mayurasana:-
When both palms are placed on the ground in way pointing behind, supporting the sides of the navel by the both elbows and raising oneself, to keep the whole body parallel to the floor with the legs stretched out straight and together, this is known as the ‘Mayurasana’. This asana is useful to cure stomach diseases, stimulates gastric fire and digests poison and unwholesome food. 40 - 41.
Paschim-tanasana:-
When legs are stretched forward on the floor and toes are held with hands and the forehead is rested on the knees, this is known as ‘Paschim-tanasana’. This posture makes the ‘Pavana’ (vital air) to go along the back( Pachima gati), kindles the gastric fire and reduces belly. 42 - 43.
Shavanasana:-
Lying supine on the ground like a corpse is known as ‘Shavanasana’ and it wards off fatigue caused by Asanas performed prior and brings mental repose. 44.
Siddhasana:-
When the testicles are pressed with left ankle and the right ankle is rested under it, is called ‘Siddhasana’. This posture is the prime one among the other postures, and cures all diseases. However, it is known as vajrasana also, some call it as muktasana or Guptasana. 45 - 46.
Simhasana:-
Placing both ankles under the scrotum (shivani) on either side of the perineum, the left ankle on the right side and right one on the left side, while placing palms on knees and the opening mouth wide, one should gaze at tip of the nose, is known as ‘Simhasana’ which is favoured by yogis at all times. 47 - 48.
Uttam-Bhadrasana:-
Place tie both heels under the scrotum on respective side of the premium, and firmly holding with hands the feet touching each other, is known as the ‘Bhadrasana’, and is the superb one. 49. All these postures have been mentioned by the experts of Yoga-shastra. While meditating, among these, any postures comfortable and helps to keeps steady should be practised. 50.
When the body starts sweating due to exertion by practicing postures, that should be absorbed in the body by massage, which makes body strong and light. 51.
The effect of all these postures is said to be that they help to bear the pair of opposites (like heat and cold), destroys diseases and makes one qualified for Pranayama. 52.
When the above said postures are perfected, he should ten under the guidance of his Guru, study the ‘Naadishodhana’. 53.
Pranayama cannot be attained without naadishodhana. This is because air does not pass through the naadis that are blocked with mala (dirt). 54.
As a result, Naadishodhana - Dhauti, Basti, Neti, Traataka, Naulika, Kapaalabhaati and other practices are necessary. 55.
Dhauti:-
A white cloth (a length of four fingers) should be swallowed and taken away with breath. This is known as ‘Dhauti’ (which keeps away and cures the diseases like cough). 56.
Basti:-
Sitting on heels (when raised in squatting pose) in water, and drawing water in rectum through anus, swilling the same and releasing it again out (mixed with filth), is called ‘Basti’, which removes all diseases. 57.
Second type of Basti:-
Drawing water through penis and releasing it through penis or anus, is also known as second type of Basti. 58.
Drinking water through the mouth and releasing it through the anus is like cleaning a conch, which is said as ‘Shankh- prakshalana’ by the experts of yoga. 59.
Drinking water through mouth and again vomiting out is known as ‘Gajakarani’ in the practice of Nadishodhani. 60.
Neti:-
Inserting a cotton thread through the nose and taking it out from the mouth is known as ‘Neti’. It is useful to cure diseases of head, eyes, and gives a clear vision. 61.
Traataka:-
To concentrate the eyesight on any minute object with eyes wide open, without winking till tears flow out, is known as ‘Traataka’. It destroys diseases of eyes and lethargy also. 62.
Nauli:-
With shoulders bent forward, one should rotate the abdomen right and left, with speed of fast rotating whirlpool, is called ‘Nauli’ which removes diseases of ‘Tridoshsas’ (Cough, Vaata, Pitta). 63.
Kapalbhati:-
Exhaling and inhaling with speed like bellows of black-smith, is said to be ‘Kapalbhati’, approved by yogis, which is known as destroyer of disorders of cough, etc. 64.
By the practice of these cleansing processes, the Nadis of the yogi are cleansed and by the same his body becomes slim. 65.
His body shines bright and the gastric fire (Jataragni) is enkindled; he experiences inner sound (Nadabhivyakti - Pranavadhvani) and is able to retain breath with ease and enjoys good health. 66.
Different types of - Pranayam.
After purifying the nadis in this way, the yogi should practise pranayama; for, when the breath is unsteady the mind is unsteady and when the breath is steady mind also is steady. 67.
Sitting firm in the meditative pose, with tranquil mind, a yogi should practise Pranayama slowly, as per his guru’s instructions. 68.
(4) Pranayama:- O Sage! The word ‘Prana’ means vital air moving in the body and ‘ayama’ i.e. ‘nigraha’ is restrain of the same; this is known as ‘Pranayama’. 69.
Pranayama is of two types. These are: ‘Sagarbha’ and ‘Agarbha’. Sagarbha means practising pranayama with Japa i.e. repeating Lord’s name and meditating on Him; and agarbha means pranyama without Japa and meditation. 70.
Sagarbha is considered superior as compared to Agarbha i.e. without meditation and japa (keval) pranayam, by yogis; as the goal of Pranayama is attained earlier by Sagarbha. 71.
There are four components of each of these two types of Pranayama, those are: Puraka, Rechaka, Kumbhaka and Shoonyaka. Now, listen to the characteristics of each one of them. 72.
Puraka-Pranayama:-
As water is sucked in mouth through the stem of lotus, the air is inhaled through the nostrils is called ‘Puraka’ 73.
When the air in the chest-cavity (Hridi) is exhaled completely, through the nose, it is said as ‘Rechaka’ by the experts of the yoga science. 74.
When the air inhaled or exhaled is controlled and kept unmoved (inside or outside) like a pot full of water, it is known as ‘Kumbhaka’ i.e. breath-hold. 75.
Kumbaka is of two kinds as mentioned by the knowledgeable ones. One is known as ‘Aabhyantara’ and the other as ‘Baahya’ (inner and outer respectively). 76.
O Sage, when ‘Prana’ (inhaled air) is controlled in the place of ‘Apana’ (i.e. Muladhara) is Abhyantara i.e. inner breath-hold, and when ‘Apana’ ( air exhaled from navel plexus) is controlled in ‘Prana’ (in Anahat plexus) is the second type of Kumbhak (i.e. Bahya) 77.
Puraka i.e. inhalation is to be practiced slowly up to the time of uttering Pranavas for sixteen times, Rechaka i.e. exhalation, for thirty two times and finally Kumbhaka (hold) for sixty four times. 78.
Or, a yogi giving up lethargy, should practise Pranayam with repetitions of ‘Visnu-Gayatri’ silently (in mind) according to his capacity. 79.
When the air flows through right nostril it is said as ‘Pingala’ nadi pertaining to Sun and when through the left it is ‘Ida’ nadi pertaining to moon, When the air flows between these two, it is said ‘Sushumna’ nadi pertaining to fire. 80.
First, a Yogi should inhale air through Ida (left nostril) and control it (inside), and then exhale by Pingla (right nostril) very slowly. Or, he should inhale air through ‘Pingla’( right nostril) control it (kumbhak) and then exhale through ‘Ida’ (left nostril). 81 - 82.
Gradually practising the Pranayama the yogi becomes healthy, strong, and free from diseases, he will doubtlessly achieve the goal, otherwise (practised hastily or unsystematically) he will have to suffer. 83.
Every day, a yogi should go on increasing the number of Kumbhakas up to eighty together, four times a day i.e. morning, mid-day, evening, mid-night (twenty times each). 84.
It is (considered as) the inferior type of Kumbhak, wherein the yogi sweats out, when body trembles it is moderate one, when the body is elevated frequently, it is superior one. 85.
Shoonyaka-Pranayama:-
When one remains in a position of being without inhaling or exhaling the air, it should be known as the ‘Shoonyaka’. This is the initial stage leading to ‘Shunaya- vedha’. 86.
O Suvrat, this is the result of Pranayama as said by the sages, it makes the mind eligible for ‘Dhaarana. 87.
Now, I shall tell you the special features and the Supemacy of this Pranayama named as ‘Shoonyaka’. No other limb of yoga stands equal to it, named ‘Sunyaka’, by practising which yogi experiences ‘Nada-Brahma’ i.e. the resounding Brahman which leads to the experience of supreme bliss of Brahman. 88 - 89.
Thus ends the fifty-seventh chapter entitled, ‘narration of Yoga-components: Yama, Niyama, Asana and Pranayama (Bahirang yoga),’ in the fifth Prakaran of Satsangi jivan, the life story of Lord Narayan, also titled as Dharmashastra. (the rules of the code of conduct). 57