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The Philosophy of Yoga
At Susquehanna Yoga, we believe that
understanding and studying the ancient philosophy behind the practice of
Yoga helps our students get the most benefit out of their class time. For
this reason, we include the ‘Philosophy of Yoga’ Lessons in
sequential order in our newsletter. All lessons are also
archived for reference and are
available on this page.
Yoga is prescriptive - IF you do this, then that will happen. Yoga teachers sometimes describe to their students how certain poses should
feel, or what happens to their body in a particular posture. But students
must learn to listen to their own body and find their own way.
Classic Yoga instruction takes out the descriptive and is solely
prescriptive, and is therefore the most direct route to the center.
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The Philosophy of Yoga (Yoga
Sutra 1.35)
Yoga Sutra 1.35 - visayavati va
pravrttih utpanna manasah sthiti
nibandhani
In addition to calming the mind
through control and awareness of
breath (Yoga Sutra 1.34), an exalted
state of consciousness may be
attained by becoming totally
engrossed, with dedication and
devotion, in an object of interest.
Total absorption in the object
brings about direct perception of
its essence and helps to maintain
steadiness of mind and
consciousness.
The practice of contemplating an
object is the foundation of mental
stability. It assists us in
developing awareness and sensitivity
in intelligence. In pursuing this
sutra, we may gain insight into the
phenomena of nature (prakrti) and
into the nature of the seer (purusa).
Yoga
Sutra 1.36 - visoka va jyotismati
Inner
stability and preparation for
spiritual evolution may be gained by
concentrating on the innermost core
of the heart. This is the seat of
the soul, where the joyful and
brilliant light glows.
The mind id guided in such a way
that it becomes engrossed, and
penetrates towards its source. The
citta, the seat of consciousness, is
like the ocean, with the movements
of thoughts in the mind being the
waves. The sadhaka (student) must
learn to keep the citta motionless
and thoughtfully silent, without
creating waves of thought.
Stilling and silencing the citta
brings forth the light of the soul
and brings the sadhaka closer to the
crossroads of Self-Realization.
Paraphrased from:
Light on the Yoga Sutras of Pantanjali
B.K.S Iyengar |
Philosophy of Yoga Archives:
Invocation Chant
Yoga Sutra 1.13
Yoga Sutra 1.15
Yoga Sutra 1.16
Yoga Sutra 1.17
Yoga Sutra 1.18
Yoga Sutra 1.19
Yoga Sutra 1.21 & 1.22
Yoga Sutra 1.23 - 1.26
Yoga Sutra 1.27
Yoga Sutra 1.28
Yoga Sutra 1.29 & 1.30
Yoga Sutra 1.31
Yoga Sutra 1.33
Yoga Sutra 1.35 & 1.36
Yoga Sutra 1.37
Yoga Sutra 1.39
Yoga Sutra 1.40
Yoga Sutra 1.41 & 1.42
Yoga Sutra 1.43
Yoga Sutra 1.44
Yoga Sutra 1.45
Yoga Sutra 1.46
Current Yoga Sutra
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