Are you aware ofΒ word “Self Realization”?
I was not aware of it as I got to know after reading some books and articles related to Ashtanga Yoga.
The whole world is going through a tough time, we all are facing the same or similar challenges. Now is probably the best time to get back to our roots. Being passionate for yoga, sharing some of my views and thoughts through this article.
Self Realization
Self realization is getting together or united with the supreme power who actually have ultimate authority and control over this universe. It is βto joinβ with the higher being of the universe or the supreme self.
Path to Achieve Self Realization
It is not easy to get enlightened but not so hard that we think.Β Self Realization is the metaphysical concept that cannot be seen without firsthand experience. We need to get involve in and experience the truth and real meaning of it in our life. Ashtanga Yoga is path to self realization and is must in everyone’s life.
Ashtanga Yoga
First let us know about YogaΒ in brief. Yoga for me is a discipline that is within you. Yoga is the way of life to express and to realize it.
Yoga comes from Sanskrit root “Yuj” means to unite, yoke or bind. The practice of yoga leads to the union of Individual consciousness to the Universal consciousness indicating perfect harmony between body and mind.
Ashtanga yoga provides a roadmap for leading a purposeful and meaningful life guiding the practitioner towards the realization of the true nature. It was founded by Sage Patanjali. Ashtanga yoga is Patanjali’s classification of classical yoga, as set out in his Yoga Sutras. The eight steps of Ashtanga yoga can be understood under three parts. The first part is yoga ethics which details the conduct prescribed with regard to the yogic discipline. The second part comprises the external aspects of yoga which pertain to mastery over and detachment from the physical needs of the body. The last part of Ashtanga Yoga focuses on internal aspects that transition from emphasis on physical needs to a pursuit of the metaphysical.
It consist of eight limbs of yoga mentioned below.
Eight Limbs of Ashtanga Yoga
1) Yama:Β
Yama is the first limb of Ashtanga Yoga and is related to ethical social norms. It consist of five principal.
- Ahimsa(Non-violence): As we practice of becoming non-violence, we become gentle and loving. This character really helps to know a person inside and move towards Self Realization
- Satya(Truthfulness): Once we observe Truthfulness moral integrity arises in our thought, speech and action. We become part of who we are and move towards Self Realization.
- Asteya(Non-Stealing): Non-stealing practice states of not having any desire of anything that belongs to someone else. If we do not follow it then we deny the divine fullness that we are seeking within ourselves.
- Brahmacharya(Moderation): We might consider brahmacharya to mean a healthy attitude towards the body. In a still broader sense, brahmacharya means freedom from the idea of the sex and redirection of mental energy towards the goal of Self Realization.
- Aparigraha(Non-Attachment): Non attachment can be said as simplicity in living. It can said that Aparigraha is the practice of not grasping with the mind. For example: If someone gifted you with love and selfless act then that gift can be accepted as it creates an atmosphere of love and harmony. But if it is given with state of influencing you or getting something in return then it is the practice of grasping with the mind. Here we need to remain on guard and not to take hold in thought, word, or deed of anything that could create a sense of bondage, obligation and compromise.
2) Niyama:
Niyama is the second limb and comprises of personal observances and disciplines aimed at self purification. It consist of five practices
- Saucha(Purity): We need to maintain personal purity of body and mind and treat it with respect. Cleanliness and proper nutrition promote health, well-being and self-esteem. With the practice of Saucha, your mind is also purified and achieves Self-Realization.
- Santosh (Contentment): True contentment means acceptance and gratitude. Satisfying with whatever is with you helps to focus our attention on the moment and become free of regrets over the past or worries about the future.
- Tapa (Discipline): To maintain a healthy respect for body and mind as the vehicles of divine consciousness. It means to have simplicity in thought, speech, and action. There is another meaning toΒ Β The word literally means βheat,β and in that sense, tapaΒ generates enthusiasm and the determination to follow through.
- Svadhyaya (Self-study): If you want to acquire any skills, whether it is playing the guitar or driving the car or painting, we have to practice. We learn them step by step and you practice continuously more self-confidence comes after certain time. Same way spiritual learning is no different. By studying sacred text and repeating mantras, such practice focus the mind and give rise to devotion.
- Ishwar Pranidhana(Surrender to the Devine): It means pure love for the Universal power. When you surrender yourself to the Devine, it leads to selflessness that takes path to the Self-Realization.Β
3) Asana:
Asana is the third limb is the practice of physical posture or poses. Within the context of Ashtanga Yoga, physical aspect of asana practice is to prepare the body and mind for meditation. Through the practice of Asana, practitioner develops the strength, flexibility and balance while cultivating mindfulness, focus and awareness. You can find some of Asanas posture on my page link that will prepare your body and mind. Click on the link here: Asanas Posture
4) Pranayama:Β
Pranayama is the fourth limb and involves the regulation and control of breath. Prana or life force energy is believed to be flow with the breath and with the breathing pattern or control, practitioner can harness a vital energy for physical, mental and spiritual well being. In return it offers unique benefits for calming the mind, balancing the system and enhancing the vitality within.
5) Pratyahara:
Pratyahara is the fifth limb and it refers to withdrawal of senses from outer world of distraction to the inner stillness. So it provides a means of reclaiming our attention from outer distraction and cultivating inner stillness to help practitioner move towards deep state of meditation and self awareness.
6) Dharana:
Dharana is the sixth limb of Ashtanga yoga. It is the starting phase to enter the stage of meditation. By shifting and focusing mind to the single point, it may be your breath, image, mantra or symbol, practitioner develops the foundation for cultivating deeper state of awareness.
7) Dhyana:
Dharana is the seventh limb of Ashtanga Yoga and is the practice of meditation that allows the practitioner to experience a profound sense of peace, clarity and interconnectedness to be one with that of supreme power leading to the last limb of Samadhi i.e. Self Realization.
8) Samadhi:
Samadhi is the eighth and last stage that represents the ultimate aim of yoga, union with the Supreme Power or Devine of one’s true nature. Practitioner involves with the universal consciousness experiencing the sense of oneness and blissed.
You may also refer to the link for more details regarding Eight limbs of Ashtanga yogaΒ sampoornayoga
There are lots of content to be mentioned regarding Self Realization but I tried to convey in brief way.
You may also view my postΒ Yoga for back pain
Conclusion:
The path of Self Realization is extremely transformative but you don’t have to leave everything and go to an ashram or forest. You can do it right where you are and achieve everything materially.
βLet me know if you have any questionsβI’m happyΒ to helpβ.
Do comment if you like this post. Will come with more articles soon.
Thanks.