ashtanga

Question 1

Yama

Answer 1

refers to the five abstentions, how we relate to the external world. (The five vows of Jainism are identical to these).

Question 2

Ahimsa

Answer 2

non-violence, inflicting no injury or harm to others or even to one’s own self, it goes as far as nonviolence in thought, word and deed.

Question 3

Satya

Answer 3

non-illusion; truth in word and thought.

Question 4

Asteya

Answer 4

non-covetousness, to the extent that one should not even desire something that is his own; non-stealing.

Question 5

Brahmacharya

Answer 5

abstinence, particularly in the case of sexual activity. Also, responsible behavior with respect to our goal of moving toward the truth. It suggests that we should form relationships that foster our understanding of the highest truths. Practicing brahmacharya means that we use our sexual energy to regenerate our connection to our spiritual self. It also means that we don’t use this energy in any way that might harm others.[16]

Question 6

Aparigraha

Answer 6

non-possessiveness; non-hoarding

Question 7

Niyama

Answer 7

refers to the five observances. how we relate to ourselves, the inner world.

Question 8

Shaucha

Answer 8

cleanliness of body and mind.

Question 9

Santosha

Answer 9

satisfaction; satisfied with what one has.

Question 10

Tapas

Answer 10

austerity and associated observances for body discipline and thereby mental control.

Question 11

Svadhyaya

Answer 11

study of the Vedic scriptures to know about God and the soul, which leads to introspection on a greater awakening to the soul and God within,

Question 12

Ishvarapranidhana

Answer 12

surrender to (or worship of) God.

Question 13

Asana

Answer 13

Discipline of the body. rules and postures to keep it disease-free and for preserving vital energy. Correct postures are a physical aid to meditation, for they control the limbs and nervous system and prevent them from producing disturbances.

Question 14

Pranayama

Answer 14

control of breath. Beneficial to health, steadies the body and is highly conducive to the concentration of the mind.

Question 15

Pratyahara

Answer 15

withdrawal of senses from their external objects.

Question 17

Dharana

Answer 17

concentration of the Chitta upon a physical object, such as a flame of a lamp, the midpoint of the eyebrows, or the image of a deity.

Question 18

Dhyana

Answer 18

steadfast meditation. Undisturbed flow of thought around the object of meditation (pratyayaikatanata). The act of meditation and the object of meditation remain distinct and separate.

Question 19

Samadhi

Answer 19

oneness with the object of meditation. There is no distinction between act of meditation and the object of meditation. Samadhi is of two kinds

Question 20

Samprajnata Samadhi conscious samadhi.

Answer 20

The mind remains concentrated (ekagra) on the object of meditation, therefore the consciousness of the object of meditation persists. Mental modifications arise only in respect of this object of meditation.

Question 22

Savitarka

Answer 22

the Chitta is concentrated upon a gross object of meditation such as a flame of a lamp, the tip of the nose, or the image of a deity.

Question 23

Savichara

Answer 23

the Chitta is concentrated upon a subtle object of meditation, such as the tanmatras

Question 24

Sananda

Answer 24

the Chitta is concentrated upon a still subtler object of meditation, like the senses.

Question 25

Sasmita

Answer 25

the Chitta is concentrated upon the ego-substance with which the self is generally identified.

Question 26

Asamprajnata Samadhi superconscious.

Answer 26

The Chitta and the object of meditation are fused together. The consciousness of the object of meditation is transcended. All mental modifications are checked (niruddha), although latent impressions may continue.