Philosophy Exam Flashcards
Definition of Yoga according to the Patanjali Yoga Sutras
Yoga is restraining the mind stuff (chitta) from taking various forms (vrittis)
= Yoga is controlling the fluctuations of the mind
What is Klesha and what are the 5 main Kleshas?
Klesha means suffering/pain that is found inside of most people
The 5 main Kleshas (causes of our pain) are:
Avidya - Ignorance
Asmita - Ego
Raga - Lust
Dvesa - Hate
Abhinivesah - fear of death
What are the Vighna in Hatha Yoga?
Vighna = obstacles
those are over-eating, over-exertion, talking too much, severe austerity, public contact, fickleness of mind
Name the 8 limbs of Ashtanga Yoga
Yama (social principles)
Niyama (personal principles)
Asana (sitting, steady posture)
Pranayama (expansion of energy)
Pratyahara (detachment)
Dharana (concentration)
Dhyana (meditation)
Samadhi (wisdom, enlightenment)
Stage 1 of Ashtanga: Yama
Yama, the social code, is divided into satya (truthfulness), ahimsa (non-violence), asteya (honesty), brahmcharya (control of senses), aparigraha (non-possessiveness).
Stage 2 of Ashtanga: Niyama
Niyama, the personal code, consists of shaucha (cleanliness), santosha (contentment), tapah (understanding of duality), swadhyaya (self-study) and ishwara pranidhana (surrender to the cosmic will).
Stage 3 of Ashtanga: Asana
Asana, the Sitting or Steady Posture, is defined as comfortable postures as in hatha yoga. An example would be Padmasana (Lotus Pose).
Stage 4 of Ashtanga: Pranayama
Pranayama, the control or expansion of prana (vital energy), consists of various techniques which lead to one-pointedness, healthy respiratory function and enlightenment.
Step 5 in Ashtanga: Pratyahara
Pratyahara, the sense withdrawal (detachment), is a practice to gather the outgoing tendencies inwards.
Step 6 in Ashtanga: Dharana
Dharana, the concentration of the mind, is the step before meditation. It is practised to eliminate inner chatter about past and future and fixing the awareness.
Step 7 in Ashtanga: Dhyana
Dhyana, meditation, means full awareness and removal of duality
I would say it is connecting to your nature and the whole universe
-> concentrating without trying
Step 8 in Ashtanga: Samadhi
Samadhi, self-realization or enlightenment, is the final goal and step. One reaches the state where there is complete absence of both external and internal mental modifications, all that remains is awareness.
Which food should a Hatha Yogi avoid according to Hatha Yoga Pradipika and which food is considered wholesome?
According to Hatha Yoga Pradipika:
bad: bitter, sour, salty, hot, green vegetables, oil, mustard, sesame, alcohol, fish, meat, butter-milk, berries, garlic
Food that is heated over again, so dry should be avoided
good: Wheat, rice, milk, ghee, sugar, butter, sugarcandy, honey, dry ginger, the five leafy vegetables
Concept and origin of Hatha Yoga Pradipika Book
Author: Svātmārāma
5 chapters instead of 4 (+therapeutic application)
consist of >100 revised manuskrips
authentic texts
Definition Hatha
union of sun and moon
preparation for Rajayoga
