Philosophy - Patanjali's Sutras Flashcards
Eight-fold limbs of Raja Yoga
Yama Niyama Asana Pranayama Pratyahara Dharana Dyana Samadhi
Yama
Moral restraints
Ethical standards and sense of integrity, focusing on our behavior and how we conduct ourselves in life.
Guiding our actions, speech, and thoughts in relation to the external world effecting our relationship with others.
- Ahimsa
- Satya
- Asteya
- Brahmacharya
- Aparigraha
Ahimsa
Non-violence, kindness
Satya
Non-lying, truthfulness
Asteya
Non-stealing
Brahmacharya
Non-excess, moderation
Aparigraha
Non-greed, generosity
Niyama
Observances, attitudes
Self-discipline and spiritual observances. Attitudes we should cultivate in ourselves.
- Saucha
- Santosha
- Tapas
- Svadhyaya
- Isvara pranidhana
Saucha
Cleanliness, purity
Santosha
Contentment
Tapas
Discipline, effort, heat, spiritual purifications, austerity
Svadhyaya
Study of the sacred scriptures and of one’s self
Isvara pranidhana
Surrender to Higher Self
Asana
Physical postures
Positions of the body, connecting the mind and spirit to create strength, flexibility, balance and focus.
> Through the practice of Asana, we develop the habit of discipline and the ability to concentrate, both of which are necessary for meditation.
- meditative postures
- relaxing postures
- cultural postures
Pranayama
Regulation of Breath
Mindful breathing
Control of the breath
> The regulation of breath gives body lightness and turning away of the senses from material objects.
Pratyahara
Abstraction of Senses
Turning inward
Withdrawal of the senses to the mind
> This withdrawal allows us to objectively observe our cravings.
Dharana
Concentration
Attention and focussing on a single point/object
> Slowing down the thinking process