yoga sutras chapter 2: 28-chapter 3:1-3

Question 1

describe what makes up yama(absententions the first limb of yoga)

Answer 1

1. ahimsa-nonviolence ( ahimsa)
   - vegetarianism
   - compasion to all animals and all creatures who have atman
2. honesty (satya)
   - don’t flatter people unless you mean it
   - tell the truth
3. Don’t steal (aseteya)
4. celibacy(bramahacharya)
   - usually practiced by people who are in the sanyasi stage
5. Nonpossesiveness (aparigraha)

Question 2

verse 31:vow no matter what

Answer 2

one must take the vow to practice these limbs no matter what regardless of their duties, medical cond. etc. One type of atman»>universal method to realize, no exeptions!

Question 3

what makes up niyamas:observances

Answer 3

Cleanliness (saucha)
-awareness of dirty excretions causes one to lose attraction for other bodies
Contentment (santosha)
-happiness or state of satisfaction
Discipline (tappas)
-controlling ones desires
Study scriptures (svadayaya)
Devotion to God (Ishvarapranidhana)

Question 4

verse 33-43:

Answer 4

describe the various boons you can get from practicing the first two limbs like

1. v35 nonviolence leads you to influence others to become more peaceful at mind
2. V.36: become aware of previous births
3. v.37: retain potent ingredient which provides you with energy in semen
4. v.38-awareness of cleanliness reduces your attraction to other individuals based on knowledge of body reality

Question 5

what to do when non-satvic contradicitory thoughts come up

Answer 5

consider the consequences»>By engaging in these thoughts and performing these actions you will condemn yourself to a life of eternal karma.

Question 6

according to baktas what lies beyond realizing the self and how do they plan to achieve it

Answer 6

-Beyond realizing the self is building an eternal relationship with ishvara which you can do by reading the scriptures.

Question 7

what is the purpose of the asanas?

Answer 7

to place yourself in a comfortable, stable position so that you can concentrate on meditation.

Question 8

What is the purpose of pranayama? How does this lead to achieving samadhi?

Answer 8

This is meant to slow down your breath, by inhaling or exhaling or stopping your breath completly.

Question 9

what are the steps to achieving samadhi

Answer 9

1. concentrate on an object
2. object becomes all persvasive
3. even the object ceases from awareness and you become concious of the self.