Welcome back, Yogis!
Here to wrap up the last four limbs of the eight path fold of Ashtanga Yoga.
Just a refresher of where we left off,
1.Yamas
2.Niyamas
3.Asana
4.Pranayama
5.Pratyahara
6.Dharna
7.Dhyana
8.Samadhi
P R A T Y A H A R A
Meaning withdrawal or control of the senses. Decreased activity to sensation focusing senses inward. The practice of Pratyahara provides us with an opportunity to step back and take a look at ourselves. This withdrawal allows us to objectively observe our cravings; habits that are perhaps detrimental to our health and which likely interfere with our inner growth. It is during this stage we make it a conscious effort to draw our awareness away from the external world and outside stimuli. Keenly aware of yet cultivating detachment from our senses we direct our attention internally.
D H A R A N A,
Concentration; unwavering attention, commitment. As each stage prepares us for the next, the practice of Pratyahara creates the setting for Dharna or concentration. Having relieved ourselves of outside distractions, we can now deal with the distractions of the mind itself. In the practice of concentration which precedes meditation, we learn how to slow down the thinking process by concentrating on a single mental object: a specific energetic center in the body (chakra) an image of a deity, or the silent repetition of a sound (mantra). We, of course, have already begun to develop our powers of concentration in the previous three stages of posture, breath control, and withdrawal of the senses. In asana and Pranayama, although we pay attention to our actions, our attention travels. Our focus constantly shifts as we fine-tune the many nuances of any particular posture or breathing technique in Pratyahara we become self-observant; now in Dharana, we focus our attention on a single point. Extended periods of concentration naturally lead to meditation.
Second to last,
D H Y A N A,
Meditation or concentration on mindfulness being attuned to the present moment, the uninterrupted flow of concentration. Although concentration (dharna) and meditation (dhyana) may appear to be one and the same, a fine line of distinction exists between these two stages. Where Dharana practices one-pointed attention, Dhyana is ultimately a stage of being keenly aware without focus.
At this stage, the mind has been quieted, and in the stillness, it produces few or no thoughts at all. The strength and stamina it takes to reach this stage of stillness are quite impressive. But don’t give up while this may seem difficult if not impossible REMEMBER yoga IS a process. Even though we may not attain the “picture perfect” pose or the ideal state of consciousness, we benefit at every stage of our progress.
Finally but certainly not least…
S A M A D H I,
Ecstatic, union flow “in the zone” spiritual support/connection. Superconscious state, one-ness is experienced.
Patanjali describes this eighth limb and final stage of Ashtanga Samadhi, as a stage of ecstasy. At this stage, the meditator merges with his or her point of focus and transcends the self together. The meditator comes to realize a profound connection to the divine, an interconnectedness with all living things. With this realization comes to the peace that passeth all understanding.” The experience of bliss and being at one with the universe. On the surface, this may seem to be a rather lofty “holier than thou” kind of goal. However, if we pause to examine what we really want to get out of life, would not joy, fulfillment, and freedom somehow find their way onto our lists of hopes, wishes, and desires? What Patanjali has described as the completion of the yogic paths is what deep down all human beings aspire to peace we also might give some thought to the fact that this ultimate stage of yoga enlightenment can neither be bought nor processed. It can only be experienced, the price of which is the continued devotion of the aspirant.
Now whether you reach Samadhi in this lifetime or not isn’t the point, it is a goal that’s nice to have but certainly not necessary.
Following these limbs will create more peace, mindfulness in your life which will ultimately give you more peace, joy and an overall better way of life.
I think we ALL can benefit from that, am I right or am I right?
Living in your highest power and serving this world in the best way that you can just by being the best version of …
Y O U.
As always any questions you have, feel free to leave a comment or contact Laken Badley directly!
Namaste.
Author: Laken Badley