Through the practical techniques of
yoga, man leaves behind forever the barren realms of speculation
and cognizes in experience the veritable Essence.
The YOGA system as outlined by Patanjali is known as the Eightfold
Path. The first steps, (1) YAMA and (2) NIYAMA, require observance
of ten negative and positive moralities-avoidance of injury to others,
of untruthfulness, of stealing, of incontinence, of gift-receiving
(which brings obligations); and purity of body and mind, contentment,
self-discipline, study, and devotion to God.
The next steps are (3) ASANA (right posture); the spinal column
must be held straight, and the body firm in a comfortable position
for meditation; (4) PRANAYAMA (control of PRANA, subtle life currents);
and (5) PRATYAHARA (withdrawal of the senses from external objects).
The last steps are forms of yoga proper: (6) DHARANA (concentration);
holding the mind to one thought; (7) DHYANA (meditation), and (8)
SAMADHI (superconscious perception). This is the Eightfold Path
of Yoga {FN24-6} which leads one to the final goal of KAIVALYA
(Absoluteness), a term which might be more comprehensibly put as
"realization of the Truth beyond all intellectual apprehension."
"Which is greater," one may ask, "a swami or a yogi?" If and when
final oneness with God is achieved, the distinctions of the various
paths disappear. The BHAGAVAD GITA, however, points out that the
methods of yoga are all-embracive.
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