The aim here is to give a basic introduction as well as to clarify a few of the points that are not easily found in the yogic literature. A few of the principles that explain what we teach, how we teach it and why we teach in that particular way. A small intro into yogic philosophy, the system of yoga, history and also the reason why yoga is definitely not a religion :
Particularily in Austria, many people, either from a different style or without any yogic-experience whatsoever, who come to one of our Yoga classes for the first time, might be very surprised how demanding and body-oriented it can be. Especially those who have only been in contact with talking and thinking about its philosophical implications and the simple and easy, i.e. non-demanding Yogasana, often come to the conclusion that yoga is just a new fitness trend, that has been imported from the USA (which devalues it even more).
Preconceptions, preconceived ideas, prejudices and unfortunately also bad experiences exist in abundance.
Here is a small collection : Yoga must be'soft' (non-demanding, non challenging, effortless ..); is a philosophy; wiggling toes & rolling your eyes; sitting around and breathing funny; jumping up and down with crossed legs (saw that on telly!!); for relaxation only; stretching; a new fitness trend from the USA; a religion; a sect; 'wishy-washy new age stuff'; is done & taught by half naked or orange-robed men with long beards, who call themselves gurus; ... especially the first few are common in Austria. More can be found in the FAQ's section.
But Yoga offers far more than fitness & stretching, more than a philosophical teaching, more than reaxation exercises, more than meditation (or what is called such).
Yoga is soft (i.e. not self agressive, but it still takes an effort, and dedicated work on yourself - see the FAQ section as well); yoga has a philosophy; includes easy as well as difficult exercises; relaxes, stretches, keeps you fit as an effect (not a goal); leads to meditation; is not a belief, religion or sect, but raises similar questions that religions claim to answer; is much to old for new age and needs no gurus or preachers but good teachers and dedicated (to the practice) studends. And, by the way, it originated in asia (india). Also Asthanga Yoga (the style) comes from india, even though there might be more non-indian than indian practictioners nowadays.
This system is based on a very practical, direct instruction, which was written down in short, poignant sentences called sutras - known as the Yoga Sutras, by Patanjali, a (maybe-) contemporary of Buddha.
Patanjali gives a psychological and philosophical explanation of what is commonly known as 'the human mind'. What it can reach, how to get there, what problems you might encounter on the way and how to avoid or overcome them.
Patanjali used the word 'Ashtanga' (ashta = 8, anga = limb), the 8 limbs of the yoga system :
- Yamas (five of these. Wise acting/relating to your environment)
- Niyamas (also 5. Living wisely or 5 characteristics of someone who does)
- Asana (Posture / Exercise)
- Pranayama (Breath & energy - regulation)
- Pratyahara (Understanding the senses / often simply translated as 'withdrawal of the senses')
- Dharana ('concentration')
- Dhyana ('meditation')
- Samadhi ('Enlightenment')
Without (for the moment) diving further into these - yoga is a system. That is, it has a beginning, a path with directions and itself (the state of yoga) as a goal. It starts like this :- You do detailed, sometimes difficult exercises in connection with deep and easy (not strained) breathing, you move, work, stretch and open the whole body. All together with a strong focus/awareness on breathing,body, how & what you feel and an intense training of the mind and perception. Then, with the union of all these comes the possibility for yoga, the dissolution of the single elements.
In other words : The practice of yogasana & pranayama is possible only in conjunction with pratyahara, dharana, as well as the yamas and niyamas. Only then can they (and the yogi) unite to become one ('meditation') and form the basis for samadhi. The last 2 elements (dharana & dhyana) are nothing to practice, but 'simply' happen on the fertile ground of the previous limbs. They can not be attained but come as a present.
Patanjali's Yoga Sutras are very often seen as rules. But Patanjali doesn't set any rules to be followed. He simply explains the stepping stones of yoga.
Especially the 5 yamas & niyamas (described in detail later) are unfortunately much to often put in the same category as 'the ten commandements', which then have to be followed according to the particular interpratation of the yoga - school/teacher. They are seen and described as codes of conduct, which makes understanding or developing them yourself impossible.
It might seem paradox at first glance, but we see the 5 yamas & niyamas as precepts, that develop through the practice :
Who works intensely with body & breath and delves continuously deeper into the emotional context of body & mind, will find him/herself deep within (and far out), will find to be a natural part of and in this world. Connected with it and yourself instead of living a life apart and separate.
The yamas and niyamas only put your natural state of being into words. Only when being separte from yourself can you see them different. Dogma introduces them as disciplinary codes of conduct. This creates tensions & barriers, that we have to overcome. This might be hard, if not outright impossible, as can be witnessed daily with socio-cultural and religious barriers.
Dogma dissociates us from our 'godly' (natural) core, projects it to the outside, to something that is not naturally attainable, and then claims that we have to follow the Dogma, to regain it.
This even shows in psychology as two (out of three) entities that supposedly define 'us' : the 'ego' and the 'super-ego'. These two are pretty alienated and in a constant conflict, where the super ego keeps telling the ego how inadequate it is. Our standard schizophrenia. That might be very correct, but it wrongly defines this as the natural humanly state.
So, the yamas and niyamas are not a set of rules, or codes. They are wise realisations, understandings, perceptions. Realisation that comes from a practice. The realisation, how easy life could be, if you only stop throwing stones on your path, and what these stones are made of. To follow codes of conduct would transform yoga into a religion.
...To be continued ....
PS :A very good translation (the best i've found so far, and certainly better than i could write one :) ) of the Yoga Sutras by Godfrey Devereux's is here.
Any other philosophical 'rantings' must not necessarily have the same mentioned quality, but this shall be decided by the readers thereof.
