Patanjali recommends an Eight-Limbed System of yoga called Ashtanga or Raja Yoga. Each limb of the tree represents a purifying yoga practice. These yoga practices seek to purify the body and mind so we can experience self-knowledge or "Samadhi" which means the same as the highest. In this state we realize we are not alone. We shift identification with the body and mind to identification with the Divine Self. The mind recedes into its source which is the same source of all creation. This is an experience beyond the senses.
Predominantly the 8-Limbs are a path of effort, but the last 3 limbs must be attained through grace.
The Fourth limb of the eight-limbed path, pranayama, trains us to control or extend the breath. Pranayama begins to shift our awareness from the outside world to our inner essence, from the body to the mind and toward the Self. The yamas and niyamas teach us how to act with more mindfulness toward others and ourselves, the asana focuses on strengthening and honoring the physical body and now pranayama moves to harness the breath and help us find peace within.
Breathing may be the most challenging aspect of yogic practice for me. I know that sounds crazy, but I've been breathing now for around 46 years and I’ve never paid it no mind! Now I have to be more aware of something I’ve done every day of my life, every minute of the day? This will be interesting and I am up for the challenge. I understand intellectually and physiologically the importance of linking my breath to the movement, but to really understand it, I need to practice, practice, and practice.
ReplyDeleteMary-Michael