Ashtanga yoga. Yoga Chikitsa

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2.26-

2.29:

The 8

rungs of Yoga

are for

Discriminatio

n (

Previous

Next Main)

yoga-sutras.htm

yoga-sutras.htmThe eight rungs or limbs: The art and science of Yoga is systematically described in eight (ashta) rungs, steps, or limbs (anga). Thus,

this section of the Yoga Sutras is also called Ashtanga Yoga. The eight rungs of Yoga are summarized in sutra 2.29, and explained in the next section (2.30-2.34). Subsequent sutras further describe the benefits and methods of working with those eight rungs (2.35-2.45, 2.46-2.48, 2.49-2.53, 2.54-2.55). The links below

will take you directly to the descriptions of each of the eight rungs:

1. Yama: codes of restraint, abstinences (2.30,

2.31)

2. Niyama: observances, self-training (2.32)

3. Asana: m

editation posture (2.46-2.48)

4. Pranayama: expansion of b

reath and prana (2.49-2.53)

5. Pratyahara: withdrawal of th

e senses (2.54-2.55)

6. Dharana: concentration (3.1)

7. Dhya

na: meditation (3.2)

8. Samadhi: deep absorption (3.3)

The 8 rungs are for

discriminative enlightenment: The reason for practicing the eight rungs of Yoga (2.29) is to develop attention as the tool for discriminative knowledge, which is the means to discriminative enlightenment and liberation. It means using razor-like attention (3.4-3.6) to separate the seer and the seen (2.17), so as to break the alliance of

karma (2.12-2.25), and to get past the four mistakes of ignorance, or avidya (2.24-2.25), which are: 1) confusing the temporary for the eternal, 2) the impure for the pure, 3) misery for happiness, and 4) the false self for the true Self (2.5). Resulting from this systematic discrimination, the seer or Self is eventually experienced in its true nature

(1.3).

Discerning three aspects of an object: To understand the principle of discernment presented in these current sutras it is critically important to recall and understand the three aspects of an object described in Sutra 1.42, which have to do with the name of the object, the specific object, and the underlying essence.

Discrimination allows subtler introspection: This one-pointed attention and discrimination, which comes from the practice of the eight rungs, is used for examining, exploring, and attenuating the colorings of the subtle impressions of the mind field (2.10), so as to go beyond, inward to the pure, eternal center of consciousness.

The first 5

rungs sharpen the razor: If it is razor-like attention that is the tool for discrimination, then it is the first five rungs of the Yoga Sutras which are honing the edge of that razor. Then, the finer, sharpened tool is the last three rungs, which are concentration, meditation, and samadhi, which are collectively called samyama (3.4).

See also the article:Coordinating the Four Functions of Mind

top

2.26 Clear, distinct, unimpaired discriminative knowledge is the means of liberation from this alliance.(viveka khyatih aviplava hana upayah)

• viveka-khyatih

= discriminative knowledge (viveka = discriminative, d

iscernment; khyatih = knowledge, correct cognition, clari

ty, awareness)

• aviplava = undisturbed, without vacillati

on, uninterrupted

• hana = of removal, of avoidance

• upaya

h = the means, way, method

Removing avidya or ignorance: The last section dealt with the process of breaking the alliance of karma (2.12-2.25), particularly through causing an absence of ignoran

ce (avidya) (2.24, 2.25), which is of four major forms (2.5): 1) regarding that which is transient as eternal, 2) mistaking the impure for pure, 3) thinking that which brings misery to bring happiness, and 4) taking that which is not-self to be self.

Discriminative knowledge is the means: Here, in this current sutra, discriminative

knowledge is introduced as the key to liberation from this alliance to ignorance (avidya). Discriminative knowledge is the key to the entire science of Yoga (Here, the term "knowledge" does not mean mere intellectual knowledge. Rather, it refers to the higher insight of direct experience). Through discrimination,

one gradually, systematically separates the seer from the seen (2.17, 2.12-2.25), until the final realization of the true, eternal Self dawns (1.3, 4.22-4.26).

What is discrimination?: Discrimination is a process of sorting out between this and that. This sorting out process may begin at the

most external level of our relationship with the world, such as in practicing principles such as non-injury or truthfulness (2.34). It may include purifying the gross colorings of the mind (2.1-2.9), or the more subtle colorings (2.10-2.11). Over and over, this razor sharp discrimination (3.4-3.6) cuts ever deeper into the levels of false

identities (1.5) habitually clouding the true Self (1.4).

Discriminative enlightenment: Through the repeated process of attaining discriminative knowledge through those many gross, subtle, and subtler levels of our being (1.17), comes discriminative enlightenment (4.22-4.26). It is an ongoing process of discriminating

between Self and non-Self, until the Self is seen to stand alone (1.3).


yoga-sutras-

23034.htm

yoga-sutras-

23034.htm

top

2.27 Seven kinds of ultimate insight come to one who has attained this degree of discrimination.(tasya

saptadha pranta bhumih prajna)

• tasya = to one, to such a person

• saptadha = sev

enfold

• pranta = final, ultimate

• bhumih = stage, level

, degree

• prajna = discrimination, insight, wisdom, cogni

zing consciousness

Many insights are revealed: As that discriminative knowledge unfolds (2.26), there is a tremendous amount of insight or wisdom that comes. Though it is not realistic to count them all, Patanjali states that seven

types of ultimate insight come as a result of the intense practice of discrimination through the rungs of Yoga (3.4-3.6).

Seven types of insight: The commentator Vyasa describes these seven insights briefly. It is important to understand that the insights are meant to be indicative of the final stages of discriminative

knowledge, not that these are to serve as a checklist, or goals of powers to attain. These seven are a reflection of the consequences from the whole process of Yoga described in the Yoga Sutras

1. The deep inner sources

of future suffering, which would have played out as kar

ma, have been identified, and the mind is no longer draw

n towards those thought patterns.

2. The root causes or dee

p impressions providing the potential for that karma to

play out have been removed, with nothing more needing t

o be done with them.

3. Through the mastery (nirodhah) at

tained by deep absorption (samadhi), the wisdom of real

ization has been attained.

4. Discrimination has brought

sufficient discriminative knowledge that nothing furthe

r remains about which to inquire.

5. Buddhi, the higher disc

riminative aspect, has fulfilled its purpose and stand

s alone, with nothing more to do.

6. The activities of bud

dhi, no longer needed, come to rest as a stone, which has

rolled down a mountain, having no need to arise again.

7. Pure consciousness, Purusha, stands alone, in its true, e

ternal Self.

top

2.28 Through the practice of the different limbs, or steps to Yoga, whereby impurities are eliminated, there arises an illumination that culminates in discriminative wisdom, or enlightenment.(yoga anga anusthanad ashuddhi kshaye jnana

diptih a viveka khyateh)

• yoga-anga = rungs of yoga (yoga = yoga; anga = run

gs, limbs, accessories, components, steps, parts, members, c

onstituents)

• anusthanad = by the sustained practice, o

bservance, performance

• ashuddhi = impurities

• kshaye =

with the elimination, destruction

• jnana = of wisdom, k

nowledge,

• diptih = light, brilliance, shining, radiance

• a = until, up to

• viveka-khyatih = discriminative know

ledge (viveka = discriminative, discernment; khyatih =

knowledge, correct cognition, clarity, awareness)

Reason for the 8 rungs or limbs: The

reason for practicing the eight rungs or limbs of Yoga (2.29) is to develop attention as the tool for discriminative knowledge (viveka-khyatih), which is the means to liberation or enlightenment.

Discriminative enlightenment: Discrimination (viveka) means using razor-like attention (3.4-3.6) to separat

e the seer and the seen (2.17), so as to break the alliance of karma (2.12-2.25), and to get past the four mistakes of ignorance, or avidya (2.24-2.25), which are confusing the temporary for the eternal, the impure for the pure, misery for happiness, and the false self for the true Self (2.5). Through that discriminative knowledge comes

discriminative enlightenment (4.22-4.26).

bindu.htm"

bindu.htm"

See also the article:Bindu: Pinnacle of Yoga, Vedanta and Tantra

top

2.29 The eight rungs, limbs, or steps of Yoga are the codes of self-regulation or restraint (yamas), observances or practices of self-training (niyamas), postures (asana), expansion of breath and prana (pranayama), withdrawal of the senses (pratyahara), concentration (dharana), meditation (dhyana), and perfected concentration (samadhi).(yama niyama asana pranayama pratyahara dharana dhyana samadhi ashtau angani)

• yama = codes of restraint, abstinences, self-regulations

• niyama = observances, practices, self-training

• asana = meditation posture (from the root ~as, which means

"to sit")

• pranayama = expansion of breath and prana, regulation, control

• pratyahara = withdrawal of the indriyas (the senses), bringing inward

• dharana = concentration

• dhyana = meditation

• samadhi = meditation in its higher state, deep absorption of meditation, the state of perfected concentration

• ashtau = eight

• angani = rungs, limbs, accessories, components, steps, parts, members, constituents

Steps versus rungs: The science of Yoga, as described in the Yoga Sutra is also called Ashtanga Yoga. The word ashta means eight. The word anga has two meanings; it means both rung and limb. As rungs, it means that the eight rungs are done sequentially, like climbing the steps of a ladder, wherein you must do one before the other. As limbs, it means that the eight limbs are like eight branches coming out of the same level of the trunk of a tree, wherein you do the eight simultaneously.

Practice as both steps and rungs: In practice, the eight angas of Yoga are done both sequentially and simultaneously. Advancing with one rung helps with the next, while at the same time, all of the limbs are practiced within ones current capacity.

(It is important to note that the phrase Ashtanga Yoga has recently become known as a system of physical postures, which was never the ancient intent of this name.)

The eight rungs or limbs: The eight

rungs or limbs are each described in separate sutras through the links provided below:

1. Yama: codes of restraint, abstinences, self-regulations (2.30, 2.31)

2. Niyama: observances, practices, self-training (2.32)

3. Asana: meditation posture (from the root ~as, which means "to sit") (2.46-2.48)

4. Pranayama: expansion of breath and prana, regulation, control (2.49-2.53)

5. Pratyahara: withdrawal of the indriyas (the senses), bringing inward (2.54-2.55)


7. Dhyana: meditation (3.2)

8. Samadhi: meditation in its higher state, deep absorption of meditation, the state of perfected concentration (3.3)

yoga-sutras-25455.htm


The next sutra is 2.30

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cd-yoga-nidra.htm cd-yoga-nidra.htmYoga Nidra CD

-------

This site is devoted to presenting the ancient Self-Realization path of the Tradition of the Himalayan masters in simple, understandable and beneficial ways, while not compromising quality or depth. The goal of our sadhana or practices is the highest Joy that comes from the Realization in direct experience of the center of consciousness, the Self, the Atman or Purusha, which is one and the same with the Absolute Reality. This Self-Realization comes through Yoga meditation of the Yoga Sutras, the contemplative insight of Advaita Vedanta, and the intense devotion of

Samaya Sri Vidya Tantra, the three of which complement one another like fingers on a hand. We employ the classical approaches of Raja, Jnana, Karma, and Bhakti Yoga, as well as Hatha, Kriya, Kundalini, Laya, Mantra, Nada, Siddha, and Tantra Yoga. Meditation, contemplation, mantra and prayer finally converge into a unified force directed towards the final stage, piercing the pearl of wisdom called bindu, leading to the Absolute.

index.htm"

index.htm"

Home

Home About

Basics

Meditatio

n

Practices

Philosophy Tradition

Yoga Connections

Interactive

Mantra

Yoga Sutras

Karma Lifestyle

Icons MindCDs

Kundalin

iLevels Fun/Misc.

Main IntroList 196

Narrative

7 Keys

Chapters

Q&APatanjali

Downloads

Books

Main Previous Next

Yoga Sutras

2.26-

2.29:

The 8

rungs of Yoga

are for

Discriminatio

n (

Previous

Next Main)

yoga-sutras.htm

yoga-sutras.htmThe eight rungs or limbs:

The art and science of Yoga is systematically described in eight (ashta) rungs, steps, or limbs (anga). Thus, this section of the Yoga Sutras is also called Ashtanga Yoga. The eight rungs of Yoga are summarized in sutra 2.29, and explained in the next section (2.30-2.34). Subsequent sutras further describe the benefits and method

s of working with those eight rungs (2.35-2.45, 2.46-2.48, 2.49-2.53, 2.54-2.55). The links below will take you directly to the descriptions of each of the eight rungs:

1. Yama: codes of restraint, a

bstinences (2.30, 2.31)

2. Niyama: observances, self-traini

ng (2.32)

3. Asana: meditation posture (2.46-2.48)

4. Pranay

ama: expansion of breath and prana (2.49-2.53)

5. Pratyaha

ra: withdrawal of the senses (2.54-2.55)

6. Dharana: concent

ration (3.1)


8. Samadhi: deep abs

orption (3.3)

The 8 rungs are for discriminative enlightenment: The reason for practicing the eight rungs of Yoga (2.29) is to develop attention as the tool for discriminative knowledge, which is the means to discriminative enlightenment and liberation. It means

using razor-like attention (3.4-3.6) to separate the seer and the seen (2.17), so as to break the alliance of karma (2.12-2.25), and to get past the four mistakes of ignorance, or avidya (2.24-2.25), which are: 1) confusing the temporary for the eternal, 2) the impure for the pure, 3) misery for happiness, and 4) the false self for the true Self

(2.5). Resulting from this systematic discrimination, the seer or Self is eventually experienced in its true nature (1.3).

Discerning three aspects of an object: To understand the principle of discernment presented in these current sutras it is critically important to recall and understand the three aspects of an object described in Sutra

1.42, which have to do with the name of the object, the specific object, and the underlying essence.

Discrimination allows subtler introspection: This one-pointed attention and discrimination, which comes from the practice of the eight rungs, is used for examining, exploring, and attenuating the colorings of the subtle impressions of the

mind field (2.10), so as to go beyond, inward to the pure, eternal center of consciousness.

The first 5 rungs sharpen the razor: If it is razor-like attention that is the tool for discrimination, then it is the first five rungs of the Yoga Sutras which are honing the edge of that razor. Then, the finer, sharpened tool is the last three

rungs, which are concentration, meditation, and samadhi, which are collectively called samyama (3.4).


top

2.26 Clear, distinct, unimpaired discriminative knowledge is the means of liberation from this alliance.(viveka khyatih aviplava hana

upayah)

• viveka-khyatih = discriminative knowledge (viveka

= discriminative, discernment; khyatih = knowledge, corr

ect cognition, clarity, awareness)

• aviplava = undisturbe

d, without vacillation, uninterrupted

• hana = of removal,

of avoidance

• upayah = the means, way, method

Removing avidya or ignorance: The last section dealt with

the process of breaking the alliance of karma (2.12-2.25), particularly through causing an absence of ignorance (avidya) (2.24, 2.25), which is of four major forms (2.5): 1) regarding that which is transient as eternal, 2) mistaking the impure for pure, 3) thinking that which brings misery to bring happiness, and 4) taking that

which is not-self to be self.

Discriminative knowledge is the means: Here, in this current sutra, discriminative knowledge is introduced as the key to liberation from this alliance to ignorance (avidya). Discriminative knowledge is the key to the entire science of Yoga (Here, the term "knowledge" does not mean

mere intellectual knowledge. Rather, it refers to the higher insight of direct experience). Through discrimination, one gradually, systematically separates the seer from the seen (2.17, 2.12-2.25), until the final realization of the true, eternal Self dawns (1.3, 4.22-4.26).

What is discrimination?:

Discrimination is a process of sorting out between this and that. This sorting out process may begin at the most external level of our relationship with the world, such as in practicing principles such as non-injury or truthfulness (2.34). It may include purifying the gross colorings of the mind (2.1-2.9), or the more subtle coloring

s (2.10-2.11). Over and over, this razor sharp discrimination (3.4-3.6) cuts ever deeper into the levels of false identities (1.5) habitually clouding the true Self (1.4).

Discriminative enlightenment: Through the repeated process of attaining discriminative knowledge through those many gross, subtle, and subtler

levels of our being (1.17), comes discriminative enlightenment (4.22-4.26). It is an ongoing process of discriminating between Self and non-Self, until the Self is seen to stand alone (1.3).


yoga-sutras-

23034.htm

yoga-sutras-

23034.htm

top

2.27 Seven kinds of ultimate insight come to one who has attained this degree of discrimination.(tasya saptadha pranta bhumih prajna)

• tasya = to one, to such a per

son

• saptadha = sevenfold

• pranta = final, ultimate

• b

humih = stage, level, degree

• prajna = discrimination, i

nsight, wisdom, cognizing consciousness

Many insights are revealed: As that discriminative knowledge unfolds (2.26), there is a tremen

dous amount of insight or wisdom that comes. Though it is not realistic to count them all, Patanjali states that seven types of ultimate insight come as a result of the intense practice of discrimination through the rungs of Yoga (3.4-3.6).

Seven types of insight: The commentator Vyasa describes these seven insights

briefly. It is important to understand that the insights are meant to be indicative of the final stages of discriminative knowledge, not that these are to serve as a checklist, or goals of powers to attain. These seven are a reflection of the consequences from the whole process of Yoga described in the Yoga Sutras

1. Th

e deep inner sources of future suffering, which would ha

ve played out as karma, have been identified, and the mi

nd is no longer drawn towards those thought patterns.

2. T

he root causes or deep impressions providing the potent

ial for that karma to play out have been removed, with not

hing more needing to be done with them.

3. Through the m

astery (nirodhah) attained by deep absorption (samadhi

), the wisdom of realization has been attained.

4. Discrim

ination has brought sufficient discriminative knowledge

that nothing further remains about which to inquire.

5. Bu

ddhi, the higher discriminative aspect, has fulfilled it

s purpose and stands alone, with nothing more to do.

6. T

he activities of buddhi, no longer needed, come to rest as

a stone, which has rolled down a mountain, having no n

eed to arise again.

7. Pure consciousness, Purusha, stands

alone, in its true, eternal Self.

top

2.28 Through the practice of the different limbs, or steps to Yoga, whereby impurities are eliminated, there arises an

illumination that culminates in discriminative wisdom, or enlightenment.(yoga anga anusthanad ashuddhi kshaye jnana diptih a viveka khyateh)

• yoga-anga = rungs of yoga (yo

ga = yoga; anga = rungs, limbs, accessories, components, s

teps, parts, members, constituents)

• anusthanad = by the

sustained practice, observance, performance

• ashuddhi =

impurities

• kshaye = with the elimination, destruction

• jnana = of wisdom, knowledge,

• diptih = light, brillian

ce, shining, radiance

• a = until, up to

• viveka-khyatih

= discriminative knowledge (viveka = discriminative, d

iscernment; khyatih = knowledge, correct cognition, clari

ty, awareness)

Reason for the 8 rungs or limbs: The reason for practicing the eight rungs or limbs of Yoga (2.29) is to develop attention as the tool for discriminative knowledge (viveka-khyatih), which is the means to liberation or enlight

enment.

Discriminative enlightenment: Discrimination (viveka) means using razor-like attention (3.4-3.6) to separate the seer and the seen (2.17), so as to break the alliance of karma (2.12-2.25), and to get past the four mistakes of ignorance, or avidya (2.24-2.25), which are confusing the temporary for the eternal,

the impure for the pure, misery for happiness, and the false self for the true Self (2.5). Through that discriminative knowledge comes discriminative enlightenment (4.22-4.26).

bindu.htm"

bindu.htm"

See also the article:Bindu: Pinnacle of Yoga, Vedanta and Tantra

top

2.29 The eight rungs, limbs, or steps of Yoga are the codes of self-regulation or restraint (yamas), observances or practices of self-training (niyamas), postures (asana), expansion of breath and prana (pranayama), withdrawal of the senses (pratyahara), concentration (dharana), meditation (dhyana), and perfected concentration (samadhi).(yama niyama asana pranayama pratyahara dharana dhyana samadhi ashtau angani)

• yama = codes of restraint, abstinences, self-regulations

• niyama = observances, practices, self-training

• asana = meditation posture (from the root ~as, which means "to sit")

• pranayama = expansion of breath and prana, regulation, control

• pratyahara = withdrawal of the indriyas (the senses), bringing inward

• dharana = concentration

• dhyana = meditation

• samadhi = meditation in its higher state, deep absorption of meditation, the state of perfected concentration

• ashtau = eight

• angani = rungs, limbs, accessories, components, steps, parts, members, constituents

Steps versus rungs: The science of Yoga, as described in the Yoga Sutra is also called Ashtanga Yoga. The word ashta means eight. The word anga has two meanings; it means both rung and limb. As rungs, it means that the eight rungs are done sequentially, like climbing the steps of a ladder, wherein you must do one before the other. As

limbs, it means that the eight limbs are like eight branches coming out of the same level of the trunk of a tree, wherein you do the eight simultaneously.

Practice as both steps and rungs: In practice, the eight angas of Yoga are done both sequentially and simultaneously. Advancing with one rung helps with the next, while at the same time, all of the limbs are practiced within ones current capacity.

(It is important to note that the phrase Ashtanga Yoga has recently become known as a system of physical postures, which was never the ancient intent of this name.)

The eight rungs or limbs: The eight rungs or limbs are each described in separate sutras through the links provided below:

1. Yama: codes of restraint, abstinences, self-regulations (2.30, 2.31)

2. Niyama: observances, practices, self-training (2.32)

3. Asana: meditation posture (from the root ~as, which means "to sit") (2.46-2.48)

4. Pranayama: expansion of breath and prana, regulation, control (2.49-2.53)

5. Pratyahara: withdrawal of the indriyas (the senses), bringing inward (2.54-2.55)



8. Samadhi: meditation in its higher state, deep absorption of meditation, the state of perfected concentration (3.3)



The next sutra is 2.30

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cd-yoga-nidra.htm cd-yoga-nidra.htmYoga Nidra CD

-------

This site is devoted to presenting the ancient Self-Realization path of the Tradition of the Himalayan masters in simple, understandable and beneficial ways, while not compromising quality or depth. The goal of our sadhana or practices is the highest Joy that comes from the Realization in direct experience of the center of consciousness, the Self, the Atman or Purusha, which is one and the same with the Absolute Reality. This Self-Realization comes through Yoga meditation of the Yoga Sutras, the contemplative insight of Advaita Vedanta, and the intense devotion of Samaya Sri Vidya Tantra, the three of which complement one another like fingers on a hand. We employ the classical approaches of Raja, Jnana, Karma, and Bhakti Yoga, as well as Hatha, Kriya, Kundalini, Laya, Mantra, Nada, Siddha, and Tantra Yoga. Meditation, contemplation, mantra and prayer finally converge into a unified force directed towards the final stage, piercing the pearl of wisdom called bindu, leading to the Absolute.

Documents

Ashtanga yoga. Yoga Chikitsa