Everything and everyone in this universe is made up from same energy and a yogi knowing this does not blame people for their actions. He sees the whole world as one and as a playground of karma where everyone is simply playing their role as a postman delivering the joy or suffering based on our previous karma equation with them.He accepts the people and situations as they are.
He lives in knowledge and sees that the actions of the people around him don't define them, rather they are just a manifestation of the role they are playing.
The yogi understands that the whole world is just a play (maya), hence he stays detached from events. Even when he is actively involved he does not get emotionally engaged.
A yogi knowing this truth about the world does not run away from the situations and experiences, rather he becomes a master by gaining confidence, courage and conviction.
For others, they perceive the world and all happenings as real, they live in ignorance all their lives and keep suffering.
How does one attain the state of mind which is devoid of suffering?
For a meaningful and purposeful life a yogi lives by an eightfold path which is called an ashtanga or eight limbs which brings stillness in yogis mind, body, soul, spirit and tranquility in emotions on and off the mat.
The 8 limbs of yoga are ~
- Yamas - Attitudes and behaviors towards other people and environment, moral discipline
- Niyamas - Attitudes and behaviors towards ourselves, inner observances
- Asanas - Practice of physical poses
- Pranayamas - Rhythmic control of prana or life force by controlling the motions of inhalations and exhalations
- Pratyahara - Withdrawl of senses
- Dharana- One pointed focus, concentration
- Dhayana - Meditation, uninterrupted concentration
- Samadhi- State of equanimity, bliss and ecstasy
Yamas, The first limb of Yoga emphasis on living ethically and morally with sense of integrity and focusing on ones behavior for ones personal fulfillment that will also benefit society.
The sutras do not imply people are good or bad based on their behavior, but choosing certain behaviors lead to certain results.
The 5 Yamas are
- Ahimsa - non harming/non violence/not causing physical or emotional pain to ourselves, others or nature
- Satya- Staying truthful, living with integrity, speaking with the intention of being truthful
- Asetya - Non stealing or not taking more than what you need
- Brahmacharya - non excess, self restraint or right use of energy
- Aparigraha - Non greed, non possessiveness or non hoarding
towards the positive behavior, self discipline and spiritual observances for personal growth.
The 5 Niyamas are
- Saucha - Cleanliness - physical and mental hygiene
- Santosa - Contentment by accepting life and situations as they are
- Tapas - Practicing self discipline with enthusiasm
- Svadhaya - Contemplating, self observation, study of ones inner self and Sacred scriptures
- Ishvara Pranidhana - Devotion, Dedication and Surrender to God
Through the practices of asanas and pranayama first, we can learn to control the physical body, then the movement of the breath, then the senses and finally the mind.
