Yoga, The Eight Limbs of The Science of Spiritual Self-Realization

For many people yoga simply means a relaxing and energizing form of exercise. Its gentle stretching and bending make the spine and muscles supple and relaxed, bringing blood to all tissues and organs of the body, and at the same time energizing them. The breathing exercises bring about a sense of peace and mental calm giving one the sense that we are in tune with our bodies and in balance with the universe.

This important and integral physical part of "ashtanga" yoga is called "asana" and refers to the physical postures. The breath control used in conjunction with asana is called "pranayama". The benefits gained teach us how to direct our vital energy, the life force within us called "prana". In Chinese medicine this vital force is referred to as "chi".

There are actually 8 limbs of yoga and they are meant to progress a person not just toward physical and mental health, but towards higher realization of who we really are and what we are doing in these bodies in this world. My own teacher once said to me many years ago "religion without science is simply sentiment". Yoga is the scientific process of action leading one towards spiritual growth.

The first 2 principles of yoga are "yama" and "niyama". Yama pertains to following the proper rules of true human social conduct. Its principles are nonviolence, truthfulness, never taking what does not belong to us (stealing), nonattachment to temporary things, which must disappear in course of time and learning to control our sexual energy.

Niyama refers to proper rules of personal conduct. Its effects develop from following the social conduct taught through yama. Niyama brings about contentment, purity of mind and force, self-discipline, a desire to imbibe higher spiritual teachings and ultimately inner surrender to the Supreme energy of Godhead.

Yama and niyama are actually the first 2 limbs of yoga, which are traditionally taught to allow students to become eligible and ready to swiftly advance on the path of yoga. Then asana and pranayama are taught which begin to bring the body and mind under our control.

This takes us to the next stage, or limb, of yoga called "pratyahara". Pratyahara means the student now actually is able to not only control the bodily senses and urges, but also the mind. At this stage there begins equanimity and freedom from the anxieties that most people running the "rat race" of the material world are subject to feeling. It is a turning within, rather than looking to external stimulus for pleasure.

Once achieving this stage of peace, strength and control we are now ready for the next stage. This is called "dharana". This means we now are able to have complete concentration and control of our attention. Living in our modern society with the hustle-bustle of material life our minds generally are impossible to control. Try to concentrate on one thing or point with no other thoughts entering your head for even 2 minutes. For most people not trained in yoga it is simply not possible. Right? Yet, it is absolutely necessary to master in order to move to the next stage of meditation.

The next stage, or limb, of yoga is called "dhyana". Dhyana means meditation and proper reflection and direction of our concentration and attention gained through dharana. Real meditation means you can control the mind and senses first. If the mind is constantly flitting from one thing to the next and hasn't been properly trained, it is not possible to truly meditate. One must be calm, peaceful and have the mind and senses under control first in order to be able to meditate. Meditation takes our consciousness through the dimensional layers of the universe and brings us to the transcendental plane. This is what we are all seeking, whether we realize it or not. No material gains, facility or acquisitions can bring such peace, bliss and total satisfaction of the soul.

The 8th and final stage of yoga is called "samadhi". At this point one has fully mastered full control of the mind and body. The aspirant is fully absorbed in meditation and one's vision pierces the dimensional veil on all levels. We have correct vision and understanding of the world we live in and the existence of so many other worlds and dimensions of existence, be they temporary, material planes or those that never dissipate or are subject to destruction.

In samadhi we are not only unperturbed by events around us, but become fully enlightened in spiritual truth and self-realization. This stage is the final stage one passes through toward entrance into the spiritual dimensions from where one never returns to the material world's cycle of repeated birth and death in so many forms of life, be they human, animal, plants, etc.

In practicing yoga with a view to eventually achieve the highest goals of human existence we gain so many benefits that enrich our lives in the here and now, as well as the lives of those with whom we associate, our families and friends. First there is a purification of the body. Then there is purification of the mind and a change in our desires toward higher human qualities of love and compassion. Through the pranayama breathing the vital force within us is strengthened.

Our intelligence becomes sharpened and reoriented while the false ego and false identification with temporary matter is dissolved. At that point our minds become focused and internalized bringing greater control of the bodily senses. Ultimately the consciousness becomes calm and emptied of all material consideration, having been filled with knowledge of the "self".

In the "Bhagavad-Gita", chapter 2 verse 13, it says "As the embodied soul continuously passes, in this body, from boyhood to youth to old age, the soul similarly passes into another body at death. A sober person is not bewildered by such a change".

Yoga is a scientific process that raises our level of awareness so that we act in accordance with proper principles that keep our bodies and minds healthy. It raises our consciousness so that we act in ways that allow us to have meaningful relationships together. One who sincerely practices yoga, developing self-discipline, then begins to gain a higher awareness on a spiritual, cosmic level. From this point one's path in life becomes very clear. With a healthy mind, body and spirit we can all go forward, healing ourselves, our relationships and all that is out of balance on this planet today.

Howard Beckman (Hamsavatar Das)is a director of the Vedic Cultural Fellowship and Pecos Yoga and Ayurveda Center. He is the author of 3 books, ?An Introduction to Vedic Astrology ... Spiritual Science of the Ancients", "Mantras, Yantras, and Fabulous Gems ... Healing Secrets of the Ancient Vedas" and ?Vibrational Healing with Gems?. Howard was trained in India for over a decade and has been a practicing vedic astrologer and planetary gemologist for over 30 years. He is one of the few people in the world today who has been given the title of ?Planetary Gemologist?, awarded him by the Planetary Gemologists Association in Bangkok, Thailand. He is recognized as the sole gemologist in the U.S., who is also expert in the field of Vedic astrology and gem therapy. Being considered one of the world?s foremost authorities in both jyotish and ayurvedic gem therapy, he is often consulted by other Vedic astrologers and ayurvedic practitioners. He maintains a busy astrological practice seeing clients from all over the world, and does many consultations for clients by telephone and mail.

Yoga Pura Review - Translating the Ancient Science of Yoga Into a Understandable Method

Are you looking for a yoga studio in the Phoenix area that provides you with an ideal environment to learn and practice yoga?

If you are seriously interested in discovering a yoga studio specializes in translating the ancient science of yoga into a practical and understandable method for creating happiness in your everyday life.

Then you will be glad to know that in this review you will learn everything you need to know about Yoga Pura which is a yoga studio that is located in the heart of Phoenix, Arizona's Moon Valley neighborhood and serves as a urban desert oasis for many yogis and yoginis.

Let's face it, many people in the greater Phoenix area are looking to find a yoga studio that offers a variety of different types of yoga classes at a variety of different times.

That's why Yoga Pura offers nearly 40 different classes a week, at a variety of different times and days, in a variety of different styles.

The types of classes offered at Yoga Pura fall under these types of styles and practices:

Intro to Yoga - This is a 4 week/eight-class introduction to yoga series that is great for those that are new to yoga or are just interested in learning more about the philosophy yoga,basic yoga postures, and how to integrate the practice of yoga into your everyday life.

Essential Basics, All Levels, and Classic Level 1-2 classes - These yoga classes are great for beginners as well as anyone who is looking to work with the Asana of yoga in a way that deals primarily with physical alignment, yoga postures, and breath work while at the same time learning and discussing yogic theory and philosophy in ways that you can use off the yoga mat as well.

Yin Yoga - In this class you will find yourself holding postures anywhere from three to ten minutes with a focus on allowing the deep connective tissues to breathe.

Gentle Oasis - This is an excellent class to consider if you are recovering from injury, have reduced mobility or are looking for a yoga class that offers you a deeply relaxing and rejuvenating experience.

Yoga Nidra - This is a deeply restorative practice that helps release stored tensions in your body, renew vital energy, and increases the well-being of both your body and mind. Yoga Nidra is literally translated as "yogic sleep" and is a guided meditation technique that is experienced while you are lying down or in a reclined position with your eyes closed.

Power and Flow Yoga - Offers you a vigorous and challenging series of poses that are linked in a flow style with the breath in a room that is heated to about 80 degrees. If you are looking for an amazing workout that will make you sweat then consider taking one of these classes.

I'm sure you will agree that when it comes to finding the right yoga studio to practice at, knowing what other people are saying about it can provide you with some pretty valuable information as well.

Ask around and these are some of the comments you will find people saying about Yoga Pura:


Felt very welcomed by the teachers and other yoga practitioners.
The studio has very ample bathrooms and studio space
Yoga instructors are great people who know what they are doing.
The yoga teachers really take their time to explain and show the yoga postures
Yoga Pura offers you the kind of classes that give you a physical workout with a deeper understanding of the philosophy behind yoga as well.

As this Yoga Pura review ends, consider what you are looking for in a yoga studio and know that if you are indeed serious about learning yoga in a warm and inviting space that has a friendly staff that exist solely to nurture your practice.

Then now is the time to consider making that drive into Moon Valley and taking a yoga class at Yoga Pura for yourself so that you can learn how to create happiness in your everyday life with the practice of yoga.

Thaddeus Ferguson is just a guy who happens to enjoy Yoga and Meditation because it has helped him experience a functional relationship with God that has led to an extraordinary transformation in his life.

More than that he wants more and more people to experience the benefits of Yoga and Meditation for themselves, especially if they are interested in developing a deeper and more fulfilling spiritual life.

Discover many of the Benefits of Meditation Now!

In addition, feel free to explore the practice of Yoga Nidra which is a guided meditation techinque that helps realign your body and mind to your true nature.

Introduction to the Science of Kundalini Yoga

This article will provide a basic overview of what Kundalini Yoga is and how Kundalini Yoga works. At the core of Kundalini Yoga lies Kriyas and the best way to understand the methodology of Kundalini Yoga is to understand Kriyas and their functioning. Kriyas are a set of exercises done in a particular sequence to work on a specific theme. There are a wide range of Kriyas available, each refined over thousands of years to optimize their effectiveness. Kriyas utilize all the available Kundalini Yoga mechanisms to work their magic. They employ asans (postures), movement, pranayam (breathing exercises), bandhas (body locks), mantras (sound vibrations), mudras (hand positions), laya yoga (yoga of rhythm and sound), mental focus and meditation to do their work.

Dynamic movement and asans bring expanding and contracting pressure via multiple angles to various areas of the body, this is accompanied with powerful pranayams, the combined effect of which is that the target regions are saturated with highly charged and oxygenated blood. This nutrient rich blood fills the capillaries forcing them to discharge toxins and other harmful elements, which are then eliminated, neutralized or expelled by the body. The health of the region thus improves and the nerves fire more completely, the glands and organs are invigorated and regain their natural voltage and secretion levels are returned to a condition of strength and vitality. The key here is the removal of blockages (granthis) that is taking place on many levels of the organism thus facilitating the flow of energy. There are Kriyas designed for working on almost every part of the human system (Immune, Glandular, Circulatory, Digestive, Nervous, Respiratory, Sexual, etc . . . ), working on our various traits and characteristics (Awareness, Intuition, Willpower, Confidence, Compassion, Charisma, etc . . . ) and also for healing many different types of ailments and diseases. Lets now see how this ties in with the Chakra (energy vortex) system.

There are 7 primary chakras that lie all along the spine from the base to the crown of the head. Associated with each chakra are the primary nerve junctions and organs of that region. Furthermore, each chakra is responsible for certain traits and characteristics that make up our personality. When we strengthen and rejuvenate the nerves and organs in a particular region, we are in fact activating these energy centers that reside there and are thus working on ourselves not only at a physical level, but also at an emotional and mental level (by affecting our traits and characteristics). Practiced over time, the chakras become charged and come into balance with each other, bringing us into physical, emotional and mental well being. Again, it should be noted that the work being done is primarily about dissolving granthis (blockages) in these regions which introduce disease and imbalance into the system by preventing the chakras from functioning at their optimum level. Finally, let see how this relates to Kundalini Shakti.

Kundalini is energy. It is the fundamental energy whose flow through the organism allows for all its systems to operate, at all levels of consciousness. It is the energy of awareness, it can be said that where your awareness is, that is where Kundalini is flowing or that where Kundalini is flowing is where your awareness is. To awaken Kundalini means to dissipate blockages in the gross and subtle systems in your being and allow for greater and greater flow of energy and awareness. As blockages are cleared trapped energy is released and pathways are cleared. Kundalini then is able to flow freely though those regions, healing, nourishing, rejuvenating and balancing them. The dissipating of blockages can also be thought of as the clearing away of the subconscious mind, the collection of unresolved emotional and physical disturbances, where lies the root of many of our attachments and fears. So overall Kundalini Yoga is a system by which one, through the process of dissolving the past, allows the infinite to shine through into the present.

Anmol Mehta is a Kundalini Yoga Teacher, Zen Expert and creator of profound meditation and yoga programs. These FREE Online Meditation and Kundalini Yoga Programs are available at Mastery of Meditation, Chakra Yoga and Zen. You will also find a wealth of insightful articles at the Mastery of Meditation, Kundalini Yoga and Zen Blog, all geared to help you achieve your highest potential.

This article is available for reprint on your website and/or newsletter, provided it is not changed and you include the author?s signature.