Preeti,
There are as many interpretations to Patanjali’s Sutras as there are interpretations of Judeo/Christian Bible. Everything one reads, including this post, is informed by the writer’s personal experience. Yoga, for me, has been about escaping dogma in favor of what works for me. I’m guessing the same can be said for Patanjali. As Buddah said: “Believe nothing, no matter where you read it or who has said it, not even if i have said it, unless it agrees with your own reasons and your own common sense.”
I whole heartedly agree that the Astanga, (I, personally use ashtanga to describe a style of yoga, though the two words have become almost interchangeable), or eight limbs are not only crucial to yoga, they ARE yoga. Each of the limbs, however, are your very own to interpret. Without delving too deeply, here is how they work for me personally:
During meditation, whether sitting or meditation in motion, I currently encompass two primary areas which could be loosely labeled yamas and niyamas. I spent time in contemplation of the yin aspect, yamas, by concentrating on my belief structure, it’s origins, its effectiveness and how the currenty structure can be modified and improved to embrace new knowledge, new perspectives and personal growth. To reference Christian liturgy (since it is the one I am most familiar with given my upbringing), this might be comparable to say the Apostle’s or Nicene Creed. it is only through the understanding and practice of my beliefs that I am able to harness the power of discipline.
The yang aspect, niyamas, is about gratitude and history. The old stand-by “God bless mommy and daddy and grandma…” would fit well into this catagory as do any community prayer requests. It is also where, for me, healing occurs.
Intoning is something I generally utilize for chakra work, drawing my attention from the external in what might be considered pratyahara. For the most part, the mouth position is in total relaxation thus naturally producing the ‘aum’ sound, though I do occassionally utilize the conscious ‘Om.’ I’ve also explored utilizing different sound clusters; but discipline in pitch, rather than external production, is the approach that seems to work best for me.
I’m wary of chanting liturgy or Sutras belonging to other cultures. Though I don’t view it as something that is ‘wrong,’’ it does not fit with my practice. Without benefit of cultural knowledge, sometimes without benefit of even understanding the language in which one is chanting seems to me, if not spiritually dangeruous, at least spiritually risky… some chanting could even be counterproductive to one’s own personal belief structure. Many westerners would resist utilizing The Rosary if they are not Catholic (or even Christian), but for some reason often do not view Sanskrit prayer as a method in which one declares or reinforces personal belief. Naturally, there are those who both understand and utilize Vedic and Sanskrit liturgy to great affect. Perhaps here in this forum are those who can speak to those traditions.
Namaste,
BrianClt
Just one concern - what about the first two limbs of yoga?
), can be beneficial while practiced alone, I am wondering how everyone else feels about Yama and Niyama. Do they have to come first? Or is physical yoga working to help you achieve better mind control and a more disciplined approach to life (does it work backwards)? I am a little worried that my enthusiasm has come in the wrong order… :oops: