Astanga Yoga

Astanga yoga is the commonly known form of sankhya yoga. It is considered as a unique art of controlling thoughts and action of the person.

Astanga yogaA stream of yoga which encourages the path of attaining self realization by the classical way of doing yoga is Astanga yoga. It is considered an important stream from among the well known forms of yoga Sankhya yoga. It would not be absolutely incorrect to say that all the forms of yoga are a way of keeping the mind and thoughts in control. This means that we are struggling hard in our lives to such an extent that both our mind and body gets affected leaving no ground of relaxation and happiness.

Astanga yoga treatment

Yoga teaches us various techniques to stay happy and live life without stress and anxieties. Yoga is being followed as a way of uniting with the god since thousands of years back. The technique of Astanga yoga was started by the practice and teachings of the famous Rishi named Vamana Rishi. He was a well known sage of that time and often taught the various ways of living a life full of freedom and bliss. There an ancient manuscript written by him also which is known as Korunta. The hidden truth of this manuscript is that it explains many ways and techniques of doing yoga. This manuscript also contains a list of the variety of yoga asanas and postures. Apart from these things one can find various teachings about philosophy, Mudras, Drishti and Vinyasa.

Categories of Astanga Yoga

Astanga yoga is sub divided into 8 categories due to which it is being called as 8limbed yoga. Another sage who is said to be associated with the teachings of Astanga yoga is Sage Patanjali. According to him Astanga yoga explains the real life truth which means that this yoga is a way of purifying your inner self by learning the reasons of living. This stream consists of 8sub categories. We are struck in the shackles of life and it’s difficult to move away from them.

Astanga yoga

Yamas: This is considered to be the moral code and principle of life. The meaning of yama is restraint. There are types of yama which are there in existence. They are named as Asteya, satya, ahimsa, Aparigraha and Brahmacharya.

  1. Asteya: Any person should not move away from the other by depriving him/her from his/her fruit. They have the right to get benefited by the result of their work.
  2. Satya: There should always be basis for the facts. Any truth which results in giving injuries and pain to the other person is not of any worth. Harmony is to be adopted while speaking truth.
  3. Ahimsa: Niyamas and Yama both have basis on ahimsa. Therefore no one should have feelings of ahimsa in his mind, thoughts and actions.
  4. Aparigraha: One should develop the sense of non desire not just for the materialistic elements but also of places, feelings and people also. Any person who has the will to do this can gain the benefit of self realization naturally.
  5. Brahamacharya: Control and coordination on the mental thoughts, wants and desires generally related to the sexual ones. This is one of the most effective way of gaining self realization and the ultimate knowledge of god.

Yoga exercises can help the person in moving away from the physical and mental anxieties and live a life full of freedom and happiness.