YOGA

prepared by Alan Fox
Department of Philosophy
University of Delaware

PATANJALI (200 BC)

• systematized Yoga theory and practice
• established the 8-step system

EXTERNAL

1. moral restraints (yama)

• non-violence (ahimsa)
• truthfulness
• nonstealing
• sexual restraint
• nongrasping

2. physical disciplines (niyama)

• purity, hygiene
• calmness
• asceticism
• study
• devotion

3. bodily postures (asana)

• to control body
• to decondition consciousness, detach from physical obsession

4. breath work (pranayama)

• prana same as Chinese qi, Hebrew ruach, Japanese ki, etc.
• purpose is to regulate breath
• breath is bridge between autonomic and sympathetic nervous systems
• serves as bridge between those physical functions which are under our control and those which aren't ordinarily
• breath is connected with emotions

5. sensory withdrawal (pratyahara)

INTERNAL

6. concentration (dharana)

• strengthening the inner eye

7. meditation (dhyana)

• objectless concentration
• turning the strengthened eye in on itself

8. trance (samadhi)

• total absorption