8 Stages of Yoga-‘Astanga -Yoga’

‘A sound mind in a sound body ‘ was  what the ancient Greek philosophy professed. Their entire education system was based on this principle. our Indian yogis gave yoga to the world.  They have suggested 8 stages of yoga to achieve purity of body ,mind and soul. These eight stages where also  known as ‘Astanga -Yoga’

They were as follows –

1.Yama – Social discipline. It focuses on the moral practices .
2.Niyama – Personal discipline.It focuses on set of programs adopted by an individual for personal development.
3.Asana – Postures. It involves keeping the body in a particular pose to bring stability and Poise to the body and mind
4.Pranayam – Breath Control. It involves disciplining the entire process of respiration.
5.Pratyahara – Disciplining the five senses. The senses are the windows of the mind connecting it to the outer world.Pratyahara Involves closing off all the windows and turn the mind inwards.
7.Dharana – Concentration it is directing the mind on a particular object.
8.Dhyana – Meditation. After one achieves Dharana , continuing one -pointedness of mind.
9.Samadhi – Self realization here one achieves total absorption and internal immersion of the mind oblivious to the outer world.

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