The second pada of Patanjalis Yoga Sutra consists of 55 sutras which discusses the practice and techniques of yoga, karma, and how to Samadhi (concentrate). In this chapter we will find the first five steps of Astanga yoga, 8 limbs of yoga are explained. These are the Yamas (how we treat others), Niyamas (how we treat ourselves), Asana (poses), Pranayama (breathing techniques) and Prathyahara (withdrawing our senses).
Yoga and you (2.1 - 2.9)
2.1 Intense practice, self-study, study of the scriptures and surrendering to God are all practices of yoga.
2.2 Practicing yoga reduces afflictions and delusions and leads to Samadhi.
2.3 The five afflictions which disturb the balance of awareness are the following: 1) ignorance 2) ego 3) attachment to pleasure and aversion to pain 4) clinging to life 5) fear of death
2.4 Lack of true wisdom is the source of all pain and suffering.
2.5 Mistaking the impermanent for permanent, the pure for the impure, pain for pleasure and the self with that which is not the self is lack of true wisdom called Avidya.
2.6 Egoism is to identify the seer with the instrumental power of seeing.
2.7 Pleasure leads to attachment.
2.8 Unhappiness leads to hatred.
2.9 Attachment to life is the most subtle of all afflictions and is found even among the wise.
How to quiet subtle thoughts (2.10 - 2.11)
2.10 One may rid themselves of afflictions. Subtle afflictions are to be eradicated by a process of involution.
2.11 Consciousness can be quieted through mediation which settles both gross and subtle afflictions.
Karma (2.12 - 2.25)
2.12 Past karmas or imprints from past lives will be experienced in present and future lives. 2.13 Unless we eradicate the roots of action; they will create classes of birth, life-spans and experiences. 2.14 Our experience of pleasure and pain are caused by our actions; our karmas. 2.15 The wise know that the different qualities in nature are created by the fluctuations of the mind. 2.16 Bad karmas or pains that are yet to come can be and are to be avoided. 2.17 The root of pain is the identification with the mind, which can be eradicated through dissociation. 2.18 The three qualities of nature are called the Gunas and are: Sattva (creation), Rajas (preservation) and Tamas (destruction). Their evolutes, the elements, the mind, the percepts, and the organs of action exist externally to serve the seer/soul either for enjoyment or for emancipation. 2.19 The Gunas differentiate the different energies within ourselves. They are separated into different stages: distinguishable and non-distinguishable, differential and non-differential. 2.20 The seer or soul is pure consciousness who witnesses nature (Prakriti) without being dependent on it. 2.21 Nature and intelligence exist only for the seer ́s emancipation. 2.22 For emancipated beings the relationship with nature ceases and goes out of existence for them but continues to affect other non-emancipated beings. 2.23 The relationship between the seer and the seen is for the seer to discover his or her own true nature. 2.24 Lack of spiritual understanding (Avidya) is the root-cause of the identification of the seer with the seen. 2.25 The destruction of ignorance via wisdom breaks the binding link between the seer and the seen. This is called Kaivalya emancipation.
Benefits of removing biases (2.26 - 2.28)
2.26 The endless flow of discriminative knowledge in thought, word and deed will destroy ignorance, the source of pain. 2.27 This will create discriminative awareness. Through discriminative awareness one gains perfect knowledge of the seven spheres. 2.28 Through a dedicated practice of yoga, impurities are destroyed and the crown of wisdom radiates with glory.
Ashtanga (2.29)
2.29 The eight limbs of yoga (Ashtanga yoga, Aastau=8) are: 1. Yama - universal moral codes (how we treat others). 2. Niyama - personal observances or habits for healthy and pure living (how we treat ourselves). 3. Asana - posture/poses or the physical practice of yoga 4. Pranayama - breath control 5. Pratyahara - drawing the senses inward, isolating from external stimulus. 6. Dharana - Steadying the mind.
7. Dhyāna - meditation
8. Samadhi - the absorption of consciousness into soul.
Yamas, how we should treat others (2.30 - 2.31)
2.30 The five Yamas (moral codes) are:
1. Ahimsa - Non violence
2. Satya - Truth
3. Asteya - Non-stealing
4. Brahmacarya - Self-restraint
5. Aparigraha - Generosity or non-greed.
2.31 Yamas are universal and unconditioned by time, place or class.
Niyamas, how we should treat ourselves
2.32 The five Niyamas (purity practices) are: 1. Sauca - Cleanliness and purity of mind and body 2. Santosa - Contentment 3. Tapas- Spiritual zeal 4. Svadhaya - Self-study 5. Isvarapranidhana- Contemplation and surrender to God (Brahman).
Benefits & how to apply the Yamas and Niyamas in life, Step 1 & 2 in Ashtanga yoga (2.33- 2.45)
2.33 When disturbed by negative thoughts, opposite (positive) ones should be thought of. This is Pratipaksha Bhavana. 2.34 Anything done giving rise to violence, whether direct or indirect is caused by anger, greed and delusion of the mind. It results in endless pain and ignorance. Through introspection comes the end of pain and ignorance. 2.35 When non-violence in speech, thought and action is established, one ́s aggressive nature is relinquished and others abandon hostility in one ́s presence. 2.36 When the Sadhaka (spiritual warrior) is firmly established in Satya (truthfulness) his words become so potent that whatever he says manifests. 2.37 In practicing Asteya (non-stealing) precious jewels come. 2.38 When the Sadhaka is firmly established in the practice, all good things flow to them. 2.39 Knowledge of the past and future lives unfold when one is free from greed for possessions. 2.40 Through Sauca (cleanliness of mind and body) one becomes disinterested in ones own body and of others. 2.41 Also when the body and mind are cleansed and one gains control over the senses, joyful awareness needed for self- realization flows. 2.42 From contentment and kindness comes happiness. 2.43 Self-discipline or Tapas rids the body and mind of impurities and connects you to your soul. 2.44 Self-study leads to the realization of God (whatever that means to you). 2.45 Surrendering to this leads to the perfection in Samadhi.
Asana, step 3 in Ashtanga yoga (2.46 - 2.48)
2.46 Asana (the physical practice of yoga) is perfect firmness of body and steadiness of mind and kindness of spirit.
2.47 Perfection in Asana happens when it becomes effortless and the infinite being within is released.
2.48 From then on, the Sadhaka is undisturbed by dualities.
Pranayama, step 4 in Ashtanga yoga (2.49 - 2.55)
2.49 Pranayama is the regulation of the incoming and outgoing flow of breath and retention which is to be practiced only after asana has reached perfection.
2.50 Pranyama has three movements: slow inhale, exhale and retention and regulated breath.
2.51 The fourth type of pranayama goes beyond the internal and external pranyamas and is effortless.
2.52 Pranayama removes the veil that obscures the light of knowledge and brings wisdom.
2.53 Then the mind becomes concentrated.
Prathayahara, step 5 in Ashtanga yoga (2.54 - 2.55)
2.54 Then Prathayahara is possible bringing the senses inwards towards the true self. 2.55 Pratyahara results in complete control of the senses.
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