了解瑜伽
内容概要
瑜伽主要是一门精神学科。瑜伽是一千年的古老科学。它考虑到了身心之间的相互影响，并使它们相互和谐。例如，很多时候，头脑不能仅仅因为身体紧张或疾病而专心，这会阻止能量流向大脑。同样，由于意志被挫败或因有害情绪而瘫痪，体内的能量也常常被削弱。
瑜伽主要通过pranayama科学或能量控制作用于体内的能量。 Prana的意思也是“呼吸”。瑜伽教您如何通过呼吸控制来保持思想并达到更高的意识状态。
瑜伽要点五点1.正确运动（体式）
瑜伽将身体视为灵魂进化过程中的载体。因此，瑜伽运动或体式，在梵文中意味着稳定的姿势，旨在不仅发展身体，还发展思想和精神。缓慢且有意识地进行锻炼，每个体式都是一项体育锻炼，可以提高柔韧性和力量，还可以进行集中和冥想锻炼。在我们的身体健康以及精神和精神健康的各个方面进行体式锻炼的好处现在已被广泛认为是深远和广泛的。
2.适当的呼吸（Pranayama）呼吸就是生命。调息法（控制瑜伽中生命力的方法）是 特定的呼吸技术，可增加氧气的摄入量，并鼓励呼吸道吸收到人体微妙的能量通道（nadis）和能量中心（脉轮）中。呼吸法是瑜伽中最重要的练习之一。通过练习，瑜伽士能够控制神经系统并逐渐控制思想。瑜伽士已经有数千年的历史了，如果我们控制呼吸模式，就可以控制我们的思想。
3.适当放松（Savasana）当身心不断劳累时，效率就会降低。放松是大自然的充电方式。瑜伽强调适当放松的重要性，这种放松是调节我们的能量并创造平衡感以增强我们的身心健康的一种方式。瑜伽士使用三种放松方法-身体，精神和精神。
4.正确饮食（素食）以季节性，当地和有机水果，蔬菜，谷物，坚果，种子，豆类和奶制品为基础的简单自然饮食可以优化身心健康，并促进与周围世界的和谐。瑜伽士知道食物对心灵有微妙的影响。饮食充沛，纯净温和的饮食是身心健康的最佳保证，可为身心带来和谐与活力。
5.积极思考与冥想（韦达塔和达尼亚）我们的思想定义了我们是谁。瑜伽告诉我们，每一个想法都会对我们个人以及我们周围的世界产生影响。乐观的眼光和专注的能力会产生振奋人心的振动，并带来健康，和平与快乐的生活。瑜伽告诉我们，我们的思想是我们成功和生活幸福的真正原因。一旦我们掌握了积极思考的艺术，我们就会感到快乐，和谐与和平，而我们领悟更高的真理以及维持有力的冥想练习的能力将随之而来。
瑜伽的四大途径瑜伽的4条路径基本上是使个人具有不同的个性以达到瑜伽的最终目标的4种不同方法。瑜伽的所有4条路径并不代表彼此独立的目标。尽管练习每条路径的旅程是不同的，但瑜伽的4条路径的最终目标是与至尊灵魂相结合。这种结合将我们引向Sat Chit Ananda，只有通过一贯的瑜伽练习才能实现。
1.因果瑜伽Karma Yoga – the Yoga of action – is the path chosen primarily by those of an outgoing nature. It purifies the heart by teaching you to act selflessly, without thought of gain or reward. By detaching yourself from the fruits of your actions and offering them up to God, you learn to sublimate the ego.
业力瑜伽的真正含义是与我们所做工作的结合。当我们真正地与业力团结在一起时，我们就不再有结局愿望，因为我们只是成为了业力。
2.巴克提瑜伽Bhakti Yoga is the path of devotion, which appeals particularly to those of an emotional nature. The Bhakti Yogis are motivated chiefly by the power of Love and sees God as the embodiment of Love.
Through prayer, worship and ritual, he surrenders himself to God, channeling and transmuting his emotions into unconditional love or devotion. Chanting or singing the praises of God form a substantial part of Bhakti Yoga.
3.拉贾瑜伽Raja Yoga and Hatha Yoga is the science of physical and mental control. It offers a comprehensive method for controlling the waves of thought by tuning our mental and physical energy into spiritual energy. Raja yoga is the source of many styles of yoga we practice today. Another name for Raja Yoga is ‘Yoga of mind’ because most of the practices of it focused on seeker’s state of mind.
4.娜娜瑜伽Jnana Yoga – the Yoga of Knowledge and wisdom – is the most difficult path, requiring tremendous strength of will and of intellect. Taking the philosophy of Vedanta, the Jnana Yogi uses his intellect to enquire into his own nature, dissolving the veils of ignorance and illusion.
在练习Jnana瑜伽之前，有抱负的人必须整合其他瑜伽路径的课程–因为没有无私的奉献和对上帝的爱，以及没有身心的强健，对自我实现的追求可能仅仅是spec测。
ASHTANGA瑜伽–八肢帕坦加利的核心 瑜伽经 is an eight-limbed path that forms the structural framework for yoga practice. Upon practicing all eight limbs of the path it becomes self-evident that no one element is elevated over another in a hierarchical order. In brief, the 8 limbs of yoga are as follows:
1.亚马斯
4.气息山控制生命能量
5. Pratyahara从物体撤回感官
6.达拉那将思想集中在外部对象或内部思想上，而排除所有其他思想。
7.禅宗冥想被定义为不间断的思想流向上帝，而排除了其他感官知觉。
8萨玛迪这是超意识状态。
Note that the Yamas and Niyamas constitute the ethical foundation of the Yoga practice, straighten out the mind, and help reduce agitations and restlessness. Asana, Pranayama and Pratyahara are external practices, while Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi are considered advanced internal practices.
即使在实践中有了进步的想法，也不必在专注和冥想之前就等待道德上的完善。实际上，所有阶段都是一起参与的。例如，如果一个人没有良好的姿势并且拥有一定的呼吸平静，就无法冥想，从而在排除其他所有事物时获得内在的专注。
WHAT IS YOGA?Yoga means union. Etymologically, it is connected to the English word, yoke. Yoga means union with God, or, union of the little, ego-self with the divine Self, the infinite Spirit.
Yoga is primarily a spiritual discipline. Yoga is an ancient science that is thousands of years old. It takes into account the influence on each other of body and mind, and brings them into mutual harmony. So often, for instance, the mind cannot concentrate simply because of tension or illness in the body, which prevent the energy from flowing to the brain. So often, too, the energy in the body is weakened because the will is dispirited, or paralyzed by harmful emotions.
Yoga works primarily with the energy in the body, through the science of pranayama, or energy-control. Prana means also ‘breath.’ Yoga teaches how, through breath-control, to still the mind and attain higher states of awareness.
FIVE POINTS OF YOGA1. Proper Exercise (Asana)
Yoga regards the body as a vehicle for the soul on its evolutionary journey. Accordingly, yogic physical exercises or asana, meaning steady pose in Sanskrit, are designed to develop not only the body but also the mind and spirit. Performed slowly and consciously, each asana is a physical exercise resulting in increased flexibility and strength, as well as an exercise in concentration and meditation. The benefits of practising asanas on all aspects of our physical health and mental and spiritual well-being are now universally acknowledged as far-reaching and wide-ranging.
2. Proper Breathing (Pranayama)Breath is life. Pranayama (control of the life force-known as prana in yoga) is the practice of specific breathing techniques that increase oxygen intake and encourage the absorption of prana into the body’s subtle energy channels (nadis) and energy centres (chakras). Pranayama is one of the most important practices in yoga. Through the practice the yogi is able to control the nervous system and obtains gradual control over the mind. Yogis have known for thousands of years that if we control our breathing patterns we can control our mind.
3. Proper Relaxation (Savasana)When the mind and body are continually overworked their efficiency diminishes. Relaxation is nature’s way of recharging. Yoga emphasises the importance of proper relaxation as a way to regulate our energy and create a sense of balance to enhance our physical and mental health. Three methods of relaxation are used by yogis—physical, mental and spiritual.
4. Proper Diet (Vegetarian)A simple and natural diet based on seasonal, local and organic fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds, legumes and dairy optimises physical and mental health and fosters harmony with the world around us. Yogis know that food has a subtle effect on the mind. Full of prana a pure, moderated diet is the best possible guarantee of physical and mental health, bringing harmony and vitality to body and mind.
5. Positive Thinking & Meditation (Vedanta & Dhyana)
Our thoughts define who we are. Yoga teaches us that every thought we have has an impact on us personally as well as the world around us. An optimistic outlook and the ability to focus create uplifting vibrations and a healthy, peaceful and joyful life. Yoga teaches us that our thoughts are the real cause behind our success and happiness in life. Once we master the art of positive thinking, we are happy, harmonious and peaceful, and our ability to comprehend higher truths as well as to maintain a powerful meditation practice will follow.
FOUR PATHS OF YOGA4 Paths of yoga are basically the 4 different approaches for different individuality of the person to reach the ultimate goal of yoga. All 4 paths of yoga do not represent the separate goal from each other. Although the journey of practicing each path is different, the ultimate goal of 4 paths of yoga is union with supreme-soul. This union leads us towards Sat Chit Ananda & can be achieved only through the consistent practice of yoga.
1. Karma YogaKarma Yoga – the Yoga of action – is the path chosen primarily by those of an outgoing nature. It purifies the heart by teaching you to act selflessly, without thought of gain or reward. By detaching yourself from the fruits of your actions and offering them up to God, you learn to sublimate the ego.
The true meaning of Karma yoga is the union with the work we do. When we truly unite with our karma there is no more outcome desire rest in our mind because we simply become our karma.
2. Bhakti YogaBhakti Yoga is the path of devotion, which appeals particularly to those of an emotional nature. The Bhakti Yogis are motivated chiefly by the power of Love and sees God as the embodiment of Love.
Through prayer, worship and ritual, he surrenders himself to God, channeling and transmuting his emotions into unconditional love or devotion. Chanting or singing the praises of God form a substantial part of Bhakti Yoga.
3. Raja YogaRaja Yoga and Hatha Yoga is the science of physical and mental control. It offers a comprehensive method for controlling the waves of thought by tuning our mental and physical energy into spiritual energy. Raja yoga is the source of many styles of yoga we practice today. Another name for Raja Yoga is ‘Yoga of mind’ because most of the practices of it focused on seeker’s state of mind.
4. Jnana YogaJnana Yoga – the Yoga of Knowledge and wisdom – is the most difficult path, requiring tremendous strength of will and of intellect. Taking the philosophy of Vedanta, the Jnana Yogi uses his intellect to enquire into his own nature, dissolving the veils of ignorance and illusion.
Before practicing Jnana Yoga, the aspirant needs to have integrated the lessons of the other yogic paths – for without selflessness and love of God, and strength of body and mind, the search for Self-realization can become mere speculation.
ASHTANGA YOGA – THE EIGHT LIMBSThe core of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra is an eight-limbed path that forms the structural framework for yoga practice. Upon practicing all eight limbs of the path it becomes self-evident that no one element is elevated over another in a hierarchical order. In brief, the 8 limbs of yoga are as follows:
1. Yamas
4. PranayamaControl of the vital energy
5. Pratyaharawithdrawal of the senses from objects
6. DharanaConcentrating the mind upon either an external object or an internal idea, to the exclusion of all other thoughts.
7. DhyanaMeditation is defined as an unbroken flow of thought towards God to the exclusion of other sensual perception.
8 SamadhiIt is the super-conscious state.
Note that the Yamas and Niyamas constitute the ethical foundation of the Yoga practice, straighten out the mind, and help reduce agitations and restlessness. Asana, Pranayama and Pratyahara are external practices, while Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi are considered advanced internal practices.
Even though there is an idea of progression in the practices, one doesn’t have to wait for ethical perfection before attempting concentration and meditation. In fact all the stages are involved together. For example, one cannot meditate if one doesn’t have good posture and possess a certain calmness of breath, thus achieving an inner focus at the exclusion of everything else.
- 什么是瑜伽？
- 瑜伽要点五点
- 1.正确运动（体式）
- 2.适当的呼吸（Pranayama）
- 3.适当放松（Savasana）
- 4.正确饮食（素食）
- 5.积极思考与冥想（韦达塔和达尼亚）
- 瑜伽的四大途径
- 1.因果瑜伽
- 2.巴克提瑜伽
- 3.拉贾瑜伽
- 4.娜娜瑜伽
- ASHTANGA瑜伽–八肢
- 1.亚马斯
- 2. Niyamas
- 3.体式
- 4.气息山
- 5. Pratyahara
- 6.达拉那
- 7.禅宗
- 8萨玛迪
瑜伽主要是一门精神学科。瑜伽是一千年的古老科学。它考虑到了身心之间的相互影响，并使它们相互和谐。例如，很多时候，头脑不能仅仅因为身体紧张或疾病而专心，这会阻止能量流向大脑。同样，由于意志被挫败或因有害情绪而瘫痪，体内的能量也常常被削弱。
瑜伽主要通过pranayama科学或能量控制作用于体内的能量。 Prana的意思也是“呼吸”。瑜伽教您如何通过呼吸控制来保持思想并达到更高的意识状态。
瑜伽要点五点1.正确运动（体式）
瑜伽将身体视为灵魂进化过程中的载体。因此，瑜伽运动或体式，在梵文中意味着稳定的姿势，旨在不仅发展身体，还发展思想和精神。缓慢且有意识地进行锻炼，每个体式都是一项体育锻炼，可以提高柔韧性和力量，还可以进行集中和冥想锻炼。在我们的身体健康以及精神和精神健康的各个方面进行体式锻炼的好处现在已被广泛认为是深远和广泛的。
2.适当的呼吸（Pranayama）呼吸就是生命。调息法（控制瑜伽中生命力的方法）是 特定的呼吸技术，可增加氧气的摄入量，并鼓励呼吸道吸收到人体微妙的能量通道（nadis）和能量中心（脉轮）中。呼吸法是瑜伽中最重要的练习之一。通过练习，瑜伽士能够控制神经系统并逐渐控制思想。瑜伽士已经有数千年的历史了，如果我们控制呼吸模式，就可以控制我们的思想。
3.适当放松（Savasana）当身心不断劳累时，效率就会降低。放松是大自然的充电方式。瑜伽强调适当放松的重要性，这种放松是调节我们的能量并创造平衡感以增强我们的身心健康的一种方式。瑜伽士使用三种放松方法-身体，精神和精神。
4.正确饮食（素食）以季节性，当地和有机水果，蔬菜，谷物，坚果，种子，豆类和奶制品为基础的简单自然饮食可以优化身心健康，并促进与周围世界的和谐。瑜伽士知道食物对心灵有微妙的影响。饮食充沛，纯净温和的饮食是身心健康的最佳保证，可为身心带来和谐与活力。
5.积极思考与冥想（韦达塔和达尼亚）我们的思想定义了我们是谁。瑜伽告诉我们，每一个想法都会对我们个人以及我们周围的世界产生影响。乐观的眼光和专注的能力会产生振奋人心的振动，并带来健康，和平与快乐的生活。瑜伽告诉我们，我们的思想是我们成功和生活幸福的真正原因。一旦我们掌握了积极思考的艺术，我们就会感到快乐，和谐与和平，而我们领悟更高的真理以及维持有力的冥想练习的能力将随之而来。
瑜伽的四大途径瑜伽的4条路径基本上是使个人具有不同的个性以达到瑜伽的最终目标的4种不同方法。瑜伽的所有4条路径并不代表彼此独立的目标。尽管练习每条路径的旅程是不同的，但瑜伽的4条路径的最终目标是与至尊灵魂相结合。这种结合将我们引向Sat Chit Ananda，只有通过一贯的瑜伽练习才能实现。
1.因果瑜伽Karma Yoga – the Yoga of action – is the path chosen primarily by those of an outgoing nature. It purifies the heart by teaching you to act selflessly, without thought of gain or reward. By detaching yourself from the fruits of your actions and offering them up to God, you learn to sublimate the ego.
业力瑜伽的真正含义是与我们所做工作的结合。当我们真正地与业力团结在一起时，我们就不再有结局愿望，因为我们只是成为了业力。
2.巴克提瑜伽Bhakti Yoga is the path of devotion, which appeals particularly to those of an emotional nature. The Bhakti Yogis are motivated chiefly by the power of Love and sees God as the embodiment of Love.
Through prayer, worship and ritual, he surrenders himself to God, channeling and transmuting his emotions into unconditional love or devotion. Chanting or singing the praises of God form a substantial part of Bhakti Yoga.
3.拉贾瑜伽Raja Yoga and Hatha Yoga is the science of physical and mental control. It offers a comprehensive method for controlling the waves of thought by tuning our mental and physical energy into spiritual energy. Raja yoga is the source of many styles of yoga we practice today. Another name for Raja Yoga is ‘Yoga of mind’ because most of the practices of it focused on seeker’s state of mind.
4.娜娜瑜伽Jnana Yoga – the Yoga of Knowledge and wisdom – is the most difficult path, requiring tremendous strength of will and of intellect. Taking the philosophy of Vedanta, the Jnana Yogi uses his intellect to enquire into his own nature, dissolving the veils of ignorance and illusion.
在练习Jnana瑜伽之前，有抱负的人必须整合其他瑜伽路径的课程–因为没有无私的奉献和对上帝的爱，以及没有身心的强健，对自我实现的追求可能仅仅是spec测。
ASHTANGA瑜伽–八肢帕坦加利的核心 瑜伽经 is an eight-limbed path that forms the structural framework for yoga practice. Upon practicing all eight limbs of the path it becomes self-evident that no one element is elevated over another in a hierarchical order. In brief, the 8 limbs of yoga are as follows:
1.亚马斯
- Ahimsa – non violence, non injury. Vegetarianism is part of the practice of ahimsa. The great Indian saint Gandhi is famous for the practice of ahimsa
- 萨蒂亚：诚实，不说谎。
- Brahmacharya：贞操，性能力的升华。
- Asteya：不偷窃，不贪婪，不嫉妒。
- Aparigraha：不接受礼物或贿赂。
- Saucha：纯度（外部和内部）。
- Santosha：知足。
- 西班牙小吃：紧缩政策。
- Swadhyaya：研究宗教经文。
- Ishwara Pranidhana：敬拜耶和华，投降自我。
4.气息山控制生命能量
5. Pratyahara从物体撤回感官
6.达拉那将思想集中在外部对象或内部思想上，而排除所有其他思想。
7.禅宗冥想被定义为不间断的思想流向上帝，而排除了其他感官知觉。
8萨玛迪这是超意识状态。
Note that the Yamas and Niyamas constitute the ethical foundation of the Yoga practice, straighten out the mind, and help reduce agitations and restlessness. Asana, Pranayama and Pratyahara are external practices, while Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi are considered advanced internal practices.
即使在实践中有了进步的想法，也不必在专注和冥想之前就等待道德上的完善。实际上，所有阶段都是一起参与的。例如，如果一个人没有良好的姿势并且拥有一定的呼吸平静，就无法冥想，从而在排除其他所有事物时获得内在的专注。
WHAT IS YOGA?Yoga means union. Etymologically, it is connected to the English word, yoke. Yoga means union with God, or, union of the little, ego-self with the divine Self, the infinite Spirit.
Yoga is primarily a spiritual discipline. Yoga is an ancient science that is thousands of years old. It takes into account the influence on each other of body and mind, and brings them into mutual harmony. So often, for instance, the mind cannot concentrate simply because of tension or illness in the body, which prevent the energy from flowing to the brain. So often, too, the energy in the body is weakened because the will is dispirited, or paralyzed by harmful emotions.
Yoga works primarily with the energy in the body, through the science of pranayama, or energy-control. Prana means also ‘breath.’ Yoga teaches how, through breath-control, to still the mind and attain higher states of awareness.
FIVE POINTS OF YOGA1. Proper Exercise (Asana)
Yoga regards the body as a vehicle for the soul on its evolutionary journey. Accordingly, yogic physical exercises or asana, meaning steady pose in Sanskrit, are designed to develop not only the body but also the mind and spirit. Performed slowly and consciously, each asana is a physical exercise resulting in increased flexibility and strength, as well as an exercise in concentration and meditation. The benefits of practising asanas on all aspects of our physical health and mental and spiritual well-being are now universally acknowledged as far-reaching and wide-ranging.
2. Proper Breathing (Pranayama)Breath is life. Pranayama (control of the life force-known as prana in yoga) is the practice of specific breathing techniques that increase oxygen intake and encourage the absorption of prana into the body’s subtle energy channels (nadis) and energy centres (chakras). Pranayama is one of the most important practices in yoga. Through the practice the yogi is able to control the nervous system and obtains gradual control over the mind. Yogis have known for thousands of years that if we control our breathing patterns we can control our mind.
3. Proper Relaxation (Savasana)When the mind and body are continually overworked their efficiency diminishes. Relaxation is nature’s way of recharging. Yoga emphasises the importance of proper relaxation as a way to regulate our energy and create a sense of balance to enhance our physical and mental health. Three methods of relaxation are used by yogis—physical, mental and spiritual.
4. Proper Diet (Vegetarian)A simple and natural diet based on seasonal, local and organic fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds, legumes and dairy optimises physical and mental health and fosters harmony with the world around us. Yogis know that food has a subtle effect on the mind. Full of prana a pure, moderated diet is the best possible guarantee of physical and mental health, bringing harmony and vitality to body and mind.
5. Positive Thinking & Meditation (Vedanta & Dhyana)
Our thoughts define who we are. Yoga teaches us that every thought we have has an impact on us personally as well as the world around us. An optimistic outlook and the ability to focus create uplifting vibrations and a healthy, peaceful and joyful life. Yoga teaches us that our thoughts are the real cause behind our success and happiness in life. Once we master the art of positive thinking, we are happy, harmonious and peaceful, and our ability to comprehend higher truths as well as to maintain a powerful meditation practice will follow.
FOUR PATHS OF YOGA4 Paths of yoga are basically the 4 different approaches for different individuality of the person to reach the ultimate goal of yoga. All 4 paths of yoga do not represent the separate goal from each other. Although the journey of practicing each path is different, the ultimate goal of 4 paths of yoga is union with supreme-soul. This union leads us towards Sat Chit Ananda & can be achieved only through the consistent practice of yoga.
1. Karma YogaKarma Yoga – the Yoga of action – is the path chosen primarily by those of an outgoing nature. It purifies the heart by teaching you to act selflessly, without thought of gain or reward. By detaching yourself from the fruits of your actions and offering them up to God, you learn to sublimate the ego.
The true meaning of Karma yoga is the union with the work we do. When we truly unite with our karma there is no more outcome desire rest in our mind because we simply become our karma.
2. Bhakti YogaBhakti Yoga is the path of devotion, which appeals particularly to those of an emotional nature. The Bhakti Yogis are motivated chiefly by the power of Love and sees God as the embodiment of Love.
Through prayer, worship and ritual, he surrenders himself to God, channeling and transmuting his emotions into unconditional love or devotion. Chanting or singing the praises of God form a substantial part of Bhakti Yoga.
3. Raja YogaRaja Yoga and Hatha Yoga is the science of physical and mental control. It offers a comprehensive method for controlling the waves of thought by tuning our mental and physical energy into spiritual energy. Raja yoga is the source of many styles of yoga we practice today. Another name for Raja Yoga is ‘Yoga of mind’ because most of the practices of it focused on seeker’s state of mind.
4. Jnana YogaJnana Yoga – the Yoga of Knowledge and wisdom – is the most difficult path, requiring tremendous strength of will and of intellect. Taking the philosophy of Vedanta, the Jnana Yogi uses his intellect to enquire into his own nature, dissolving the veils of ignorance and illusion.
Before practicing Jnana Yoga, the aspirant needs to have integrated the lessons of the other yogic paths – for without selflessness and love of God, and strength of body and mind, the search for Self-realization can become mere speculation.
ASHTANGA YOGA – THE EIGHT LIMBSThe core of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra is an eight-limbed path that forms the structural framework for yoga practice. Upon practicing all eight limbs of the path it becomes self-evident that no one element is elevated over another in a hierarchical order. In brief, the 8 limbs of yoga are as follows:
1. Yamas
- Ahimsa – non violence, non injury. Vegetarianism is part of the practice of ahimsa. The great Indian saint Gandhi is famous for the practice of ahimsa
- Satya: truthfulness, not telling lies.
- Brahmacharya: chastity, sublimation of sexual energy.
- Asteya: non-stealing, non covetousness, lack of jealousy.
- Aparigraha: non-accepting of gifts or bribes.
- Saucha: purity (external and internal).
- Santosha: contentment.
- Tapas: austerity.
- Swadhyaya: study of religious scripture.
- Ishwara Pranidhana: worship of the Lord, surrender of the ego.
4. PranayamaControl of the vital energy
5. Pratyaharawithdrawal of the senses from objects
6. DharanaConcentrating the mind upon either an external object or an internal idea, to the exclusion of all other thoughts.
7. DhyanaMeditation is defined as an unbroken flow of thought towards God to the exclusion of other sensual perception.
8 SamadhiIt is the super-conscious state.
Note that the Yamas and Niyamas constitute the ethical foundation of the Yoga practice, straighten out the mind, and help reduce agitations and restlessness. Asana, Pranayama and Pratyahara are external practices, while Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi are considered advanced internal practices.
Even though there is an idea of progression in the practices, one doesn’t have to wait for ethical perfection before attempting concentration and meditation. In fact all the stages are involved together. For example, one cannot meditate if one doesn’t have good posture and possess a certain calmness of breath, thus achieving an inner focus at the exclusion of everything else.
