Yoga: The Path to Enlightenment

Hatha yog(a) is part of an "eight limb" process, which involves a daily ongoing practice for the purification of the mind and body. It is only through the diligent practice of each part of this science that the ultimate goal of enlightenment, the realization of and establishment in the true Self occurs.

When I examine each limb of yoga from a therapist’s point of view, I find it easy to see the entire picture in a way that is more concrete than the abstract concept of self-realization. After all, how many have truly had an opportunity to personally meet and experience an Enlightened Being? Unfortunately, the chances are rare at best, all you can possibly do is formulate your own made up concept of what self-realization would be like. Your vision is guaranteed to be wrong as it will be filled with your false beliefs and hidden agenda based on your personal limitations. (An unclear lens distorts the inner impressions) It is similar to a child who just learned how to count giving his view on quantum physics.

The first limb of yog(a) is known as yam. Yam is learning to act (external) for the greatest good of the universe as a whole. Yam promotes non-violence (Ahinsaa), truthfulness (satya), non-stealing (astaya), acting and thinking towards the realization of God (Brahmacharya) and simplicity of life-style with non-collection and possession of material objects (aparigraha). One might call the practice of yam world consciousness practicing kindness and compassion. Yam manifests itself in many ways especially in the groups you support.

Niyam is the second limb and this is an internalized practice for purification of the mind. When I think of Niyam, I feel the spiritual psychotherapy of A Course in Miracles demonstrates this best. The Course in Miracles helps correct our wrong thinking and align them with Divine Will. Through Niyam, we study for the purpose of liberation from the ignorance that we are really only a body with a limited existence. A Course in Miracles teaches and provides many tools to “upgrade” your thinking. Practicing Niyam, one learns to replace undesirable thoughts with desirable thoughts whenever they appear. This enables aspirants to achieve “santosh”, taking everything as it comes and remaining happy and content. This achievement enables an individual to release their fearful nature of trying to control everything in their life and “letting go and letting God.” Accepting our fate and gently smiling at the peace we feel inside.

Aasan or what is called hatha yog(a) seeks to remove the pain and toxicity in the body so as to be able to sit comfortably in meditation. Aasan seeks a state of relaxation to take everything as it comes and removes the struggle that occurs from the dualistic state of the mind. As aasan practice releases powerful energies within it is important to utilize the 4th and 6th limbs to return balance to the now activated system.

Prana yog(a) is the 4th limb and is concerned with regulation of the life-force energies through control of breath. There are various specific practices of prana yog(a) which enable the practitioner to achieve magnificent mental clarity and physical health. As the average individual utilizes only 25% of their lung capacity, mostly due to stress and poor training, the body and mind are often exhibiting the effects of a flight or fight reaction, I call stress response. Most people today have become stuck in this unhealthy process which causes anxiety, depression and numerous illnesses. I always include pranayam techniques for all my clients as whether it is anxiety or anger, low self-esteem or heart disease, these specialized techniques produce powerful results. Pranayam is the only way to consciously interrupt the autonomic nervous system and move the body from the sympathetic nervous system to the parasympathetic system (the healing system).