Yog : Ashtang Yog : Yog Psychology

What is Yog.

First we should know the following:

Human Existance is Trifarious:
Physical (BODY ,शरीर ),
Mental (MIND, मन ) &
Spiritual (SPIRIT, आत्मा ).
YOG is a way to develop our Body, Mind and Spirit.

In a spiritual or philosophical sense, the term “Yog” (योग) is derived from the Sanskrit root “yuj,” which means to unite, to join, or to connect. Spiritually, Yog refers to the Unification of Unit Consciousness with Supreme Consciousness.

It is not just physical exercise—as popularly seen today—but a deep spiritual path leading to self-realization, liberation (mokśa), and inner harmony.

Here are key philosophical meanings of Yog:

Yog is the merging of the finite (individual consciousness) with the infinite (cosmic consciousness). It’s about realizing that we are not separate from the universe, from others, or from the Supreme. It means we all are connected to each others. We all are brothers and sisters. Humans, flora, and fauna are all dependent on each other. If any one of them becomes imbalanced, the entire universe will be disturbed.

Yog is a disciplined path that includes practices such as meditation (dhyána), devotion (bhakti), selfless service (karma), moral conduct (yama–niyama), and intellectual inquiry (jńána). The goal is to purify the mind and transcend the ego.

State of Balance or Equanimity, a calm state of mind which means that you do not become angry or upset, especially in difficult situations.  In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna says:

True yog is being steady in the face of success or failure, joy or sorrow, remaining balanced in all situations.

As we all know that founders of Yog is Shiva and compiled by very popular Maharshi Patanjali. Described by Maharshi Patanjali, the philosophical path of yoga. Described By Guru Shree Shree Ananda Murti’s jee (Shree Prabhat Rajan Sarkar), the philosophical path of yog in simplify way are.

1. Asana….To purify the physical body(Annamaya Kosha)
2. Harmony with others (Yama)…Conscious Mind (Kamamaya kosha)
3. Principle of harmony with self (Niyama)…Conscious mind
4. Control of breath (Pranayama) Sub Conscious Mind (Manomaya Kosha)
5.  Sense Withrawal (Pratyahara)Supra Mental Mind (Atimanasa Kosha)
6. Concentration (Dharana)…. Subliminal mind (Vijinanamaya Kosha)
7. Deep Meditation (Dhyana)…Subtle Cousal Mind (Hiranyamaya Kosha)
8. Supreme Union (Samadhi)…The self Within (Atman)

Yama and Niyama holds an important place in Ashtag yog

Ahinsa – Not to inflict pain or hurt anyone.
Satya – Truth in word and thought.
Asteya – Non-stealing (Not to think even)
Brahmacarya – To remain absorbed in Supreme Consciousness.
Aparigraha – Non accumulation

Shaoca – Purity of body and mind
Santosa – Contentment (satisfied with what one has)
Tapah – To undergo hardships to attain the goal
Svadhyaya – Study of philosophy / scriptures to know about God and the soul, which leads to introspection on a greater awakening to the soul and God within
Iishvara Pranidhana – meditation /Surrender to GOD

Some general asanas are introduced ( One can practice in slow and rhythmic way with empty stomach with simple common- sense rules ):
1. When bending forward or when stomach get pressed, exhale.
2. Inhale while while coming back to normal position or when stretching or bending back.

Major Benefit of Asanas
Rectify defects in the endocrine glands, thereby enabling us to have greater control over our negative mental states or emotions.
Asanas control the glands, glands control the hormone secretions and hormone secretions control the mental propensities.

Pranayama?
The control of Pranah is called Pranayama.
Pranah is the link between body and mind.

Benefit of Pranayama
The perceptive power of the mind is increased.
Increases mental concentration and meditation.
Mind attains a deeper state of peace.
Enables easier access to subtler levels of consciousness.

Allowing Thoughts to Come and Go / Be Witness Don’t Involve. Mind and Breath Are Closely Related. The Slower the Breath the Deeper the Concentration

Yog Psychology?

Developed by P.R. Sarkar — Philosopher and Spiritual Teacher
Yog Psychology revitalizes the ancient yogic understanding of how human chakras are related to our mental/emotional states and how we can use yogic practices to create balance between our body, mind and spirit .
Vrttis are the occupations of mind And
Behavior is an external expression of our propensities.

Chakra & Gland Relation
Chakras are related to the Glands.
The connecting points between the realm of the mind and the body are
Endocrine glands
They influence the mental propensities (emotions/Instincts) attached to each chakra.
Chakras are sub-stations of the mind.

The Endocrine Glands

Secrete chemical substances called hormones into the blood stream which affect both body and mind.
Well defined structures located in different parts of our body.
Secrete and deliver hormones directly into our blood streams to be distributed to all parts of our body.
The mediator of the mind and body.

At the end I want to say –

Yog also means integration of body, mind, and spirit—achieving wholeness and harmony within oneself and with the universe.

There are different paths of Yog, each suited to different temperaments:

•Karma Yog – path of selfless action

•Bhakti Yog – path of devotion

•Jńána Yog – path of wisdom

•Rája Yog – path of meditation and inner control

And all combination is know as Tantra Yog – path of transformation through energy and consciousness

 Yog is the spiritual journey toward union with the highest truth, transcending the material and ego-based existence to realize one’s divine nature.