RELS315 TEST 2

Yoga

The goal is to quiet the mind, not focused solely on poses.

Samadhi

A state of deep absorption and close to enlightenment but not the same as Moksha.

Moksha

Liberation from material attachments; the ultimate goal beyond Samadhi.

Citta-vrtti

Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind.

Samadhi Pada

The chapter focused on attaining enlightenment (samadhi).

Sadhana Pada

Focus on practice and ethical discipline related to the 8 limbs of Ashtanga yoga.

Vibhuti Pada

Results and special powers, known as siddhis, arising from yoga practice.

Kaivalya Pada

The chapter focusing on liberation from material attachments (moksha).

Eight Limbs of Yoga

The foundation of classical yoga including ethical restraints and self-discipline.

1) Yama

Ethical restraints related to interactions with others.

Ahimsa (8 limbs —YAMA)

Non-violence; not causing harm to any living beings.

Satya (8 limbs —YAMA)

Truthfulness; commitment to honesty.

Asteya (8 limbs —YAMA)

Non-stealing; refraining from taking what is not yours.

Brahmacharya (8 limbs —YAMA)

Moderation or celibacy; responsible behavior in sexual matters.

Aparigraha (8 limbs — YAMA)

Non-possessiveness; living simply and without attachment.

2) Niyama

Personal observances; self-discipline and spiritual practices.

Shaucha (8 limbs — NIYAMA)

Purity; cleanliness of body and mind.

Santosh (8 limbs — NIYAMA)

Contentment; acceptance of circumstances.

Tapas (8 limbs — NIYAMA)

Self-discipline and inner heat, intense effort in practice.

Swadhyaya (8 limbs — NIYAMA)

Self-study and study of scriptures.

Ishvarapranidhana (8 limbs — NIYAMA)

Surrender to the divine; devotional aspect of yoga.

3) Asana

Postures to cultivate physical well-being and mental discipline.

4) Pranayama

Techniques for regulating breath to enhance life energy.

5) Pratyahara

Withdrawal of the senses; detaching from external distractions

6) Dharana

Concentration; focused attention on a single object or concept.

7) Dhyana

Meditation; a state of uninterrupted focus and contemplation.

Siddhis

Extraordinary powers or supernatural abilities developed in yoga practice.

Anima (siddhis)

The ability to become as small as an atom.

Mahima (siddhis)

The ability to become infinitely large.

Laghima (siddhis)

The ability to become weightless.

Garima (siddhis)

The ability to become extremely heavy.

Prapti (siddhis)

The ability to fulfill any desire.

Isitva (siddhis)

Lordship over nature; control of natural elements.

Vasitva (siddhis)

Control over the elements and beings.

Sruta (siddhis: mind and knowledge)

Divine hearing (ability to hear distant or hidden sounds)

Divya drsti (siddhis: mind and knowledge)

Divine sight; ability to see distant or hidden objects.

Telepathy (siddhis: mind and knowledge)

Understanding the thoughts of others.

Clairvoyance (siddhis: mind and knowledge)

Knowledge of the past and future.

Purva-janma-jnana (siddhis: mind and knowledge)

Knowledge of past lives (recollection of previous incarnation

Bhuta-jaya (siddhis: powers over nature and time)

Control over the elements (ability to influence earth, water, fire, air, and ether

Indriya-jaya

Complete control over ones sensory perceptions

Akasa-gamana

Levitation (the ability to float/fly)

Kala-jaya

The ability to slow or stop aging.

Abhyasa

Continuous practice for mental stability and control.

Vairagya

Detachment; the ability to let go of desires and fears.

Nirodh

Mastery of the mind achieved through Abhyasa and Vairagya.

Pramana (5 mind fluctiations)

(correct knowledge) – perception based on valid sources like direct experiences (pratyaksha), inference (anumana) and scripture/testimony (agama)

Viparyaya (5 mind fluctuations)

(Misconception) – incorrect knowledge or misunderstanding → leading to delusion 

Vikalp (5 mind fluctiations)

(Imagination or verbal Delusion) – Constructs of the mind that have no basis in reality but exist through words and ideas

Nidra (5 mind fluctiations)

(Deep Sleep) – A mental state in which there is an absence of cognition but still a subtle mental process

Smrti (5 mind fluctiations)

(memory) – the retention and recollection of past experiences

Sources of Siddhas

Birth, Herbs (aushadhi), Mantras, Austerities (tapas —> intense discipline and self-mortification), Samadhi (deepest level of meditation)

Kaivalya

Path of liberation

Purusa

consciousness

Prakruti

Matter (material world)

Dukkha

Suffering

Ishvara

A supreme being

Ishvara Pranidhana

Devotion to God (optional)