Yoga Philosophy & History Pt. 2

we are…

spirits in a material world

prakriti

matter, which is temporary

purusha

spiritual, enjoyment

jnana

knowledge

vijnana

realized knowledge

adi purusha

original enjoyer, supreme, divine

in the material world, enjoyment comes from…

manipulating & serving the senses

life is suffering because…

we attach to the temporary

why is the lotus the flower of yoga?

• they grow out of dirty, swamp-like places

• water beads & rolls off, doesn’t sink in

• symbol of spiritual growth, enlightenment

The Gunas

• modes of material nature

• 3 energies

Rajas

• the mode of passion

• “get up & go” energy

• sunrise

Tamas

• mode of darkness/ignorance

• slowing down/desensitizing/depression

• nighttime

Sattva

• mode of goodness/clarity

• learning/contemplation

• 2hrs before sunrise/twilight

vikarma

acting without regard to any consequences

karma kanda

view that there are consequences, living where one is giving to get something in return

the law of karma

that which you do comes back to you

The Yugas

• the four ages of time

• Satya Yoga

• Treta Yuga

• Dwapara Yuga

• Kali Yuga

Satya Yuga

the golden age, age of complete purity

Treta Yuga

the silver age

Dwapara Yuga

the bronze age

Kali Yuga

the iron age, age of quarrel & confusion

vrut

vow

adhikari

qualifications

dharma

duty/righteousness, ability to do the right thing

4 traditional paths of yoga

• Jnana Yoga

• Ashtanga Yoga

• Karma Yoga

• Bhakti Yoga

Jnana Yoga

• one of the most austere

• required to renounce ties with family, home, etc

• extremely minimal

Ashtanga Yoga

• second of the most austere

• required to renounce ties with family, home, etc

• 8 limb path

• only one that includes asana

Karma Yoga

• contrasts Jnana & Ashtanga

• one of the paths where one can live in the world

• accepting that there is a higher authority

• do without expecting anything in return

Bhakti Yoga

• path where soul returns to its natural, loving nature

• focused on living & giving out love

• as soon as the divine sees you take steps towards love, it works to meet you there