The defining treatise on yoga is called the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Of the four chapters in this compilation of aphorisms, the second one, called Sadhana Pada, devoted to the method of yoga, begins with a Sutra — “penance, self-study and surrendering to the will of the almighty, is the purpose of action in yoga”.
The word for penance is “tapah” or “tapasya”. This word, among other things, implies burning, purifying.
The three stated goals of the practice of yoga are not far from the purpose of fasting during the month of Ramadan, which, among other things, is for cultivating humility, submission, modesty, softness, austerity, calmness, and getting rid of vanity and negativity.
In this column, we will look at different practices that will help improve the quality of your life. I would like to point out that according to the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, yoga has eight steps (ashtanga). Postures and breathing techniques are two of them. The rest are concerned with the spiritual dimension of being.
Purification or a trial by fire is also a vital aspect of yoga. It is closely associated with cleansing — of the mind and body (brain and nervous system, circulatory system, alimentary canal and lungs).
The word yoga is derived from the root “Yuj” which means “to join” or “to connect”. Therefore, yoga is a method of removing the barriers to perception of the “real”, the “truth”. Cleansing is an essential part of getting the practitioner closer to this goal.
The fasting during Ramadan is very inspiring in its vision of what state it seeks to put you in. Equally inspiring is the celebratory nature of Eid, where there is a celebration of life. This too is part of the cycle of life and is not at cross purposes with the austerity that goes with penance. Yoga seeks to achieve a balance between the two. It is not a path of extremes. The emptying of the body during fasting, while seeking austerity and silence, combined with a low level of physical activity, create a mental and emotional emptiness that is both alert and at the same time fresh and relaxed.
Yoga aims at creating a state of mind that is similar, through the practice of Yama (discipline), Niyama (guided conduct), Asana and Pranayama. The correct practice of the all of the aforementioned is meant to result in the same kind of balance between austerity and celebration.
Whether we crave for money, fame or pleasure, they are reflections of the deeper desire for the ultimate joy that life can offer. All human efforts, even misguided ones, in the end are trying to achieve lasting peace and joy.
Yoga is a gentle way of walking on the two tracks of austerity and celebration with greater clarity and ease.
