The Essence of Yoga

The word yoga means to unite, to join together or to integrate. In regard to the practice known as Yoga, there are several spheres of reference – integration of the physical with the emotional nature –to co-ordinate emotional and mental aims – to integrate mind and body – and to join the individual soul to the Universal Life Source, or God.

The system known as Yoga is an integral part of the classical systems of Indian Philosophy, all of which stem from the ancient and profound Vedic teachings that are considered to have their origin in antiquity. The Vedas refer to all aspects of human life and the natural sciences, including those involved in the spiritual evolution and advancement of mankind.

It is believed that all our great western philosophers over the centuries have dipped into and adopted these Indian wisdom teachings with the result that many similar ideas permeate their doctrines.  Both the philosophic and the practical guidelines of old are a valued source of information that continues to inspire earnest scholars as well as all those who question life today. 

What follows will help you, whether you are a beginner seeking to improve your physical and mental health, or you are an exponent seeking for new insights to encourage your continuing practice of Yoga.

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With any degree of expansion of our consciousness, we are enriched. Sometimes it comes to us through some intensified perception, increased understanding, greater life motivation and purpose or a more vital attitude towards our personal life.

By degrees we gradually grow as a person to become strengthened as an individual through our free will that allows us to realise how importance it is that we use and assert our individual talents, yet also comforted by the awareness and that we are only a small part of the whole – the greater Universal Consciousness.

We all struggle to discover our own special talents and qualities that when fulfilled will satisfy our personal ego, yet at the same time we find great sense of relief when we are able to feel trusting enough to surrender our personal ego and sense of self.  Only the letting go of our lesser personality allows us to experience the comfort and the safety of a wider spiritual consciousness. We feel this whenever we allow our self centredness to temporarily melt away in meditation, for instance,  or when we feel good after having demonstrated  a degree of self sacrifice, generosity or kindness to others.

Meditation is a natural process.  It is a natural talent to be able to relax, uplift and expand the mind. However, because it is seldom practised regularly, we have to re-educate ourselves until the natural ability returns to us.

Many people have experienced wider spiritual consciousness either through aspiration, expansions of a loving heart, through spontaneous insights and reactions, dream experiences and many factors that result in us knowing of the existence of other, higher levels of consciousness. However, to deliberately encourage these experiences we can choose to follow specific preparations which are known in the various schools of meditation.

There is no great intellectualization required in meditation. Meditation is not accomplished through intellectual skill or application but by the simple qualities of humility and sincerity in seeking truth and by wishing to understand the greater truths of life. We find this is possible through willingness to surrender things that do not matter and to hold to our noblest principles.

We begin to understand the spiritual reality that we are all sharing existence as cells in the great body of the whole of humanity. With this and similar wonderful realizations we are strengthened by the sense of brotherhood with others and need no further proof of the existence of the benign Power of the Universality that exists and presides over all life on earth. We know it by direct experience.

The degree of control over many Yoga Asanas is often measured in terms of ability to balance for a period of time.

Balance is for that time demands full physical control although of course some are easier than others.

There are many types of balance – from standing on one leg to balancing the whole body weight on the hands, or even in inverted positions, such as the headstand.

     Spinal Balance Asanas

 

            

 

 

Balancing on the balls of 2  Feet or on 1                     Balancing on 1 foot and 1 knee or 2

 

                         

Interest in drugless methods and encouragement towards natural remedies draws many parents to consider sending their children to yoga classes if they can be assured of the professional specialization of the teacher.

Yoga techniques are generally for the application by adults in seeking a complete method of self culture. The teaching methods therefore must be adapted in order that children can benefit and this requires skill. However, in spite of some difficulty often encountered when seeking such a teacher, general yoga classes offer basic relaxation techniques and gentle exercises that will help a child who is in need of slowing down, learning to enjoy being still, and also in becoming aware of the part that breath control has in disciplines of self control.

If your child will accept discipline he or she will be able to participate in classwork but will only fully benefit in a class of students of similar age.

Yoga teachers follow the philosophy that sets principles such as non-violence, obedience to parents, clear recognition of differences and different needs in training exercises for boys and girls.  They are taught to have mutual respect between the sexes – seen as equal but opposite.

Most of all, parents must be willing to communicate with the yoga teacher so that they share an understanding of the aims and methods and are in complete accord so that matters related to the child can be mutually discussed.

It can be surprising to parents to observe children happily enjoying yoga classes where there are no electronics, toys, diversions or crafts to occupy them. Instead, they are involved in testing their own muscles and physical abilities in exercise and in mastering a limited range of yoga Asanas. In the process they discover talents that bring self confidence and through breath control, achieve a simple tonic and natural sedative to benefit their nervous system.

There are many other benefits offered by a yoga teacher who is wise enough to adapt the teachings that promise health of mind and body.

Parents benefit in several ways by having children disciplined through Yoga classes. Well disciplined children become more amenable and co-operative, improving in schoolwork and in their behaviour and often become more creatively employed in hobbies of real interest rather than becoming too addicted to electronic toys and TV.

Having dedicated many years pioneering in this field I can speak of the positive responses in many parts of the world where the ideas and techniques of classical yoga are considered as an important adjunct to academic tutoring, attracting more skilled teachers to this particular specialization in education.

Most importantly, following a simple natural approach towards slower and restrained, less excitable challenges in exercise will provide a child with greater chance of self determination and so avoid behavioural habits that cause prescription of medical psychiatric drugs.

                                               

 

                                         

Physical exercise hardly needs explanation as a discipline that makes demand upon conscious control of the body musculature through movement.

However, there are differing approaches to the style of movement preferred in various cultures and amongst different individuals.  This we observe in the western world in the numerous sports that prevail. Most are approached as competitive sports as we are challenged to greater effort through an ambition to better the next person. Those who are less assertive, and find competition unattractive, find alternatives that include the eastern exercise programmes of tai chi and in yoga.

Yoga, as a system of self culture, aims at self mastery without the challenges of competition. Each exponent focuses upon his or her own body, making new advances in self control by gentle command over the physical body by kindly persuasion and for a particular purpose, beyond the sheer muscular action.

The classic and mosot advanced example of this is in the Surya Namaskara or Sun Exercise sometimes called the Salute to the Sun. In this exercise of twelve movements (12 being the number directly related to the Sun) each offers a particular stimulation to physiological organs and processes. Further than health benefits to maintain youthful body or to aid rejuvenation, the series of movements help to psychically open out to expand one’s feelings of self confidence and vitality. The spiritual keynote is added by the repetitions of sacred mantra or in the case of Christians, the Lord’s Prayer.

However, as with most exercises, systems are developed by the individual teacher as there are few traditional exercises that are known or have been revived. The principles in Yoga, nevertheless are firm.

Any yogic exercise system is based upon ahimsa (non violence) and upon application of what is known in western exercise as the isometric principle that uses a person’s use of resistance to build muscle without external tools and aids. This is the preferred option although  others choose to follow western gym training, in addition.

In Hatha Yoga the approach to exercise follows the philosophy in recognition of the natural differences between the sexes and the different psychic energies that are released or stimulated by different movements. For example a tough, demanding exercise based upon muscle contraction and strength cannot help but generate male energies and feelings as a gentle rhythmic one will result in feelings of feminine softness and grace.

As exercise or movement is needed to build any body structure, the aim is particularly to build strength is particularly applied to male students and the exercises they practise. The desire for a lithe and graceful body influences the choice of more rhythmic movements of females. And there is a group of exercises that can be incorporated in all programmes to act as general balancing movements, ideal for both sexes.

Perhaps the most interesting factor in Yogic approach to exercise is the attitude towards the degree of difficulty. Here there is reversal of western ambition for speed. An exercise that is performed at some pace is considered to be the easiest. As the timing is slowed down it becomes more and more difficult until slow motion is judged as the most challenging in self control of the body, and the mind.

Because respiration is normally an unconcious function, it takes a concerted effort towards gaining conscious control over the process.

Tutoring ideally begins in helping children to understand the basic muscular controls that are associated with breathing and as adults, revise what we may already know in gaining control of the intercostal muscles, abdominal muscles and upper torso.

We all respond well to the counting method to increase our lung capacity. Children are best encouraged to start with a simple count, say of 4 for inhalation and the same count in exhaling.  Yoga students are familiar with this known as the Rhythm Breath, the basis of the classical approach to Pranayama which incorporates the additional factor of retention of the breath or Kumbhaka.

Teaching children about their potential for breath control is important,  particularly if they are suffering from the regrettably common complaint of asthma. Gradually increasing the exercises that involve a degree of retention, employing sound to increase capacity to exhale, and sniffing in stages to increase inhalation makes their learning enjoyable.

Although the prone position – lying down -  is often chosen for teaching elementary breathing exercises, most students who can assume a comfortable seated position are advised to sit upright and practise the range of breathing exercises and disciplines of Pranayama.

                

 

 

 

 

 

Acharya                       teacher of techniques and theory of spiritual disciplines

Agnisara                      abdominal beating to create heat

Ahankara/Ahamkara    the personal or lesser ego – self consciousness – individuality

Ahimsa                        quality and practice of non violence- applied to thought, deed              

Ajna                            chakra between the eyebrows – the “Third Eye” or mind’s eye

Anahat chakra              heart chakra  – the emotional centre

Ananda                        peace – bliss supreme

Anandamaya kosha      the sheath made of peace and joy- all one’s happy moments

Annamaya kosha          the sheath of oneself- the physical body made of food

Antar-dhauti                 internal cleansing

Antara kumbhaka         holding inhalation of breath

Antar mouna                 cleansing the mind in Silence

Anuloma viloma            pranayama using alternate breath

Apana                           type of prana flows from navel to the feet directing excretion

Aparigraha                   Yamas restraint from wasting, hoarding and greed of all kinds

Arhat                            near perfection of who has only one step to be free of earth

Aryan                           the ancient race known as ‘people of the light ‘

Asanas                         system of classic physical postures for health and spiritual well-being

Ashram                         a teaching retreat for spiritual training

Ashwini mudra              control and contraction of the anal muscles

Asteya                          the Yamas restraint of Non stealing

Ashtanga Yoga             8 limbed system of Patanjali – the basis of yogic method

Atma /Atman                spiritual will or spark of the individual ego- the directing higher self 

Aum  (OM)                  the sacred underlying universal sound and symbol Pranava

Avatar                          Divine incarnation of a perfect being – a spiritual messenger  

Ayurveda                      Aryan Scriptures – that part of the Vedas dealing with medicine

Bahir kumbhaka            holding breath after exhalation

Bandhas                        muscular locks use to free energies upward in the body

Basti                             internal enema by means of muscular controls

Bhakti Yoga                  the way of Devotion and Love

Bhakti                           devotee believing Love is the way to union with God

Bhastrika                      pranayama exercise to stimulate energy – as a bellows for heat

Bhramari                       an exercise in Pranayama – making sound of a bee

Bhutas                           the 5 elements in Nature – seen as fire, earth, air, water and ether

Bindu                            dot or spot in the Pranava  -the subtlest element

Brahma/ Brahman          God Absolute – representing the creative aspect of theTrinity

Brahmarandhra              point of entry of the spirit into the brain- the “Silver Cord”

Brahmachari                  pure student of chastity, purity seeking to reflect goodness of God

Brahmacharya               Yama restraining selfishness and extreme sensuality

Brahmin                        one of the noble caste of priesthood

Chaitanya                      consciousness

Chakra                          energy centres in the human psyche

Chandra                        the Moon

Chela                            a student or disciple of the Guru

Chikitsa                         healing and self help aspect of the Ayurvedic teachings

Chit                               pure consciousness – knowledge

Chitta vrittis                   functioning of the mind- passing activity of the mind                  

Daksha                          intuitive discrimination – the understanding mind

Dama                            self control, restraint, silencing inner distractions

Darshan                         is the silent blessing of a sage

Deva                             an angel, invisible nature spirit , being of light

Dharana                        concentration or mental focus of mind power

Dharma                         self ordained or accepted duties, social and spiritual purpose

Dhyana                         meditation, contemplation

Dhyana Yoga                the way to Universal consciousness through Meditation

Ekagrata                       focus of the mind in one-pointed concentration

Gayatri                         a potent,  sacred Mantra or Hymn to God with the Sun as symbol

Geranda Samhita          classical work on Hatha Yoga

Gunas                           the metaphysical properties of all Creation -Sattwa, Rajas,Tamas

Guru                             Master, spiritual Guide, Father of one’s Soul who brings truth

Hasta                            the hand

Hasta Mudras                hand positions to alter consciousness in meditation

Hatha                            symbolizes the balanced harmony between energies of the Sun/Moon

Hatha Yoga                  Yoga disciplines toward physical perfection and mental health

Ida                                magnetic or Moon pranic energy inflowing through the left nostril

Indriyas                         the 5 sensory organs of knowledge

Isvara pranidhana          surrendering one’s consciousness and one’s life to God

Jada Kriya                    actions of the body –physical exercises

Jalandhara bandha         chin lock – deliberate muscular contraction in the throat and neck

Japa                              repetitive prayer, affirmation in conjunction with mala or rosary

Jiva                               the individual self or soul of each living being

Jivatma                          each individual spiritual spark of humanity

Jnana (Gnana)               knowledge of life through direct experience – wisdom

Jnana Mudra                 a position assumed by each hand when mediating

Kama                           emotional desires

Kapala                          the skull

Kapalabhati                  pranayama exercise to help clear the brain

Karma                          Law of Cause and Effect in nature and in human life

Karma Yoga                 path of action and Service with trust in the Law of Karma

Karuna                         compassion for those less fortunate

Kosha                          7 sheaths of consciousness, each a sphere in the human psyche

Kriya Yoga                   the path of purity in daily life

Kumbhaka                    retention of the breath

Kundalini                      fiery energy conducted through the central spinal column                 

Kunjar Kriya                cleansing stomach with water

Laya Yoga                   study of the chakras and raising consciousness through them

Maha                           great

Mahabharata                epic spiritual legend of India

Mahasamadhi               the ‘great sleep’ – death

Maharshi                      Maha Rishi or Great Sage sometimes loosely used

Mahatma                      Master of Life- teachers of human souls, saintly, noble and wise

Maitri                            is the state of benign feeling of loving kindness to all

Mala                             sacred string of 108 (12×9) beads – used in similar way as a rosary

Manas                           the thinking principle, one of the triune aspects of man, the Gunas

Mandala                        magic circular symbol used to alter consciousness for meditation

Manipura chakra           Solar Plexus chakra – the centre

Manomaya kosha          is the lower Mental Body- concerned with logic and reasoning

Mantra                         sacred word or chant – silently or audibly repeated

Margas                         traditional classic Paths selected en route to spirituality

Maya                            material world of Illusion that hides the spiritual Reality of life

Mouna                          Silence

Mudra                          specific asanas  to seal or bind certain patterns of energy

Mula bandha                 anal Lock -muscular lock around the rectum            

Muladhara chakra         chakra or energy centre at the base of the spine

Nada Yoga                   using silence or sound to elevate consciousness

Nadis                           nadis or vital channels of energy in the body number 72,000

Nadis-shodhan             pranayama exercise for purification of the nerves and pranas

Namaste                      “Honour unto thee”-  an Indian greeting of respect

Namaskara                  salutation greeting in reverence for another, or in sacred devotions

Nauli                            manipulation of the abdomen involving rectus abdominus muscles

Neti                             one of the kriyas – cleansing nostrils with water using a neti pot

Nidra                           relaxation or sleep state

Nirvana                        sphere of heavenly consciousness- Bliss- Peace ineffable

Niyamas                      cultivation of positive virtues, self discipline motivated by goodness

OM/AUM                   Universal Mantra- eternal, pervading sound of the Cosmos  

Patanjali                       author of the classical Yoga Sutra

Pingala                         electric or positive energy in the spinal column

Prana                           the Universal Reservoir of pure universal Energy

prana                           energy functioning in the manifested world

Pranamaya kosha         human etheric body or energy sheath maintained by breathing

Pranava                       the sound or written symbol of Om or AUM              

Pranayama                   conscious control and direction of the breath

Pratyahara                   control of the senses through mental detachment                                

Puraka                         inhalation of the breath

Raja                            King, royal

Raja Yoga                   Royal yogic path perfecting mind and faculties seeking truth

Rajas                          quality of mobility or creativity – one of the three Gunas

Rajasic                       stimulating quality, activity, movement, action

Rechaka                     exhalation of the breath

Rishi                           great seer, sage or visionary

Sadhaka                     seeker, spiritual  aspirant

Sadhana                     personal spiritual self discipline

Sahasrara chakra       ‘thousand petalled lotus’ chakra at crown of the head

Samadhi                     supreme state of conscious bliss experiencing the Unity of all Life

Samana                      one of the pranas functioning in the region of the navel plexus

Shambhavi Mudra      gazing upward to the point between the brows  the Ajna centre

Samskaras                 mental impressions of the past

Samyama                   state for meditation, when concentration and contemplation blend

Sankhya                    speculative philosophy

Sannyasin                   a renunciate – free of the material world and its attachments

Sanskrit                     also known as Devavani,  the language of the gods, archaic, perfect

Santosa                      this is the Niyama practice of the state of contentment 

Sat                             the state of pure  existence -Reality – truth      

Satsang                      group exchange of wisdom – meeting of good people

Sattva /Sattwa            the most refined of the Gunas – truth,  purity, illumination, harmony    

Satya                          the Yama avoiding lying and dishonesty

Saucha                       development  of purity – one of the Niyamas

Shankaracharya           the revered great teacher who devised a 15 fold system

Shanti                          Peace – unruffled equanimity – used as a mantra of Peace 

Shatkarmas/kriyas       Six traditional cleansing practices used in Hatha Yoga hygiene

Sitali                           cooling pranayama exercise, inhaling involving the rolled tongue

Shraddha                    faith, trust, devotion, zeal 

Surya                          the spiritual Sun, of Divine Light – with Savitir the manifested sun

Surya Namaskara        physical/spiritual exercise involving 12 movements

Sushumna                    third and central channel in the spinal column

Sutras                          Aphorisms are strung like pearls of wisdom in a chain for teaching

Svadhisthana               chakra in the lower body  

Swadhyaya                 religious practices and study-also insight and introspection

Swami                         a learned spiritual teacher or Brahmin

Tamas                         the Guna relating to Inertia (Matter) or ignorance of mind

Tamasic                       basic, unenlightened, heavy, material quality

Tapas                          fervour in spiritual  aspiration, austerities and creative endeavour

Trataka                        unbroken gazing at one focal point

Trigunas                       the three Gunas – Sattwa, Rajas and Tamas –types of matter

Turiya                          purest stated of one’s consciousness – highest awareness

Udana                         prana flowing from throat to head

Uddiyana Bandha        solar plexus muscular Lock

Upanishads                  ancient mystical literature – the philosophical part of the Vedas 

Vairagya                      acceptance of the world as it is, free of bias and attachments

Vedanga Jyotisha         science of astronomy

Vedas                         wisdom and scriptures of India as revealed to the ancient Rishis

Vedanta                      last part of the Vedass-  teaching the unity of all life

Vidya                          knowledge by experience  – science – a section of the Upanishads

Vijnanomaya Kosha    higher mental body concerned with abstract thought

Visuddha chakra         higher creative centre at the throat, commanding speech and song

Viveka                        discrimination, free from illusion, ability to judge truth from untruth

Vyana                         type of prana flowing all over the body via the diffused breath

Vyasa                          the saint who complied Vedanta Sutras or Brahma Sutras

Yamas                         Practising restraints and disciplines of conscience

Yantra                         a symbol as a focus for mental concentration

Yantric Yoga                uses symbols such as mandalas to affect mind states

Yoga                           to yoke or bind – personality integration, soul and spirit, to God

Yoga Chikitsa              self-healing aspect of Ayurveda

Yoga Mudra                Asana -symbol of self discipline-bowing to Nature and Supreme

Yoga Nidra                  psychic state of yogi’s sleep when in relaxation states

Yogi ,Yogini                 male and female exponents of Yoga philosophy and practices

Individual life is only satisfying when we understand our own nature and our place in the scheme of things. So ‘Know thyself !’ remains a classical directive to assist us in the art of living.   

Vision of any material goal in life differs widely with each person according to his desires, needs  and any previous experiences. But the spiritual goal remains the same for us all, not only by the fact of our inevitable shared future fate of leaving the physical world, but because of the shared natural urge within us to be aware of our Creator and a higher purpose to life.

We need a starting point for our personal efforts in self knowledge.  One route is popularly taken in the study of our inherent characteristics both good and bad.   These positive and negative traits are indicated in our astrological birth sign and more explicitly in our personal horoscope which describes in detail all the influences and ingredients in our  personality make-up.

We must apply honest insight in observing and understanding our personal behaviour and observing the need for self censure. This is not always easy as our personal habits may charm us, even though proving irritating to others.

One method seeks help in analysing one’s personality by questioning your intimates by asking what they consider are your good qualities, negative traits and bad habits. But we must be brave in order to make such a request and it is not always advisable, particularly if your loved ones are of honest disposition!

However, these considerations are in regard to your personality only.   Our inner nature or true soul self usually known only to ourselves. It may be quite different in its inclinations and motivations than your outer personality expresses itself.  It is wise to harmonize our inner nature with the outer personality if we seek to develop into a person of some integrity.

Developing insight into other personalities, relationships and dealings with other people is also advantageous and widens our understanding of human nature.

Graduating from the admirable purpose of self understanding and understanding of others, we then seek to focus upon our own specific aspiration to the desire to philosophically consider human living and the spiritual aspiration to understand more about the Universe and the supreme Consciousness of the Creator.

For this higher insight we must discover how to listen to our inner voice of Intuition in which we seek to place our trust and be receptive of its guidance.

The yogi focuses in meditation upon the heart in order to increase his love and come to universal understanding.

He focuses in meditation upon the point between the eyebrows where his spark of higher consciousness is anchored. From this point he seeks greater insight into spiritual truths.

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There is no question that the teaching and the spirit of Yoga keeps alive the highest spiritual aspirations and the ethical and moral values that help us to lead quality lives, regardless of circumstances.

The moral and ethical codes of traditional Yogic philosophy are encapsulated in what is called the Yamas/Niyamas or the Practices and Restraints that we would recognize as ‘Do’s and Don’ts’, most of which are common to most cultures and certainly to all religious principles.

YAMAS – the Restraints are written as the practise of…….

Ahimsa – non-violence

Satya – non-lying

Asteya – non-stealing

Brahmacharya  – non-selfishness  and in control of the senses

Aparigraha – non-wasting and non-coveting

 

NIYAMAS – describe the positive qualities to be cultivated…….

Saucha – purity

Santosa – contentment

Tapas – aspiration and austerity

Svadhyaya – self-analysis and honesty

Isvara Pranidhana – dedication to God and Universal Truth

It would seem easy to read them and perhaps accept them but in fact some serious study is required over many years in order to understand the subtleties in applying the principles to practical living with the purpose of improving ourselves.

Without embracing a sincere and noble set of principles in our lives, and attempting to remain true to them, none of us can aspire to understand spiritual realities and the wisdom teachings that guide us towards experiencing the values and truths of life for ourselves.

Yoga is essentially a dynamic expression in the interpretation of the western mind. We are vitally concerned in any ideology which will promise more efficient living, more abundant health and more material improvements. And this no doubt attracts many students to follow Karma Yoga, the Yoga of Action.

Disciplining you life and achieving self-mastery through Yogic techniques will enable you to develop your life to become a fruitful accomplishment of all your inherent aspirations.

Everyone has abilities which would enable them to use for the benefit of others. Most people cover up their talents by a slothful attitude, or smother there secret longings for expression, under disappointment, frustration and procrastination etc. Practice of Yoga develops confidence in oneself and focuses what it is that you can give to the world – what it is that you and you alone can contribute.  Then truly, your life is not wasted if there is a purpose to your life other than your own personal experiencing of good and bad, knowledge and ignorance, pain and pleasure.

Yoga in action includes achievement of health through following the health rules of natural nutrition, yogic exercise of the whole body, asanas, breathing and relaxation.

Develop your own self culture and self confidence by self-searching and to discover your inner abilities. Gentle persuasion and patience brings success in all things, including physical mastery.

Cultivate your mind and concentration so that you may become an authority on your chosen studies.

Practise meditation and clarify your psychological nature so there is no friction between the conscious and the subconscious mind.

Follow the traditional rules of ethics and be faithful to the moral codes that are in accordance with your own highest ideals.

Particularly follow the principle of ahimsa and refrain from hurting or harming living beings or being violent or destructive in any sense.

Remember in all your actions, the wisdom teachings that try to impress upon us that what we do in action and the spirit in which we do anything, returns to us in kind at some time as natural justice through the Law of Karma.

Concentration is our main faculty we use when learning or reading and when we are in a receptive listening mode. We use this faculty called dharana to help us focus upon important personal interests in everyday life. We also use it to deliberately programme our own mind and so develop its ’grooves’ of opinions and attitudes as well as conditioning our responses to external surroundings and conditions.

Developing concentration through yoga techniques aims to achieve pin-point concentration or ekagrata upon any particular selected focus. It is believed that if one can concentrate, one can succeed in using mental powers to the full.  Concentration is mind power.

It is obvious that if you keep your thoughts upon success, you will most likely succeed. If you concentrate upon failure you will do doubt succeed in failing. If you concentrate upon power, you will become powerful. If you concentrate upon love, you will become loving and so on. Each of us attracts circumstances by the power of our mind’s concentration.

Stillness of the mind is a necessary preparation to allow concentrated and purposeful thought. It may seem to be a simple aim, to still the mind, but in fact this is usually very difficult. Our thoughts are notoriously difficult to control with their general hyper-activity often likened to a monkey in continual movement. However, with practise, we can learn to subdue this activity.

Concentration is then used as the tool to programme our mind. There are certain methods and techniques employed for this purpose. Conscious effort of thought is required to build mental ‘muscle-power’ or strong mindedness, just as effort is needed to build physical fitness. There are many interesting mental exercises to strengthen the mind employed in yoga as well as in other schools of mind training. It is usual that only a chela or student who has formulated a clear spiritual purpose is given the key to deeper concentration.

Concentration can also be used as a tuning-in device similar to tuning the radio. This analogy holds true in meditation when we wish attunement to ‘receive’ inspiration or intuitive guidance.

Mind power is also built up through dharana for use in meditation when it can be directed towards a higher sphere much as a rocket fuel supplies energy for lift off.