Yoga has eight stages. This is also called as "eight steps" by Patanjali saint, god father of yoga. All these eight states are supportive to human's soul throughout his life.
All these eight stages are inter-related with each other. At the end of one stage the other stage begins. Hence we must practice stage by stage. Without succeding in one stage we cannot proceed to the further stages. Therefore by continuous practice and by keeping your mind away from all the desires only you can attain this.
The yoga's eight stages are told by Thirumoolar in his Thirumanthiram.
"அந்நெறி இந்நெறி என்னாதட் டாங்கத்
anneri inneri ennaathat taangath
தன்னெறி சென்று சமாதியி லேநின்மின்
thanneri senru samaadhiyi laeninmin
நன்னெறி செல்வார்க்கு ஞானத்தி லேகலாம்
nanneri selvaarkku gnaanaththi laekalaam
புன்னெறி யாகத்திற் போக்கில்லை யாகுமே
punneri yaagaththir poakkillai yaagumae"
- திருமூலர் (Thirumoolar)
"இயம நியமமே எண்ணிலா ஆதனம்
iyama niyamamae ennilaa aathanam
நயமுறு பிராணாயா மம்பிரத்தி யாகாரஞ்
nayamuru piraanaayaa mampiraththi yaagaaranj
சயமிகு தாரணை தியானஞ் சமாதி
sayamiku thaaranai thiyaananj samadhi
அயமுறும் அட்டாங்க மாவது மாமே
ayamurum attaanga maavathu maamae"
- திருமூலர் (Thirumoolar)
The eight stages of yoga are Iyama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyakara, Dharana, Dhyana, Samadhi.
Iyama is relavant to the attaining good dicipline for life. Niyama is relevant to attaining the purity of soul through discipline. Asana is related to exercises. Pranayama is related to practicing the technique of controlling breath. Pratyakara is related to controlling the senses. Dharana is related to controlling the mind. Dhyana is the state of identifying the supreme being. Samadhi is related to the attaining the state equal to the supreme being.
In eating, working, sleeping it is important that there should be a limit i.e., it should not exceed the range or go below it. People of this kind only can attain success in Yoga.
Original - www.siththarkal.com
Translated by - சந்தியா
