PH: Philosophy which is the study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, existence and reality of a particular context or subject from various ways.
Indian philosophy is known as the six systems of philosophy as it is divided into six schools. In Indian philosophy, every system is referred to as a Darshana. Hence, “the six systems of philosophy”—Nyaya, Vasiseshika, Sankhya, Yoga, Purva Mimamsa, and Uttara Mimamsa—are referred to by the Sanskrit term “Shad-Darshana.” There are differences between all of these systems concerning conceptions, phenomena, rules, and dogmas. Every system also has a creator.
It is crucial to understand that the sages who established these philosophical systems have dedicated their lives to the study and dissemination of philosophy. Samskhya and yoga are related systems. The ancient sage Patanjali laid the foundation for the concept of Yoga.
Yoga philosophy was known even in the Vedic and pre-Vedic periods, it was not formally systematized until it was codified by Patanjali in about 200 BC. He authored the Yoga Sutras or the aphorisms of Yoga which contains 196 aphorisms which are divided into four chapters. The date is not clearly known but his work is of great value to the seekers of the state of spiritual absorption.
Yoga aims for spiritual absorption through Ashtanga Yoga, which includes Yama (internal purification), Niyama (external purity), Asana (postures), Pranayama (breath control), Pratyahara (withdrawal of senses), Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi. Collectively, these are known as Raja Yoga.
Dharana is concentration, Dhyana is meditation and Samadhi is the final state of spiritual absorption.
The Yoga system of philosophy accepts three fundamental realities, namely, Ishwara, Purusha and Prakriti or the primordial matter. Patanjali says that scriptures are the sources of the existence of Ishwara. Ishwara is omniscient and is free from the qualities inherent in Prakriti. Patanjali defines Yoga as ‘Chittavriitinirodha’. Yoga is the restraint of the mental operations. Patanjali names some obstacles to the path of Yoga.
They are called ‘Antarayas’ and include Vyadhi (illness), Styana (apathy), Samsaya (doubt), Pramada (inadvertence), Alasya (laziness), Avirati (incontinence), Bhrantidarshana (wrong understanding), Alabdha Bhumikatva (non-attainment of mental plane), and Anavasthitatva (instability). Additionally, Patanjali identifies five more obstacles: Dukha (pain), Daurmanasya (frustration), Angamejayatva (fickle limbs), Svasa (spasmodic breathing in), and Prasvasa (spasmodic breathing out). He also discusses Jatyantara Parinama, the evolution of one species or genus into another.
Through a comprehensive view of philosophy, we can emphasize that yoga harmonizes body and mind through various yogic philosophical thoughts, leading to a profound understanding of life and a path to transcendental joy or Moksha.
Mr. Praveen Kumar Verma has a solid yoga practice spanning over 30 years. His teaching experience is more than a decade he has taught both on National and International grounds and presently working in Hanoi.
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