Yoga for the mind

The meditative mind lives in the eternal present, in a state of choiceless awareness and sureness.

Pratyahara, the withdrawal of the senses, is the link between yama, niyama, asana and pranayama and the last three steps - dharana, dhyana and samadhi. Following the rules of living, and practising asanas and pranayama, the yogi finds himself able to turn his senses inward and achieve complete quietitude. He is now ready for the ultimate in yoga.

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Dharana

Dharana is `one-pointedness', the state of total absorption. The longer the mind remains in this state of focus, the more powerful it becomes.

Dhyana

Dhyana is the stage of meditation, the culmination of uninterrupted concentration. The meditative mind lives in the eternal present, in a state of choiceless awareness and sureness, in which there are no ambiguities.

Samadhi

Samadhi is the peak of yogic achievement, a true sense of communion and peace. This settling of the mind is the heart of yoga, where the senses have been transcended by complete refinement of the body and mind.

Yoga is not just a set of esoteric exercises to keep physically fit. It is a complete system of life, with our bodily afflictions and mental fluctuations under control by the practice of concrete rules of conduct.

These are universal rules, applicable to every human being, irrespective of creed and colour. For whether you are American or Chinese or African or Indian, whether you are a Muslim, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu or Jew, you have the same physical and mental organs as everyone else.

(Source: Webhealthcentre.com)