Asteya Explained and How to Practice:

 

Asteya means non-stealing and involves not taking what is not freely given, as well as respecting others' resources and contributions. People may act against asteya due to unresolved desires, a lack of awareness of interconnectedness, or conditioned behaviors that perpetuates a sense of separation.

 

Desire and greed for material goods or personal gain often lead individuals to take what they haven't earned or what doesn't belong to them. This is because they find pleasure in these desires, but such pleasures are fleeting. Any object, regardless of its nature, is subject to constant change and will eventually disappear with time. Since you perceive yourself as constantly changing, your pleasure from transient objects will also fade, leaving you wanting more.

 

Understanding this truth can help you be content with what you have, rather than allowing greed and unnecessary desires to create a cycle of temptation and eventual disappointment. If taking what doesn’t belong to you leads to dissatisfaction and conflicts with compassion (ahimsa), it ultimately results in suffering—even if that suffering isn't immediately apparent. Thus, embracing contentment and respecting what others have helps avoid such negative consequences and aligns with a more compassionate way of living that paves the way to peace. 

 

Due to a lack of awareness, some people may not fully grasp the ethical implications of their actions or their impact on others, leading them to act against asteya out of ignorance. They might not realize how their behavior affects others' well-being or contributes to broader harm. A focus on personal needs or desires can lead to neglecting principles of fairness, making it easier to justify taking what doesn’t belong to them. Additionally, prioritizing immediate gratification over long-term consequences often results in overlooking the broader impact of their actions.

 

In some environments, unethical behavior may be normalized or overlooked, making it harder for individuals to adhere to asteya. Therefore, it is crucial to challenge these conditionings. Regardless of your country of birth, nationality, skin color, language, appearance, or cultural background, these factors can perpetuate a sense of separation. For spiritual growth, it is essential to address and transcend these conditionings. To resolve ingrained patterns of thought and behavior, consider the following strategies: Gradually expose yourself to situations that trigger conditioned responses to lessen their impact over time, and replace old patterns with new, positive behaviors.

 

While many view asteya as relating only to material possessions, it also applies to intangible things like time. We should be punctual and avoid wasting others' time, as time is a valuable resource for everyone. Wasting it can be seen as a lack of respect for others' priorities and commitments. Being mindful of how you use others' time grows better relationships and contributes to a more efficient and respectful environment.

 

How to Practice Asteya in Light of Non-Dual Wisdom: 

 

If all is truly one, then harming or taking from another is essentially harming or taking from oneself. This realization builds a deeper respect for all beings and resources. In non-dual awareness, compassion naturally arises, as perceiving yourself in others reduces the likelihood of exploiting or taking advantage of them—behaviors driven by the illusion of separation. Everything ultimately belongs to the whole, so by practicing non-stealing, you honor the interconnected nature of existence and maintain the harmony of the collective.

 

Embrace the understanding that everything you need is already within you or will come to you in its own time. This awareness can reduce the desire to take what is not rightfully yours and diminish overall desires as you become content with what you have. Recognize that material possessions and wealth are transient; this awareness can lessen the urge to possess or take things that are not yours. Make choices that honor both yourself and others. Viewing others as extensions of yourself will encourage you to respect their possessions and boundaries.

 

Brahmacharya Explained and How to Practice:

 

Brahmacharya means moderation or self-control. While it is often associated with sexual energy and desires, it encompasses using one's energy wisely and avoiding excess in any area. Excessive indulgence reinforces the perception of separation by focusing on what is being consumed. True indulgence occurs when one perceives another as separate and finds pleasure as if they are the entity being gratified. People act against the principle of brahmacharya or self-restraint due to strong desires and challenges with the self-discipline needed to overcome these impulses.

 

Desire and pleasure are often very strong, making self-restraint challenging, particularly when those around you also indulge in these behaviors and such indulgence is considered the norm. Life typically involves engaging with events and people around you. If those around you are focused on fulfilling desires, it can be difficult to maintain awareness and find support for pursuing higher goals, such as spirituality. This social context can undermine efforts to practice moderation and self-control.

 

Educating yourself on self-restraint is essential, as awareness sparks the discipline needed for moderation, which must be sustained through understanding. Gaining the right understanding enables you to practice discipline.

 

A practical starting point is moderating your eating habits. Many people overeat to fulfill desires, rather than out of necessity. Intermittent fasting can help break this unconscious addiction. By establishing a routine where you only eat within a specific window and abstain for the rest of the day, you can better manage your consumption. This approach doesn’t involve forcefully suppressing food intake but rather controlling the timing of when you eat.

 

Intermittent fasting helps build willpower and resist food cravings, even during hunger or agitation. It offers several benefits, including autophagy—where cells clean up damaged or dysfunctional components, which can prevent disease, support cell repair, and contribute to longevity. Additionally, intermittent fasting enhances metabolic health, supports weight and fat loss, improves brain function, and reduces inflammation. 

 

Abstaining from masturbation or other sexual activities can also be practiced to control desires as these desires perpetuate the existence of physical attributes, which can further bond an individual in lower levels of reality where experiences pervade. Many people are often aroused by the body at a superficial level, finding it enticing from the outside. However, when exposed to its raw, internal components—blood, flesh, bones, and tendons—they may feel disgusted. This raises an interesting question: How can the body be seen as enticing when, beneath the surface, it can seem repulsive? Moreover, the body ages and its physical appearance changes over time, often becoming less desirable. Despite this, many people still find pleasure in it, sometimes even from viewing it on a screen—essentially, being aroused by pixels in a digital world.

 

Contemplating these contradictions can help individuals gain more control over their sexual cravings. By understanding how fleeting and superficial these desires often are, it's possible to cultivate greater awareness and self-discipline. Controlling sexual tendencies can lead to a variety of benefits, including improved focus, increased energy, better emotional health, stronger relationships, heightened motivation, enhanced self-discipline, and potentially even better physical health. Most importantly, it allows you to focus awareness on things that are much more spiritual in nature, allowing you to progress more on that path instead of sticking on to lower desires. 

 

How to Practice Brahmacharya in Light of Non-Dual Wisdom: 

 

If there is only the self, and the self is one, then pursuing desires for things perceived as separate from you reflects a delusion of believing in something that does not truly exist. Since we tend to seek joy in external objects, it is important to address and transcend the pleasure derived from them, as this pleasure is fleeting and leads to eventual disappointment  Understanding wholeness means recognizing that this completeness is within, not external. By aligning your actions with a sense of interconnectedness, you cultivate balance and harmony.

 

Align yourself with a higher purpose and channel your focus and energy towards goals that transcend materialistic desires. Use your energy to enhance collective well-being, reflecting your higher self and interconnected purpose. This unity is always present, waiting for you to become conscious of it. See oneness in all things and embrace the understanding that you are not separate from anything. As you deepen this awareness, desires will diminish, revealing the true nature of objects and desires.

 

Aparigraha Explained and How to Practice:

 

Aparigraha means non-possessiveness or non-greed and involves letting go of attachments to possessions and avoiding greed. People often act against aparigraha due to strong material desires, societal norms that encourage accumulation, fear of scarcity, emotional attachments to possessions, and ingrained habits.

 

You can counteract greed by actively giving away what you would typically keep. Offer things to others as an act of generosity, aiming to bring them happiness rather than solely satisfying your own desires. Enjoy the sense of fulfillment that comes from making someone else happy. If you feel resistant to this practice, it may indicate a strong attachment to the ego and a clinging to possessions. To overcome this, cultivate a deeper connection with others through empathy and compassion. As you do so, you will gradually loosen the grip of greed, which in turn enhances the other yamas discussed earlier.

 

Reducing materialism is a valuable practice to embrace. Begin by directing your energy towards relationships and family rather than accumulating possessions. Prioritize spending time with loved ones over acquiring new things. When possessions do come into your life, work on releasing attachments to them. This means obtaining items without allowing them to control your mind. If you can truly practice non-attachment, you won’t be distressed if you lose those possessions. Avoid letting cherished, fascinating, or obsessively desired items dominate your life. Gradually develop habits of letting go by setting small goals to reduce your possessions and simplify your lifestyle.

 

You'll find that having too many possessions complicates life and creates a sense of dependence on those things for happiness. By downsizing and embracing minimalism, you can discover that you remain just as happy without the extra baggage. Life becomes simpler and less complex when you focus on the bare necessities and avoid living beyond your means. Instead of seeking happiness from objects that are transient, you can find joy in more enduring aspects of life, such as relationships with friends and family, and in pursuits like spirituality.

 

Even if others fear scarcity rather than focusing on materialism, it is beneficial to develop a mindset of abundance by concentrating on what you have rather than what you lack. Cultivate appreciation for your possessions and circumstances, recognizing that many people face far more severe hardships, such as struggling to secure basic necessities like food. Gratitude for what you have builds a more positive and fulfilling approach to life, enhancing your overall well-being and perspective.

 

How to Practice Aparigraha in Light of Non-Dual Wisdom: 

 

If there is only a non-dual reality, then you should recognize the illusion of ownership. Possession and attachment are based on the illusion of separation. By practicing non-possessiveness, you align with the understanding that there is only one, and that all things that appear separate are transient and not truly permanent, much like a projected simulation that’s not real as it appears to be. They come and go, reflecting the impermanence of appearances within the unified whole. How then can one be so hypnotized by something that isn’t truly there?

 

One should reflect on the impermanent nature of experiences and possessions. This awareness grows appreciation for the present moment and the fleeting nature of existence, enhancing gratitude. Instead of clinging to things that are constantly changing, focus on the present, which remains ever-full. Embrace non-attachment by understanding that true contentment comes from within, not from external possessions. By prioritizing internal fulfillment and recognizing the transience of material wealth, you can reduce the compulsion to accumulate more.

 

You can also appreciate the diversity of forms and experiences as different expressions of the same essence. Recognize the wonder in how life manifests in various ways, and this perspective will help you see the value in everything around you, building deep gratitude.

 

Introduction of Niyamas (The Second Limb):

 

The niyamas are the second limb of Patanjali's Eight Limbs of Yoga and serve as personal observances or ethical practices that focus on an individual's internal discipline. They complement the yamas, which are ethical guidelines for interactions with others (outward disciplines). 

 

The niyamas are designed to cultivate self-discipline and inner purity. They provide a framework for self-improvement and spiritual growth, helping individuals to develop a deeper sense of self-awareness. By following the niyamas, seekers work towards achieving inner balance and harmony. They address the cultivation of positive internal qualities such as contentment, self-study, and devotion. 

 

The niyamas support spiritual development by encouraging practices that builds a deeper connection with oneself and one's spiritual path. They prepare the mind and heart for more advanced spiritual practices, ultimately transcending conventional notions of good and bad.

 

Internal vs. External Observances:

 

• Internal Observances: The niyamas primarily focus on internal practices. They guide how individuals relate to themselves and their inner experiences. For example, practices such as self-study (svadhyaya) and contentment (santosha) involve introspection and personal reflection.

• External Observances: Although the primary focus of the niyamas is internal, some of their practices can have external projections. For example, cleanliness (saucha) involves maintaining physical and mental cleanliness, which can also influence one's external environment.

 

The Five Niyamas: 

 

1. Saucha (शौच) - Cleanliness: This principle emphasizes both physical cleanliness and mental purity. It involves maintaining a clean body and environment, as well as cultivating a clear, and still mind. 

2. Santosha (संतोष) - Contentment: This niyama encourages finding satisfaction and contentment with what one already has, building a sense of inner peace and acceptance regardless of one’s circumstances.

3. Tapas (तपस्) - Self-discipline: Tapas refers to the practice of self-discipline, perseverance, and effort. It involves developing the ability to overcome challenges and maintain constant commitment to one's practices and goals.

4. Svadhyaya (स्वाध्याय) - Self-study: This principle involves self-reflection and the study of spiritual texts. It encourages individuals to explore their inner selves and gain insights into their nature and purpose through wisdom of others. 

5. Ishvara Pranidhana (ईश्वर प्रणिधान) - Devotion to a Higher Power: This niyama emphasizes surrendering to a higher power. It involves practicing devotion, trust, and offering one's actions to a greater purpose.

 

Saucha Explained and How to Practice:

 

Saucha means purity or cleanliness, encompassing both physical cleanliness and mental purity. It involves maintaining cleanliness in one’s environment, body, and mind. People may disregard the principle of saucha due to lack of awareness, cultural differences, busy lifestyles, resistance to change, economic constraints, or mental health issues.

 

Many individuals may not fully grasp the importance of cleanliness or the benefits it offers to physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Body cleanliness is crucial for spiritual growth because it helps clear the mind, fosters discipline, and creates a harmonious environment. It reflects mental and emotional clarity. Without cleanliness, one may face poor hygiene, which can lead to health issues such as infections, the spread of diseases, and skin problems. These issues can hinder spiritual practices by causing physical discomfort, mental distraction, and a lack of focus. Conversely, maintaining physical cleanliness often leads to greater inner clarity and mental purity.

 

Other obstacles to maintaining cleanliness include a busy lifestyle. Many people, caught up in their hectic schedules and driven by desires, may neglect personal hygiene and environmental cleanliness. This lack of clarity about true purpose often leads to prioritizing immediate tasks over well-being. To overcome this, it is crucial to establish routines, prioritize tasks, and adopt a minimalist mindset. Simplifying life through these practices can help reduce stress and create the space needed for maintaining both personal and environmental cleanliness.

 

Cultural differences can significantly influence practices regarding cleanliness, as beliefs, norms, and practices vary widely from one culture to another. These cultural factors can impact both physical and mental cleanliness, sometimes conflicting with broader spiritual growth. To pursue a path of mental and physical purity, it is important to educate yourself continuously and address ingrained conditionings. Stay open-minded and develop personal routines that align with your lifestyle while incorporating what you’ve learned. By building on these foundations, you can make meaningful progress in your journey toward inner and outer cleanliness.

 

Limited resources can also impact one’s ability to maintain a high standard of cleanliness. While ensuring basic needs like food and survival are the top priorities, once relatively stable, individuals should strive to maintain cleanliness as best as possible. There are cost-effective ways to achieve cleanliness and community resources that can be utilized. For those with mental health challenges, it’s helpful to start with small steps and gradually build upon them. Establishing routines, setting realistic goals, and seeking support from others can aid in upholding the principle of saucha.

 

How to Practice Saucha in Light of Non-Dual Wisdom:

 

Recognizing unity helps in understanding that physical cleanliness reflects and supports inner purity, as the external and internal are interconnected. While the physical body may seem external, it is a projection of the mind and is therefore governed by mind. By maintaining physical cleanliness, one can support and promote clarity of mind, as the body and mind are essentially one. Upholding cleanliness demonstrates respect for the interconnectedness of body, mind, and environment.

 

Viewing cleanliness as a means of showing respect and compassion towards oneself and others helps recognize the shared nature of existence. By perceiving the self in everything, you can approach cleanliness with the understanding that each aspect supports a holistic sense of well-being. This perspective enhances mindfulness in actions, deepening awareness and aligning actions with a sense of unity.

 

Santosha Explained and How to Practice:

 

Santosha means contentment or satisfaction with what one already has. It involves cultivating a sense of inner peace and acceptance regardless of external circumstances. Achieving santosha can be challenging due to constant desires, social comparisons, and high expectations, which often overshadow the practice of being content with what one has.

 

In a world driven by materialistic desires, many people constantly chase after possessions that ultimately offer little lasting value—such as a larger house, a fancier car, or countless clothes and shoes. These acquisitions often serve merely to create a sense of superiority rather than genuine satisfaction. Conditioned to believe that these possessions are the ultimate goals in life, individuals continually seek the next best thing, finding only temporary fulfillment. This endless pursuit of desires prevents true contentment, as they are perpetually focused on acquiring more rather than appreciating what they already have.

 

In addition to the constant desire to acquire new things, societal expectations often drive us to compare ourselves with others to maintain a certain status. Instead of appreciating what we already have, we focus on what others possess and strive to surpass them. This mindset reinforces high expectations and competitiveness, which only strengthens the ego and the sense of separation, further dividing us.

 

Breaking this mindset is crucial. Regularly reflecting on and appreciating the positive aspects of your life, rather than constantly striving for the best, helps cultivate true contentment. Even the best possessions will never fully satisfy you; they often serve merely as a means to seek validation from others, which is a form of weakness. True power comes from being content with who you are and what you have, independent of external validation or dependence on others.

 

One should practice accepting all situations and outcomes as they are, without excessive desire or dissatisfaction. Comparing yourself to others is unnecessary, as contentment varies from person to person. What brings you joy may differ from what brings joy to others. Avoid unnecessary materialism and instead focus on finding joy in simple pleasures that contribute to your personal growth. Embrace what fulfills you personally, rather than seeking validation through possessions or comparisons.

 

How to Practice Santosha in Light of Non-Dual Wisdom: 

 

One should understand that true contentment arises from recognizing the oneness of the present moment. If the present is all there is, then seeking fulfillment in the future or dwelling on the past only diverts you from what is inherently complete. True satisfaction does not come from external achievements or possessions, but from the acceptance of the present moment and the inherent unity within yourself. Recognize that contentment is found in acknowledging and embracing the completeness and unity that already exists within you.

 

Whenever you experience discontentment, immediately recognize that both contentment and discontent are expressions of the same underlying reality. This understanding helps you embrace the present moment and release attachments to either extreme, seeing them as transient aspects of a unified whole. By maintaining a balanced perspective, you cultivate awareness that transcends external conditions and discover inner peace within yourself. Focus on the center, avoiding the extremes that cause the mind to waver, and thereby build a deeper, more stable sense of tranquility.

 

Tapas Explained and How to Practice:

 

Tapas, or self-discipline, involves burning away desires through persistent spiritual practice and self-control. It requires effort and perseverance in personal and spiritual growth. Without tapas, spiritual progress can stagnate, hindering deeper understanding beyond conventional notions of good and bad. People often resist tapas due to a preference for comfort, lack of awareness of higher possibilities, fear of failure, and societal norms that favor ease over effort. Engaging in tapas means embracing discomfort and effort as necessary for profound spiritual development.

 

Transcending conventional desires requires moving beyond the physical reality perceived by most, which is often influenced by societal conditioning. Tapas, or self-discipline, becomes essential in this process. By engaging in tapas, individuals challenge their comfort zones, push their limits, and maintain consistency in their spiritual and personal growth.

 

Tapas helps break free from the automatic responses conditioned by societal norms and desires by fostering perseverance and mindful effort. It involves enduring discomfort and resisting immediate gratifications to attain a higher understanding and alignment with deeper truths. This consistent practice encourages growth through overcoming obstacles and deepening self-awareness, ultimately leading to transcendence beyond superficial desires and conditioned patterns.

 

To practice tapas effectively, start with small, achievable goals and progressively work towards more significant objectives. Begin by creating a routine that incorporates dedicated time for your chosen practices. As you build discipline, gradually extend or increase the frequency of these practices.

 

For instance, to practice resisting immediate gratification, you might start by observing your favorite food without immediately indulging. Instead of focusing on the sensory experience or personal associations with the food, observe it objectively. This approach helps to diminish the automatic responses linked to desire and enhances self-control.

 

Apply this practice to other areas where you experience immediate gratification. The goal is to develop the ability to detach from fleeting desires and cultivate a greater sense of control and awareness over your impulses. Over time, this discipline helps you to progress spiritually and personally, building deeper self-understanding and growth.

 

The problem with practicing tapas is that many people are unwilling to put in the necessary effort and instead choose to succumb to their desires. It's very easy to give in and seek pleasure from fulfilling those desires. However, this only reinforces and perpetuates them. Tapas requires effort and persistence to overcome and eventually eliminate these desires. Rather than yielding to societal norms that favor ease, one should commit to the hard work required to cultivate purity; otherwise, spiritual growth will remain stagnant.

 

The possibility of failure may also deter individuals from engaging in tapas, as they might believe it will be a waste of time. Some may doubt the value of spiritual growth or fear that not indulging their desires will lead to a wasted life. Without conviction, they may not progress spiritually and may need to revisit life until they gain the necessary resolve. Therefore, tapas should be approached as a means to overcome challenges, facing situations with resilience and determination. Treat every challenge as an opportunity for growth. The more you apply tapas in both difficult and favorable circumstances, the more you elevate yourself to higher truths rather than being mired by lower-level desires.

 

How to Practice Tapas in Light of Non-Dual Wisdom: 

 

If all is ultimately the single, pure self, and tapas is necessary to realize this truth, then practicing discipline should be seen as a natural expression of the interconnectedness of all things. Instead of viewing tapas as a struggle or imposed effort, engage in it with detachment from results or personal gain. Practice tapas with the understanding that, while effort is essential, it must be balanced with surrender to the flow of life and acceptance of the present moment. This surrender is a form of effort but without attachment. Therefore, perform disciplined actions with full awareness of the present moment. By surrendering personal desires and attachments, which arise from the ego and do not impact the true nature of Brahman, you stabilize your awareness of the pure self. This detachment enhances tapas and accelerates mental purity.

 

Svadhyaya Explained and How to Practice: 

 

Svadhyaya means self-study and self-reflection. It involves inwardly examining oneself and engaging with spiritual texts to deepen self-awareness and insight. People may resist svadhyaya because it can be uncomfortable to confront one’s own flaws, requires time and effort that may be challenging to prioritize, and often challenges established beliefs and habits.

 

Engaging in svadhyaya often involves confronting uncomfortable truths about oneself, which can be challenging. The ego may resist self-examination to avoid facing its flaws or shortcomings. Additionally, individuals might feel that they don't need to reflect or study higher truths because they perceive themselves as already mature, which is also the ego's way of asserting its superiority. To overcome this, it’s important to regularly engage in introspection and mindfulness practices to identify and explore one's inner flaws. Humility and the willingness to correct one's flaws through constant inner analysis are crucial for spiritual growth. Without this self-awareness, the ego remains dominant, and spiritual evolution can become stagnant or regress.

 

Self-study can lead to significant personal transformation, which may be daunting for many. People might fear the changes that come with deeper self-awareness and thus avoid it, finding comfort in their current beliefs and behaviors. Engaging in svadhyaya challenges these familiar patterns, leading to resistance. Without fully grasping the value or significance of svadhyaya, individuals may lack motivation to engage in it. They might even view svadhyaya as irrelevant or impractical to their everyday life, especially if they prioritize immediate, tangible concerns over spiritual or philosophical inquiry.

 

Modern life is often filled with distractions and responsibilities that can make it difficult for people to find time for deep self-reflection and study. When one fails to prioritize this significant practice, they may succumb to unnecessary desires and experience resulting suffering. Therefore, it is crucial to establish routines around svadhyaya and seek support from like-minded individuals to build the discipline needed to continue on this path.

 

How to Practice Svadhyaya in Light of Non-Dual Wisdom:

 

If all is ultimately the self, recognize that actions, thoughts, and interactions are merely apparent phenomena, but in essence, they are expressions of the one true reality. Dig deeply into texts like the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, or Advaita Vedanta writings, which explore the nature of Brahman. Reflect on how these teachings relate to your own experiences. Integrate this knowledge by applying the insights gained to enhance your direct experience of oneness. Understanding these teachings is a tool for deeper self-realization and spiritual insight. The more you engage in this study, the more your mind will focus inward, allowing for profound self-analysis and inner investigation, which helps remove obstacles and resistances and deepens your spiritual practice.

 

Ishvara Pranidhana Explained and How to Practice:

 

Ishvara Pranidhana, or devotion and surrender to a higher power, involves dedicating one's actions and thoughts to a divine presence or higher purpose. Resistance to this practice often stems from a strong ego, attachment to specific outcomes, lack of trust, and conflicting personal beliefs. To overcome this resistance, one must cultivate self-awareness, build trust, and learn to relinquish the need for control.

 

For one who truly practices Ishvara Pranidhana, it is essential to embrace all of life’s unfolding equally. This means surrendering not only during difficult times—when many people try to do so to lessen their suffering—but also during the good times. We often cling to the good times due to attachment to outcomes, which reinforces the mindset of attachment. Consequently, this clinging also extends to the bad times, as we fail to let go of the good effectively.

 

The ego tends to cling to experiences, especially when they are enjoyable. These pleasurable experiences can be so captivating that letting go becomes challenging, even if one recognizes that spirituality has a deeper dimension. Therefore, it is crucial to let go of the control that the ego exerts and place trust in something greater. Only by having faith in this higher power can it begin to influence our lives. However, resistance to greater truths blocks this power from entering. For this higher power to come into our lives, we must be conscious of it, which requires releasing control and the ego's compulsion to cling to outcomes.

 

Because most people are unaware of this conscious presence, they allow the ego to perpetuate its limitations and adhere to contradictory beliefs. This ignorance prevents them from surrendering, as they lack the faith to recognize something that is always present but currently hidden. Therefore, we must actively push ourselves towards embracing a reality greater than our dualistic experiences. By doing so, we can work on surrendering and letting go of control, trusting in a higher power that guides our lives. Engaging in the yamas and niyamas helps cultivate this surrender and releasing control, which is ultimately essential for conscious liberation.

 

How to Practice Ishvara Pranidhana in Light of Non-Dual Wisdom: 

 

Practicing Ishvara Pranidhana involves recognizing that surrender is not separate from the true self. The realization of your true self, Atman, is identical to Brahman, though it appears as an individual witness. Surrender acknowledges the Self's omnipresence and inherent unity. Therefore, one should let go of the illusion of control and understand that the sense of individual agency is part of the illusion of separateness. Surrender involves releasing this illusion and accepting that all actions and outcomes arise from a singular power from which you originated.

 

Learn to cultivate trust in the inherent wisdom and order of the Self, which naturally governs everything. This trust facilitates surrender to the natural flow of life and alignment with unified existence. One should act with the awareness that all actions are expressions of the same Self, shifting the focus from personal, ego-driven actions to embracing and flowing with divine will, which is governed by a higher power. By understanding and practicing these principles, surrender becomes an act of acknowledging and aligning with the ultimate reality of oneness, rather than merely yielding to an external force.

 

Conclusion of Yamas and Niyamas:

 

As you can see, the Yamas and Niyamas encompass both internal and external observances that help cultivate purity of the mind. This purity must be developed through self-effort and intentional actions, which helps shift ego-driven behavior toward more selfless actions. The more selfless actions are practiced, the more these principles deepen, promoting a calm demeanor that allows attention to turn inward. As this inward focus strengthens, one can more readily embrace the flow of surrender and relinquish control.

 

Since the Yamas and Niyamas are all methods for purifying the mind, they are inherently interconnected. Enhancing one Yama or Niyama will naturally lead to the improvement of the others. Practicing any of these observances leads to the growth of others, and their perfection is achieved as self-realization deepens, which we will discuss in more detail later. Once the Yamas and Niyamas have been sufficiently cultivated to purify the mind, you can reap the benefits of the subsequent limbs of yoga. The next limb, Asanas, or postures, will elevate your mental purity further. As you progress with the later limbs, you will find that the practices of the Yamas and Niyamas also reach higher levels of refinement.

 

Theme 1, Phase 2: Taking Attention Beyond Sattvic Qualities 

 

Introduction of Asanas (The Third Limb):

 

While Asanas are known to be physical postures or poses practiced in yoga that are designed to improve physical health, flexibility, strength, and balance, in the context of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, asanas are more accurately defined as a posture of steadiness and comfortablity. In other words, the posture should be firm and unwavering, allowing one to be more relaxed without strain. This will enable one to embody a sense of clam and balance, making them a preparation for much deeper practices as we continue on with the other limbs of yoga. 

 

The main purpose of asanas is to stabilize the physical body, allowing one to shift attention away from bodily sensations, actions, and external disturbances. By achieving a high degree of physical stability and stillness, the mind can cultivate greater calmness and focus, facilitating deeper contemplation. Therefore, in discussing asanas, we are not practicing a wide variety of poses to get in shape. Instead, we aim to find a position that is comfortable and stable enough to maintain for extended periods without moving. This is not to discredit the value of practicing different types of asanas for physical health. Indeed, practicing a variety of postures with the right intention can also help still the mind if one focuses solely on the asanas. However, for the sake of simplicity, the goal here is to find a comfortable position that helps the mind relax and remain less disturbed.

 

Therefore, the point of asanas is to use them as a means to develop mental clarity and achieve greater stillness of the mind. This practice helps one transcend the identification with the body's actions, whether perceived as good or bad, and allows attention to reach beyond its usual confines.

 

True Benefits of Asanas: 

 

While asanas are widely recognized for their physical health benefits, such as improving circulation, flexibility, strength, and balance, they offer deeper advantages related to their true purpose.

 

1. Mental Clarity: The practice of asanas enhances focus and concentration. Mindfully engaging in asanas helps reduce stress, anxiety, compulsive desires, and excessive thoughts about the past and future, thereby promoting mental calmness.

2. Energy Flow: Asanas also regulate and enhance the flow of prana (life energy) projecting the body. This improved energy flow enables relaxation and stillness by keeping the mind calm and redirecting attention away from disturbances. 

 

While there are many types of asanas, we will focus on the simplest ones, which are often the most effective and efficient. The effectiveness of an asana is determined by how well it supports comfort and steadiness. This does not mean that one specific asana is the best for everyone, as individual needs vary. Ideally, if the mind were already greatly purified, any asana could be effective. However, for a systematic approach, we will introduce a few that enhance comfort and steadiness. Ultimately, you should practice the asana that works best for you.

 

When an asana is perfected, it allows attention to merge inward fully. However, this perfection will develop through the practice of the subsequent limbs, which will further refine the asana as you progress on this path.

 

Some of the most commonly practiced asanas include:

 

1. Sukhasana (Easy Pose): A simple cross-legged position that is comfortable for many seekers.

2. Padmasana (Lotus Pose): A more advanced cross-legged pose that provides stability and support for the spine.

3. Siddhasana (Accomplished Pose): A seated pose with one foot placed against the inner thigh, offering a stable base for meditation.

4. Vajrasana (Thunderbolt Pose): Kneeling with the legs folded beneath, which can be easier for extended periods of sitting.

 

In essence, the goal is to sit in a comfortable position for an extended period without being disturbed. Since we aim to maintain this position for a long time, there should be no distractions from anything on or around your body. Therefore, the place where you practice should be generally quiet and peaceful, ideally away from others in the beginning. Additionally, sitting on a comfortable surface helps prevent any physical distractions.

 

The right amount of food consumption:

 

Additionally, avoid practicing with too much food in your system to prevent discomfort. You should not enter the practice overly full or overly hungry. Aim to be slightly full, perhaps practicing after a light meal or several hours after a full meal. Achieving this balance will help ensure that you can sit comfortably without bodily distractions.

 

Staying upright to avoid sleep and to improve energy flow:

 

If an asana is not comfortable enough, adjust your position to enhance comfort. However, avoid making yourself too comfortable to the point of falling asleep. The goal is to remain wide awake and alert. Therefore, keep the spine erect and avoid tilting it, as an upright spine will also facilitate better prana flow and reduce distractions.

 

Before transitioning from the practice of asanas to the next limb, please ensure the following:

 

1. Body Awareness: Ensure you have developed a solid sense of body awareness and alignment through your asana. This awareness will help you maintain a steady posture during pranayama.

2. Physical Readiness: Ensure that your body is supported enough to sit comfortably for extended periods. This physical readiness supports effective pranayama practice.

 

Once you have practiced sitting in a particular asana for some time and have found the right position, settle into that asana and remain still. After sitting still for a few minutes, you can proceed to the next limb—pranayama.

 

Introduction of Pranayama (The Fourth Limb):

 

Pranayama is a practice that focuses on the regulation and control of breath. The term "pranayama" comes from the Sanskrit words "prana" (life force or vital energy) and "ayama" (extension or control). It involves various techniques to manage and enhance the flow of prana through controlled breathing exercises. It is important to note that prana is not the physical breath itself but the energy behind the breath. Therefore, by controlling the breath, we manipulate the flow of prana. Prana is the general life force or subtle energy present everywhere and essential for everyday functioning. 

 

Pranayama techniques help regulate and control the breath, thereby enhancing the flow of prana (vital life force) through the body. This practice helps stabilize the mind, improves mental clarity, balance emotions and supports physical health by purifying the body. While there are many benefits to pranayama, the point of this exercise here to simply regulating the breath to calm the mind. 

 

As you begin to experience the effects of prana through pranayama practices, you will notice various personal sensations and shifts in perception. You will become more attuned to the subtle nature of your body, sensing warmth and vibrations previously unnoticed. This is because prana constitutes the subtle body. You may start to realize that your physical body is not merely physical but has a more subtle nature (energetic). By tapping into the energy fields, you begin to uncover deeper truths about the nature of matter.

 

Your mental clarity will improve, enhancing your awareness of both your surroundings and your internal state, including your heartbeat, as you become less distracted through conscious breathing. Pranayama should be practiced with a focus on feeling the energy behind each breath. This requires remaining very still during practice and minimizing external disturbances. You may also sense energy flowing through different areas of your body or notice changes in your breath, which might become deeper and smoother. These experiences can vary from person to person and often require patience and consistent practice to fully appreciate.

 

Here is a list of pranayama techniques that you can perform daily or weekly, depending on your schedule. Be sure to practice them in a safe and comfortable environment, preferably during times when you are not disturbed. These techniques will be categorized based on the seekers level of experience. As you practice, remain conscious of your breath the entire time. Although you may notice notable signs along the way, try to stay focused and continue your practice. This approach helps build momentum, much like winding up a spring—it is only when you stop that the spring releases its energy. Therefore, maintain your practice despite any intense feelings, as this can help you break through to the next level of pranayama, if you choose to take it there. Start with beginner practices and progress to more advanced ones as you feel ready. Not everyone will need to perform all these practices; sometimes, just one practice may be sufficient to advance you to a point where you’re ready to give up the senses from being immersed in the prana.

 

Beginner:

 

1. Ujjayi (Victorious Breath)

   • How to Do It:

     1. Sit or stand comfortably with a straight spine.

     2. Inhale deeply through the nose with a slight constriction at the back of the throat, creating an ocean-like sound.

     3. Exhale slowly through the nose with the same throat constriction.

     4. Maintain a steady, rhythmic flow of breath and continue for several minutes.

     5. Repeat for several minutes  

2. Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing)

   • How to Do It:

     1. Sit comfortably with your spine straight.

     2. Using your right thumb, close your right nostril.

     3. Inhale deeply and slowly through the left nostril.

     4. Close the left nostril with your right ring finger and release the right nostril.

     5. Exhale slowly through the right nostril.

     6. Inhale through the right nostril, close it with your thumb, and exhale through the left nostril.

     7. Repeat this cycle for several minutes.

3. Sitali (Cooling Breath)

   • How to Do It:

     1. Sit comfortably with a straight spine.

     2. Roll the tongue into a tube shape or purse your lips.

     3. Inhale deeply through the rolled tongue or pursed lips.

     4. Exhale through the nose.

     5. Continue for several minutes, focusing on the cooling sensation.

 

Intermediate:

 

1. Kapalabhati (Skull Shining Breath)

   • How to Do It:

     1. Sit comfortably with a straight spine.

     2. Take a deep inhale through the nose.

     3. Exhale forcefully through the nose while pulling the abdomen inward.

     4. Allow the inhalation to occur passively and repeat the exhalation at a rapid pace.

     5. Perform for a few minutes, then take a few deep breaths to relax. 

     6. Repeat cycle for several minutes. 

2. Bhramari (Bee Breath)

   • How to Do It:

     1. Sit comfortably with a straight spine.

     2. Close your eyes and place your index fingers on your ear flaps.

     3. Inhale deeply through the nose.

     4. Exhale slowly while making a humming sound, similar to a bee.

     5. Continue for a few minutes, focusing on the sound and vibration.

3. Surya Bhedana (Right Nostril Breathing)

   • How to Do It:

     1. Sit comfortably with a straight spine.

     2. Close the left nostril with your right ring finger.

     3. Inhale deeply through the right nostril.

     4. Close the right nostril with your thumb and release the left nostril.

     5. Exhale slowly through the left nostril.

     6. Repeat the cycle for several minutes.

4. Chandra Bhedana (Left Nostril Breathing)

   • How to Do It:

     1. Sit comfortably with a straight spine.

     2. Close the right nostril with your thumb.

     3. Inhale deeply through the left nostril.

     4. Close the left nostril with your right ring finger and release the right nostril.

     5. Exhale slowly through the right nostril.

     6. Repeat the cycle for several minutes.

 

Advanced:

 

1. Bhastrika (Bellows Breath)

   • How to Do It:

     1. Sit comfortably with a straight spine.

     2. Inhale deeply and forcefully through the nose, expanding the abdomen.

     3. Exhale forcefully through the nose, pulling the abdomen inward.

     4. Repeat the inhalation and exhalation rapidly.

     5. Practice for a few minutes and then take a few deep breaths to relax.

2. Kumbhaka (Breath Retention)

   • How to Do It:

     1. Sit comfortably with a straight spine.

     2. Inhale deeply through the nose.

     3. Hold the breath for a few seconds (or as long as comfortable).

     4. Exhale slowly through the nose.

     5. Practice gradually increasing the retention time as you become more comfortable.

 

These techniques are arranged from simpler to more complex, with advanced methods demanding greater focus, control, and practice. Practicing them more frequently will deepen your immersion and facilitate purification. This purification helps create an environment conducive to pulling attention or consciousness away from the senses. In essence, pranayama prepares and conditions both body and mind, potentially facilitating the mind to turn inward away from perceived external disturbances. There are many pranayama techniques available, but it is not necessary to master them all. Practicing just a few techniques can be sufficient to calm the mind enough to move on to the next limb. 

 

Introduction of Pratyahara (The Fifth Limb):

 

Pratyahara is defined as the practice of withdrawing the senses from external objects and distractions. It involves turning one's attention inward, helping the seeker detach from sensory stimuli and to cultivate a much deeper focus and control over the mind. This inward withdrawal is crucial for progressing deeper towards the other limbs. 

 

When attention is entangled in the functions of the senses—such as taste, smell, and touch—one continues to perceive themselves as a physical body experiencing these sensations. This immersion in body-consciousness reinforces the sense of separation between oneself and the objects of perception, perpetuating the experience of sensory phenomena and the feeling of separation.

 

Furthermore, when objects are highly alluring due to the values assigned by the mind's inherent tendencies, attention becomes fixated on these objects, drifting away and becoming captivated by the forces that keep attention tied to their existence. To break this false perception, sense withdrawal is essential. Without it, the experience of sensory pleasure from objects perceived to be external will persist.

 

How to Withdraw from the Senses:

 

To begin the process of self-withdrawal, you need a sufficiently calm mind, achieved through some mastery of the preceding steps. Without this, the mind will be unable to detach from its objects and will continue to dwell on them due to persistent desires. When your mind is calm, your body is comfortable, and you have engaged in conscious breathing, you can start letting go and begin the preparatory practices. This involves turning your attention inward, away from the body, which allows the mind to pick up and register stimuli, enabling sensory perceptions.

 

Whether your eyes are open or closed, you should begin to perceive objects outside of yourself as objectively as possible. This means not attributing any meaning to them or becoming attached to any thoughts about them, as this would only reinforce their existence and generate emotional responses. Take note of the sounds, feelings, sensations, and scents around you without reacting. Observe them as passing phenomena, understanding that they are ultimately illusory, much like seeing water in a mirage. Instead, shift your attention away from these external stimuli by letting go of your awareness of them and possibly focusing on a separate thought or visualization in your mind. This should be manageable if you have developed proficiency in pranayama. With practice, the feelings and meanings you attach to objects—such as pleasurable or unpleasant foods—will eventually lose their inherent significance. You will come to view these objects with equanimity, similar to how you might forget the taste of food while deeply engrossed in a game or work on a computer. Even though you are eating your favorite food, if your attention is fully absorbed in the game or work, you may forget that you are eating, even as you continue to do so.

 

As you can see, when your attention becomes intensely focused on something, it becomes less aware of other things. This means that if you practice sense withdrawal correctly, you will eventually lose your awareness of the body. This turning away of attention can be achieved while sitting still or even while engaging in activities. Thus, sense withdrawal is not inherently dependent on inaction or inactivity. Initially, it is practiced in a more passive state to develop proficiency, but once you are adept, you can continue practicing even while involved in various activities. This highlights the power of sense withdrawal, especially when engaged in activities that are either highly pleasurable or highly dissatisfying. The goal is not only to practice sense withdrawal with pleasurable experiences but also with unpleasant ones. Developing indifference and dispassion towards all things is crucial for allowing the mind to delve deeper into itself, becoming purer and more still.

 

Whether you engage in sense withdrawal by visualizing an object in your mind, focusing on a separate thought, or simply forgetting about anything conceivable is entirely up to you and your ability. It ultimately depends on the purity of your mind and your level of practice, whether beginner, intermediate, or advanced. The goal is to stop assigning distinct values to different things. By doing so, you prevent the senses from continuing their functions and avoid perpetuating the duality of existence. This duality arises from the belief in separation between yourself and the world, which is reinforced by assigning value to external objects, no matter what they are. 

 

As equanimity builds through sense withdrawal, the existence of objects begins to fade, revealing the truth that what once appeared as separate entities is actually one unified reality. However, for this realization to emerge, one must delve deeper into the mind and advance through the other limbs of practice, where attention becomes increasingly focused on the singular rather than the many.