When we usually think of yoga, the image that pops up in our mind is of someone doing challenging poses or someone sitting with eyes closed in a meditative posture. But it encompasses much more. As awareness is growing, people are recognizing that yoga extends far beyond physical postures. Yoga is much beyond that. Yoga philosophy emphasizes the importance of understanding the true nature of the self.
Yoga means union. Yoga unites our hearts, mind, body, and spirit. It unites us and the people around us.
~Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Curious how yoga helps us understand our true selves? Keep reading!
Understanding the Self in Yoga: A Holistic Exploration through Koshas
Yogic thought discusses two parts of an individual: the smaller, conditioned self and the higher, true self. The smaller self is limited and conditioned, caught up in the mind’s fluctuations and sensory desires. The higher Self is pure and unconditioned consciousness, the source of true identity. This concept of self is represented through layers called koshas, each reflecting different aspects of human existence, from the physical body to the deepest layers of consciousness.
The human being is made up of five sheaths or “koshas,” which are layers of existence that move from the outer body to the inner self.
Annamaya Kosha (Physical Sheath):
This is about the physical body and how it gets nourishment from food, including our bones, muscles, organs, and senses.
Pranamaya Kosha (Energetic Sheath):
This layer supports life through the flow of vital energy called prana, including the breath, subtle energy channels (nadis), and energy centers (chakras).
Manomaya Kosha (Mental Sheath):
Represents our mental and emotional dimensions, including thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and subconscious patterns shaping our perceptions and actions.
Vijnanamaya Kosha (Wisdom Sheath):
This sheath is connected to discernment, higher intelligence, and the ability to perceive truth beyond regular understanding.
Anandamaya Kosha (Bliss Sheath):
Represents our true nature of pure consciousness and unending joy, beyond our individual identity and ego.
How Each Limb of Yoga Can Work on Each Kosha
Yoga, as outlined in the ancient text of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, consists of eight limbs (ashtanga), each offering a unique pathway to holistic well-being. When practiced mindfully, each limb of yoga can profoundly influence and harmonize the koshas—the layers of our being.
The first two limbs, Yamas and Niyamas, provide ethical principles and personal disciplines. By practising Ahimsa (non-violence) and Satya (truthfulness), for example, we cultivate a compassionate and honest relationship with our physical body (Annamaya Kosha) and enhance our mental clarity (Manomaya Kosha).
Through yoga postures, we nourish the Annamaya Kosha. Additionally, asanas help release physical tensions, improving the flow of prana (energy) through the Pranamaya Kosha, and enhancing our ability to sit comfortably in meditation, thereby supporting Manomaya Kosha.
By practising pranayama, we directly influence the Pranamaya Kosha, balancing the subtle energy channels (nadis) and activating the energy centres (chakras)
Pratyahara involves withdrawing the senses from external stimuli. This practice allows us to explore the Manomaya Kosha—the realm of thoughts, emotions, and subconscious patterns—without distraction.
Dharana is the practice of concentration. By improving our ability to focus, we enhance our mental discipline and reduce distractions when navigating the Manomaya Kosha. This focused attention helps the mind get ready for deeper meditation and makes it easier to access the Vijnanamaya Kosha—the realm of intuitive wisdom.
Dhyana – Meditation helps us explore the Vijnanamaya Kosha, leading to deep insights, intuitive knowledge, and a stronger connection with our true selves.
Samadhi is the highest goal of yoga, a state of deep connection with universal consciousness. Samadhi lets us feel the Anandamaya Kosha – the joyful core of our being.
Meditation helps to change your perspective. It improves the way you perceive things. It improves your interaction with people around you –what you say, how you react and act in different situations; you become more aware.
~Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Yoga for Society: How Working on Self Impacts the Society
Yoga is often viewed as a personal practice, focusing on individual growth and self-improvement. However, the impact of yoga extends far beyond the individual, influencing the society and community around us. When we work on ourselves through yoga, we not only improve our own lives but also contribute to a more harmonious and compassionate society.
Here’s how working on the self through yoga helps society:
Cultivating Inner Peace and Emotional Stability:
When individuals practise yoga, they develop emotional resilience and a sense of inner peace. This personal tranquillity reduces conflict and stress in social interactions, promoting a more harmonious environment. As individuals learn to manage their emotions and reactions through yoga, they contribute to creating a society that values calmness and understanding over aggression and discord.
Enhancing Empathy and Compassion:
Yoga fosters a deep sense of empathy and compassion by encouraging practitioners to connect with their inner selves and recognize the shared human experience. As individuals become more attuned to their own suffering and joy, they naturally extend this awareness to others, leading to more compassionate and supportive communities.
Promoting Ethical Behaviour and Social Responsibility:
The ethical principles of yoga, such as non-violence (Ahimsa), truthfulness (Satya), and self-discipline (Tapas), guide practitioners toward more ethical and responsible behaviour. When individuals embody these values, they contribute to a culture of integrity, fairness, and respect within their communities, setting a positive example for others to follow.
Encouraging Mindfulness and Presence:
Yoga cultivates mindfulness, allowing individuals to be fully present in their interactions and daily activities. This presence fosters better communication, deeper connections, and a greater appreciation for the present moment, enhancing the quality of relationships and social dynamics.
Having known the benefits of yoga for self and its immediate impact on the society, how can we disseminate this knowledge in the society?
Community Yoga Programs:
Organizing community yoga programs can make the practice accessible to a broader population, creating inclusive spaces where individuals can support each other in their well-being journey.
Yoga in Schools:
Introducing yoga in schools can have a transformative impact on students, helping them develop focus, self-regulation, and emotional resilience essential for academic success.
Corporate Wellness Programs:
Incorporating yoga into corporate wellness programs promotes employee well-being, reduces stress, and enhances productivity, creating a more positive work environment.
Yoga for Marginalised Communities:
Offering yoga to marginalised communities can be a powerful tool for empowerment and healing, addressing specific challenges such as trauma and mental health issues.
Yoga for Social Change:
Yoga can inspire individuals to engage in social change initiatives, contributing to a more just and sustainable world.
Community Building and Social Connection:
Yoga can be a powerful tool for fostering social connection, and creating a sense of belonging and shared purpose.
Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding:
Yoga can be used as a tool for conflict resolution, helping individuals develop empathy and effective communication skills for more harmonious relationships.
Mental Health and Wellness:
Yoga plays a critical role in promoting mental health and wellness, helping individuals manage stress and anxiety.
By working on ourselves through yoga, we cultivate qualities that enhance our interactions and relationships, fostering a more compassionate and harmonious community. When extended to various social contexts—such as schools, workplaces, and marginalised communities—yoga can promote collective well-being, ethical behaviour, and social responsibility.
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