Page 7 - Lesson 8.xps

Spiritual Aspects MODULE-2
Dimension of Physical
Aprigraha (non-possessiveness): It means that we should not collect things Education and Yog
without requirement. It also means non attachment.

Brahmacharya (celibacy): It is a form of self-restraint regarded as a virtue,
and an observance recommended depending on an individual’s context.
Self-control in all things is the direction of true growth.

Niyam- It literally means positive duties or observances. These are also five in
number. According to yog sutra these are fixed discipline necessary for the Note
practice of meditation and Samadhi. These are described as follow:

Shaucha (cleanliness, purity): It is the first Niyam. It refers to purity of
mind, speech and body. It does not mean only physical cleanliness but also
environmental cleanliness and cleanliness of one’s living area.

Santosha (contentment): It means to be happy with present moment without
craving and without complaining. A sense of satisfaction in spiritual life is
a necessity.

Tapas (austerity): It means following a process of change and transformation
for the better. It is also defined as seeking out the pure essence of matter.
According to yog sutra, it involves subjecting the body to hardship so that
it can endure heat, cold, poison and so on.

Swadhyaya (self-observation/ introspection): It means the self-study and
recitation of the Vedas and other sacred books/ scriptures.

Ishwara Pranidhana or cultivation of faith or to believe in higher reality.

Asana- This is the third aspect of Ashtang Yog. According to Maharishi Patanjali
Asana is “Sthirasukhamasanam”. It means steady and comfortable posture is
known as Asan.

Through the practice of asanas, we develop the habit of discipline and the ability
to concentrate, both of which are necessary for meditation. We will learn more
about Asanas in the lesson Yogasana.

Pranayama- The word Pranayama means ‘extension or expansion ‘of the
dimension of prana. We will learn more about it in the lesson Pranayama.

Pratyahara- It is generally translated as ‘withdrawal of senses’ because at this
stage we withdraw our mind from the external sensory objects and internalize.
Dissociation of the mind from the sensory field is not a negative state, it is a very
beautiful experience. Practices of Pratyahara- Ajapa-japa, Yoga nidra, Trataka,
Antar mouna.

Physical Education and Yog

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