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The Eight Stages

P

atanjali gives a wide range of techniques that slowly harmonize the mind and gradually induce more subtle perception. However, the main path of Patanjali is contained within eight fundamental stages. The first five are:

bullet Yama (social code)
bullet Niyama (personal code)
bullet Asana (sitting pose)
bullet Pranayama (control of prana)
bullet Pratyahara (sense withdrawal)

These first five stages are the Esoteric or Bahiranga (External) Practices of Yoga. The practices from Dharana onwards eradicate the disturbing thoughts and psychic manifestations so that the mind ceases to function. The Ida (Inner World) is balanced with the Pingala (Outer World) so that the Sushumna (Transcendental World) begins to function in Samadhi.

The eight stages progressively steady the five Koshas (Sheaths) of Man:

bullet Annamaya (physical)
bullet Pranamaya (pranic or bioplasmic)
bullet Manomaya (mental)
bullet Vijnanamaya (intuitive)
bullet Anandamaya (blissful)

Eventually the aim is to transcend the limitation of these sheaths. The movement is from the gross to the more subtle. Let us briefly discuss each of the eight stages in turn.