Ashtang Yoga: The Art of Well-Being

This is the last episode of Ashtang Yog-- a road to a healthy body and calm mind. Recollecting in very short, the benefits of Ashtang Yog, I want to thank alll; especially, Surabhi Shukla, Miriam Schwarz, Alpana Shukla and Dr. Devashish Dubey-- the four people who made this possible. Thank you everyone and I hope you enjoy this last episode!

In this episode, I discuss Samadhi-- a state of the highest consciousness. It is a state where your consciousness amalgamates with the Universal Cosmic Energy. Yog Sutra describes ten stages of Samadhi, dividing them into three levels. With Samadhi you develop a state of blissfulness that is beyond words. I hope you enjoy it!

Brahman is the universal cosmic energy from which everything grows. Atman is the living part of continuous Brahman present in all beings. Hence all are equal and divine. This awareness fills us with bliss-- which is Anand. I quote a few verses of Atman Shakatum, of Adi Shankaracharya, to explain how an aware person feels.  I hope you enjoy this episode.

In this episode, I discuss Dhyaan-- the stage of meditation above Dharana, with more focused concentration and fewer thoughts. If Dharana is akin to rain drops dropping one by one, Dhyaan is the continuous flowing stream of rain water. The benefits of Dharana becomes multi-fold as one progresses in Dhyaan. I hope you enjoy it!

In this episode, I discuss Dharana i.e. trying to concentrate. Dharana is key to Pratyahaar and Dhyan. It has nothing to do with faith or religion. It is about altering consciousness, finding awareness and achieving peace. I hope you enjoy it!

In this episode, I discuss Chakras, the energy powerhouses of our body. They shoukd be open and banlanced for our well-being. The seven important ones are: 1. Mooladhar Chakra, 2. Swadhisthan Chakra, 3. Manipur Chakra, 4. Anahat Chakra, 5. Vishudhi Chakra, 6. Agyan Chakra, and 7. Sahasrara Chakra. Pranayam and Chakra meditation helps to balance the Chakras.

In this episode, I discuss "Nadis"-- the channels through which vital energy flows. They are not to be confused with nerves, Three are most significant: Ida, Pingla and Sushumna. Awakening of Sushumna, the central space is important for awareness and consciousness.

In this episode, I start a discussion on Dharna, Dhyaan, and Samadhi. I try to explain all three with the help of our 'learning to drive' experience. Also, I try to emphasise the importance of Dharna, Dhyaan, and Samadhi in our day to day as well. I hope you enjoy it!

In this episode, I try to answer 1. Why to practice Pratyahaar? 2. How to progress in Pratyahaar? From our next episode, we will start with Dharana, Dhyaan and Samadhi-- the last three stages of Ashtang Yoga. I hope you enjoy it!

Here I describe the five layers which cover our Atman. These are: 1. Anna Maya Kosh (food layer) 2. Pran Maya Kosh (vital layer) 3. Mano Maya Kosh (mental layer) 4. Vigyan Maya Kosh (wisdom layer) 5. Anand Maya Kosh (layer of bliss). It's a beautiful concept. I hope you enjoy this episode!