Introduction
In Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra, the state of Hana the cessation of union between Purusha (pure consciousness) and Prakriti (Nature) marks the beginning of true liberation. Once the yogi attains Hana, a special wisdom known as Viseṣa Prajna descends into the intellect. This wisdom elevates the mind from ordinary perception to extraordinary clarity. Previously, the intellect was directed toward enjoyment and ignorance, but now it guides Purusha only toward truth and discriminative knowledge. This transformation is the foundation of enlightenment, leading the yogi from bondage to freedom.
The Path from Kleshas to Kaivalya
Human beings are bound to The Cycle of Birth and Death due to the influence of kleshas ignorance, egoism, attachment, aversion, and fear of death. These afflictions entangle the soul in worldly experiences of pleasure and pain. Patanjali prescribes Kriya Yoga as the means to weaken the kleshas and deepen the experience of samadhi.
Kriya Yoga consists of three disciplines:
- Tapas (austerity): Self-discipline and purification that burns away impurities.
- Svadhyaya (self-study): Reflection and study of sacred texts to cultivate wisdom.
- Ishvara Pranidhana (surrender to God): Devotion and humility that dissolve ego-driven desires.
Through steady practice of Kriya Yoga, the kleshas are reduced to subtle forms. Only then can one begin the practice of Ashtanga Yoga, the eightfold path. Without cultivating Kriya Yoga first, true progress in Ashtanga Yoga cannot be achieved.
Eight Parts of Yoga Disciplines
Patanjali’s Ashtanga Yoga outlines eight limbs that purify the mind and soul, guiding the yogi toward samadhi:
1. Yama – Ethical restraints
2. Niyama – Personal observances
3. Asana – Physical postures
4. Pranayama – Regulation of breath
5. Pratyahara – Withdrawal of senses
6. Dharana – Concentration
7. Dhyana – Meditation
8. Samadhi – Absorption in pure consciousness
The first two limbs, Yama and Niyama, form the ethical and personal foundation for deeper practices.
Five Yamas
Yamas are universal ethical principles that guide how one relates to the external world:
- Ahimsa (Non-violence): Cultivating compassion and avoiding harm in thought, word, or deed.
- Satya (Truthfulness): Practicing honesty with sensitivity and harmony.
- Asteya (Non-stealing): Refraining from taking what is not freely given, fostering contentment.
- Brahmacharya (Moderation): Wise use of energy and moderation of the senses.
- Aparigraha (Non-possessiveness): Releasing greed and attachment to material possessions.
Practicing Yamas purifies actions and relationships, preparing the mind for concentration.
Five Niyamas
Niyamas are personal observances that support inner purification:
- Saucha (Purity): Maintaining cleanliness of body and mind.
- Santosha (Contentment): Cultivating gratitude and acceptance.
- Tapas (Discipline): Perseverance and effort to purify mind and body.
- Svadhyaya (Self-study): Introspection and study of sacred texts.
- Ishvara Pranidhana (Surrender): Dedicating actions to the Divine, dissolving ego.
Together, Yamas and Niyamas establish the ethical discipline necessary for advanced yogic practices.
Fruits of Yamas and Niyamas
Observing Yamas and Niyamas yields profound physical, mental, and spiritual benefits:
- Ahimsa: Establishes compassion and naturally supports other virtues.
- Satya: Truth manifests outwardly in speech and action.
- Asteya: Freedom from craving allows inner fulfillment.
- Brahmacharya: Preserves vital energy, leading to vitality and clarity.
- Aparigraha: Grants insight into past, present, and future existence.
Similarly, practicing Niyamas Purifies the Body and Mind, fosters happiness through contentment, strengthens discipline, deepens devotion, and ultimately destroys ignorance. With the emergence of viveka-jnana (discriminative wisdom), the kleshas dissolve, and the yogi attains samadhi.
Conclusion
The stages of enlightenment after Hana mark the yogi’s ascent from ignorance to wisdom