Aṣṭāṅga-yoga - The Eightfold Path to Viṣṇu Realization
In the modern era, the word yoga has been largely stripped of its spiritual essence, reduced to fitness routines and breathing exercises. However, the original, authoritative system given in the Vedic literatures is a profound and rigorous spiritual science. Śrīla Prabhupāda's purports intricately detail the actual purpose, mechanics, and ultimate destination of aṣṭāṅga-yoga, revealing it to be a highly regulated pathway designed specifically for realizing the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
The True Goal of Meditation
A common misconception is that meditation is meant for relaxing the mind or achieving a state of void. Śrīla Prabhupāda emphatically corrects this idea. He explains that the entire mechanical process of aṣṭāṅga-yoga is designed for one specific purpose: to restrict the restless senses so that the mind can be perfectly concentrated on the four-handed form of Lord Viṣṇu within the heart.
- Astanga-yoga is not a bodily gymnastic exercise, but a practice to concentrate the mind on the form of Visnu.
- The breathing exercises and disciplines to keep health in proper order are not the ultimate goals of yoga perfection. The yoga system as generally understood is astanga-yoga, or siddhi, eightfold perfection in yoga.
- This concentration (concentrating the mind on the form of Visnu) is called samadhi, and it is the real goal of yoga. Thus the astanga-yoga system aims at coming to the point of smaranam, or remembering the Supreme Lord.
- It is understood that in astanga-yoga one practices settling the mind and then concentrating it on the form of Lord Visnu.
The Eightfold Procedure
The discipline of aṣṭāṅga-yoga is not whimsical; it is an exact science comprised of eight sequential steps. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that authorities like Lord Kapila and Patañjali formulated this system to gradually purify a person who is overly attached to the bodily concept of life. Through strict physical regulations and internal withdrawal, the yogī forces their consciousness away from material sense gratification.
- The practice of mysticism or yoga, known as astanga-yoga, which is divisible into an eightfold procedure called yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana, and samadhi.
- Those who are too addicted to sense gratification are advised to practice the mystic yoga system, or astanga-yoga system, consisting of yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyhara and so on. In this way, one can control the senses.
- The senses are very restless, going this way and that way with the mind, but by the astanga-yoga system, which regulates one's sitting posture, one's breath, and so on, one can control the senses and concentrate the mind on the form of Visnu.
- The yoga system described in the books of Patanjali is authoritative, and the modern so-called yogis who have manufactured their own ways, not consulting the authorities, are simply ludicrous. The Patanjali yoga system is called astanga-yoga.
The Difficulty of Execution
While the system is authentic, practicing it properly in the modern age is nearly impossible. Śrīla Prabhupāda points out that authentic aṣṭāṅga-yoga requires extreme isolation and severe austerities. One cannot achieve success while living comfortably in a modern metropolis. Great historical figures like Dhruva Mahārāja and Dhṛtarāṣṭra had to completely abandon society and travel to sacred, solitary places to execute this process.
- So the first step of yoga system, as recommended by Krsna, the supreme authority, is one has to select a very secluded place and sacred place. The astanga-yoga meditation cannot be performed in a fashionable city.
- Astanga-yoga was never meant to be practiced in a fashionable city. Dhruva Maharaja went to Badarikasrama, and in a solitary place, alone, he practiced yoga.
- Duryodhana, on the other hand, decided to take Krsna's soldiers. Thus in order to pacify Arjuna, Krsna told him not to worry, although he could not execute the astanga-yoga system.
- Krsna was so friendly and very loving friend, not ordinary friend. Therefore Krsna said - My dear Arjuna, don't be disappointed because you cannot execute this astanga-yoga. The first-class yogi is he who always thinks of Me.
The Progressive Ladder to Bhakti
Ultimately, aṣṭāṅga-yoga is not the final destination of spiritual life; it is merely a step on the ladder. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that when a practitioner realizes the limits of mechanically controlling the body and mind, they must transcend the mystic process and surrender to the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Thus, the culmination and perfection of all yoga systems is pure bhakti-yoga.
- When karma-yoga increases in knowledge and renunciation, the stage is called jnana-yoga, or the yoga of knowledge. When jnana-yoga increases in meditation on the Supersoul by different physical processes, and the mind is on Him, it is called astanga-yoga.
- When one surpasses astanga-yoga and comes to worship the Supreme Personality of Godhead Krsna, that is called bhakti-yoga, the culmination.
- Without bhakti, neither jnana-yoga nor astanga-yoga can be successful, and unless one approaches Krsna, the principles of self-realization have no ultimate destination.
- The conclusion is that one must come to the platform of bhakti-yoga, even though one may begin with karma-yoga, jnana-yoga or astanga-yoga.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the true science of aṣṭāṅga-yoga is a rigorous, eightfold method designed to detach the living entity from bodily consciousness and fix the mind upon the Supreme Lord. Śrīla Prabhupāda clarifies that while it is an authentic Vedic path, its strict requirements make it highly impractical for the modern age. More importantly, he establishes that mechanical meditation alone is insufficient; to achieve ultimate success and permanent liberation, the practitioner must elevate their consciousness beyond aṣṭāṅga-yoga and engage in the highest perfection of life: unalloyed bhakti-yoga.
Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani
Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Astanga-yoga. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience the teachings in their direct, verbatim form.