Understanding the eightfold path of yoga techniques is a process. It requires applying yoga philosophy in daily life. It is a journey of developing and integrating the mind, body, and spirit. Come and see how these tools can enhance your spiritual walk.
In spiritual circles, the path refers to the inward journey. Spirituality uses analogies and symbols to convey concepts. These are important tools used to facilitate learning. Astronomy and nature provide a bounty of objects for this subject. The Sun, stars, and moon, along with circles and spheres, are found in almost every culture. Flowers and trees are also excellent teaching metaphors in nature.
In Buddhism, Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, used the eightfold path in his talk on enlightenment. We also find this same pattern in several other Eastern traditions. We can also identify one or more of these eight components in indigenous cultures around the world. (1)
Tree Wisdom Allegory — Yoga Means Union
Many cultures use trees as symbols of spirituality. For example, the legendary figure of Buddha attained enlightenment under a Bodhi tree. In Norse mythology, the Yggdrasil, the world tree, connects different realms. In Hinduism, the banyan tree represents immortality and wisdom. Yoga is like a tree connecting everything through a common trunk and rooted in the wisdom of the Earth.
Yoga means union in Sanskrit. Union involves the integration of mind, body, and spirit. We’ll discuss some dominant themes here. If you find one or more that resonates, that is a clue to starting your journey.
The tree wisdom allegory and the eightfold path of Yoga (2) describe a comprehensive approach to spiritual exploration. Joseph Campbell called this pattern the Hero’s Journey (3). We use this same strategic pattern in our blended learning process.
Applying Yoga Philosophy in Daily Life
The Hero’s Journey groups these eight elements into three: awakening, transforming, and inspiring. This grouping contains elements of the paths from Buddhism and Hinduism. The tree of knowledge expresses itself in various approaches, but all have the goal of self-development.
“If you find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn’t lead anywhere.” ― Frank A. Clark
“If you’re walking down the right path and you’re willing to keep walking, eventually you’ll make progress.” ― Barack Obama
Eightfold Path of Yoga Techniques in Buddhism
In brief, the eight elements of the path are:
1. Grasp the “Correct view.” This is a realization of the Four Noble Truths. The Four Noble Truths receive the most attention in later teaching within Buddhism.
Although they appear simple, applying them can be difficult. These include the truth of suffering, the cause of suffering, the path to and the end of suffering. This element focuses on the negative side of the human condition. They are fundament to understanding the eightfold path of Yoga techniques and applying yoga philosophy in daily life.
2. Avoid thoughts of attachment. Attachment leads to suffering, so our task is to eliminate fixations that cause us unhealthy emotional bonds. This second principle involves “Correct intention.” By removing negative feelings, and although it’s a simple concept, it’s difficult to do. The concepts of decluttering and minimizing are strategies that can help us put principles into practice. Here, we see thoughts as the branches of the tree.
3. Refrain from saying things that would create discord. “Correct speech” prohibits lying, divisive, harsh, and senseless speech.
4. Don’t commit violent or harmful acts means “Correct action” and prohibits murder, stealing, and rape.
5. Avoid causing harm. “Correct livelihood” prohibits things like enslaving and selling people. It prohibits owning or using weapons, selling animals for slaughter, and making intoxicants or poisons.
6. Abandon negative thoughts. This one deals with eliminating negative self-talk and is referred to as “Correct effort” because correct behavior cannot occur unless the efforts of your thinking process are positive. We learn to replace harmful scripts with positive ones.
7. To awaken and realize the inner and outer worlds is the goal of “Correct mindfulness.” It requires expanding awareness and presence so that we can be self-aware and observe the inner worlds of thoughts, emotions, and the environment.
8. “Correct concentration” is single-mindedness, which is the cultivation of perseverance, enabling us to achieve goals and resolve problems.
Summation of The Buddhist Path
This list of “Correctness” focuses on moral conduct similar to what we find in the Old Testament’s ten commandments. However, it is absent of the need for a higher power. This framework describes everything in the negative. Like the Ten Commandments, it gives specific things you must refrain from, abandon, and avoid. (4)
It’s a list of prohibited activities. The last three are positive admonitions and the cultivation of positive thoughts, mindfulness, and concentration. Some people think Buddhism is a religion, but you don’t need to be a Buddhist to follow these precepts. Each of these ideas contains some element of karma, and each component improves your karma. Applying Yoga philosophy in daily life as a lot in common with other spiritual paths which have guiding principles.
Understanding The Eightfold Path of Yoga Techniques
The path of Yoga comes from Indian tradition. Everyone is familiar with the term Yoga, but most people associate it with the physical postures known as Asana. So, the popularity of Yoga postures has both positive and negative side effects. In the West, Yoga postures have become simply another form of exercise. To be sure, there are health and wellness benefits to the practice of these Asanas, but they are only a part of the whole practice.
If you use Yoga Asana devoid of its original purpose as part of an integrated practice, you miss the goal of Yoga, which is to bring integration. Remember, Yoga means union. Each aspect of Yoga is a different branch. Using it out of context is like cutting a branch off of a tree. The branch dies without its connection to the trunk and roots.
Instead of a building block of enlightenment, it’s just another exercise form. As a result, marketing physical postures as a separate practice detracts from their real purpose. We certainly see their point. Thinking of Yoga as only physical postures is undoubtedly not an accurate representation of the system. On the positive side, the practice of Yoga Asana can open the doorway to the goal of consciousness development.
All eight branches of Indian Yoga are part of a holistic approach where all the pieces work together. Yoga means union, which means applying yoga philosophy in daily life and practice. These tools provide a platform for expanding awareness and investigating higher states of consciousness. Using all eight limbs develops mind, body, and consciousness together. They are the key to your health and wellness. Thus, we agree with the philosophy of using all components and supporting the development of your path.
Trees as Symbols of Spirituality on the Path
The eight limbs of Yoga are not sequential steps but eight limbs of the same tree. For that reason, you cannot affect one aspect of the path without affecting the other. You should use all eight and not just one limb. This tree needs to grow in harmony, and all the branches need room to grow. So, it’s best to schedule a time to practice all eight elements. Other cultures involved in consciousness development also arrived at the same holistic approach.
By understanding the eightfold path of Yoga techniques as part of a holistic culture, we can grasp the reason for its tradition. The tradition preserves the integrity of the teaching. We hope that this holistic approach continues. Here are the eight limbs of this well-rounded spiritual path.
1) Discipline (Yamas)
2) Self-observation and self-training (Niyamas)
3) Postures (Asana)
4) Breathing exercises (Pranayama)
5) Withdrawal of the senses (Pratyahara)
6) Concentration (Dharana)
7) Meditation (Dhyana)
8) Perfected Concentration
The principle of Perfected Concentration is the process one uses to reach the transcendent state of consciousness known as Samādhi. Seated meditation is the most common way to this fourth state. However, the fourth state can go beyond meditation. You can combine this with other waking states to achieve higher states.
Defining the Terms
- Yama = codes of discipline and self-regulation
- Niyama = observances, practices, self-training
- Asana = meditation posture (from the root, which means “to sit”)
- Pranayama = expansion of breath and prana, regulation, control
- Pratyahara = withdrawal of the Indriyas (the senses), bringing inward.
- Dharana = concentration, the use of the analytical mind
- Dhyana = meditation processes
- Samādhi = the transcendent state of consciousness
- Ashtau = eight
- Angani = rungs, limbs, accessories, components, steps, parts, members, constituents
The Eightfold Path of Yoga Techniques in Other Traditions
You will find one or more of the eight elements in other traditions. So, you can create your own path by borrowing from different traditions. This eclectic approach isn’t new.
Contemporary researchers like George Ivanovich Gurdjieff are examples; he combined Asian and European methods to create his schools of consciousness development. Processes and goals can be similar across cultures. Here are just a few examples of spiritual technologies and their similarities across different cultures. They all use the trees as symbols of spirituality and development.
1. Energy Collection and Healing
There are several ways to generate and move energy through the body. For example, Kundalini Yoga is a seated form of energy generation. On the other hand, Tai Chi is a moving form of energy generation. Both produce the same energy, showing how different processes cultivate the same energy. These techniques employ analogy and symbolism in their traditional training. Trees as symbols of spirituality and growth are common.
There are various ways to use this energy for healing. Reiki is a Japanese healing system. Pejut is an Indonesian system with a similar focus but a more “hands-on” process.
2. Shamanic Journey
Many cultures also use meditative processes, more commonly known as the Shamanic Journey. Shamanic forms have been re-branded to make them palatable for the West. Today, the Shamanic Journey is better known as “guided meditation.”
You can practice this form as silent meditation or an active dance form. One can attain Samādhi through techniques such as Japa Meditation. Thanks to Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, this process is now popular worldwide. He coined his version of this process, Transcendental Meditation (TM). No matter what you call them, these branches are part of the same tree.
3. Analytical Approaches
If you like a more analytical approach, Dharana or concentration is an excellent starting place. The tools of logical reasoning help you spot logical fallacies. The Enneagram is another analytical tool to help you understand the mechanisms of the Ego, our personality, and instincts.
4. Codes of Self-Discipline
Yama refers to codes of discipline and self-regulation. The Dalai Lama has a list of 18 rules for living. The Four Agreements by Miguel Ruiz are an even more simplified list of guidelines for living. Some religions have hundreds and even thousands of rules that govern almost every aspect of waking life.
Some philosophies combine moral living and self-discipline. “Do what is right, respect, and honor everyone and all life.” Self-discipline can help you become more attentive and focused. It is an excellent strategy for learning a new language. Try it yourself and see.
5. Breathing Techniques
Pranayama is about the breath. There are obvious connections between breath and consciousness. Hyperventilating is a practice found in many traditions. Breathing can alter consciousness and perception. Observing and controlling the breath is often a part of many spiritual practices. Like Japa, it is part of the preparatory phase of seated meditation. Likewise, breathing exercises are part of many energy-collection processes from East to West.
6. Observation
Pratyahara relates closely to Yama. Pratyahara translates to the withdrawal of senses, but it’s much more than an escape from the five senses. This case involves learning to observe and control our thoughts and emotions. Thus, turning the attention away from the external but not ignoring it. Self-observation is one skill set that anyone can cultivate. Observing internal thought processes also correlates with Niyama’s self-training. Most people aren’t aware of this level of thought and emotion. Techniques with mantras and chanting also help suspend the active mind’s internal chatter.
Guess what? Self-observation is similar to the process of the transcendent state of Samādhi. One sees how each of the eight limbs of this path weaves a pattern, creating our spiritual journey.
It shows us how the mind is a paradox, using itself to move beyond itself.
In Conclusion — Yoga Means Union
Understanding the eightfold path of Yoga is about applying yoga philosophy in daily life and practice. You grow with the tree of knowledge. It is the spiritual quest on the pathway of integration. You begin this inner journey by taking the first step: action. The platform of spiritual exploration contains several tools you can use to start this journey. What’s important is that you begin.
If you are already studying or using a consciousness exploration, test your path. Make sure you are going in the right direction. Don’t get sidetracked by religion. Remember, Yoga means union, which is why we recommend a holistic approach that includes all eight elements of the yoga system.
References
(1) Tree of Knowledge, Wikipedia
(2) Joseph Campbell’s Book, The Hero with A Thousand Faces, Wikipedia
(3) The Eightfold Way, Wikipedia
(4) Noble Eightfold Path, Wikipedia