The stages of Yoga
To create a feeling of order and calm in the body Yoga uses Asana (the physical movement) and Pranayama (exercising the breath). Yoga asanas are created to nurture the body, mind, intelligence and the self. There are four stages that work towards doing this.
Arambhavastha is the first stage which involves the physical body.
Ghatavastha is the second stage which involves the mind moving in unison with the body.
The third stage is Parichayavastha occurring when body and intelligence become one.
The final fourth stage is Nishpattyavastha a state of perfection.
Through working on these four stages a spiritual awareness that removes Duhkha (pain and suffering) can occur, allowing a person to live in peace and simplicity valuing the important things in life and removing a reliance on material possessions and external sources of happiness.
For more information try the following sources:
B.K.S. Iyengar, Yoga the path to holistic health, DK Publishers, 2001
Leslie Kaminoff & Amy Matthews, Yoga Anatomy, The Breathe Trust, 2012
Ray Long, The Key Muscles of Yoga, Bandah Yoga Publications, 2006
Ray Long, The Key Poses of Yoga, Bandah Yoga Publications, 2008
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