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A Glimpse on Ashtanga Yoga in Ayurveda Dr Scholars Journal of Applied Medical Sciences (SJAMS) ISSN 2320-6691 Sch. J. App. Med. Sci., 2013; 1(5):619-624 ©Scholars Academic and Scientific Publisher (An International Publisher for Academic and Scientific Resources) www.saspublisher.com Review Article A Glimpse on Ashtanga Yoga in Ayurveda Dr. Archana I.1*, Dr. Mahesh Vyas2, Dr. A.S. Baghel2 1PhD Scholar, Dept. of Basic Principle, I.P.G.T. & R.A., Gujarat Ayurveda University, Jamnagar. 2Associate Professor, Dept. of Basic Principle, I.P.G.T. & R.A., Gujarat Ayurveda University, Jamnagar. Corresponding author Dr. Archana I Email: Abstract: Ayurveda being the science of life found its base in Shatdarshanas (six orthodox systems of philosophy) for its fundamental aspects. These elementary aspects are very much needed for the applied aspect of Ayurveda. Yoga philosophy being one among the Shatdarshana also influenced Ayurveda in various ways. The Ashtanga Yoga (eight fold practice of Yoga) described in Yoga Sutra of Patanjali is its glimpse in Ayurveda in the form of Sadvrutta, Swasthavrutta, Achara Rasayana, Dinacharya, Dharaneeya Vega and so on. Keywords: Yoga, Ayurveda, Ashtanga yoga, Chitta INTRODUCTION rasayana (code of conduct), Swasthavrutta (healthy Yoga and Ayurveda are two closely related regimen), Dinacharya (daily regimen), Chikitsa sutra spiritual or sacred sciences rooted in the Vedic tradition (treatment methods) etc. Following is the description of of India. Ayurveda is the Vedic science of healing for Ashtanga yoga as described in YogaSutra of Patanjali both body and mind where as Yoga is the Vedic science along with the reference of the same in Ayurveda. of self realization that depends upon a well functioning body and mind. Both disciplines developed together and Yama have always been used together. Both the systems look It refers to Samyama or to hold together, restrain, at entire aspect of human being, not only the physical suppress, control. It includes Ahimsa (not harming), aspect, but even psychological and spiritual phases. Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Ayurveda being a Life science mainly stress upon Brahmacharya (abstinence from sexual desire)) and ensuring the Arogya – healthy life in all its dimensions Aparigraha (no greediness) [6]. which is considered as essential to attain the four kinds of instincts of life – Dharma (virtuous act), Artha Ahimsa (acquirement of wealth), Kama (gratification of desire) Not to trouble any living creature either and Moksha (final emancipation) [1]. Yoga on the other physically, mentally and verbally is considered as hand also aims at achieving the Moksha by the way of Ahimsa [7]. In Ayurvedic classics it has been controlling the Vruttis of mind [2]. Thus both the incorporated under Sadvrutta [8] and Achara Rasayana systems are practice under the same motto i.e. [9]. While describing ten sinful activities of body, attainment of Moksha (ultimate salvation). speech and mind which are to be avoided Himsa is quoted as one [10]. The reference that, one should treat Ashtanga yoga and Ayurveda every living creature even the inferior creatures like ant, Until and unless, person cannot overcome insects etc. as his own self without hurting them is also from the afflictions of Chitta (mind) and not get control found in Ayurveda [11].Ahimsa is considered as over his Buddhi (intellect), he cannot get the Tatva ultimate factor to impart Prana (life) in all the creatures Jnana (knowledge of supremacy) [3]. This is the reason [12]. Maitri (friendship), Karunyata (compassion) are why Yoga Darshana advocates Ashtanga yoga (eight considered as the qualities of physician to be enriched fold path of meditation). They are Yama (abstention), in [13], the same has been mentioned in Yoga sutra as Niyama (observances), Asana (postures), Pranayama Chitta prasadaka Vruttis [14]. (controlling of breath), Prtyahara (control over sense organs), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation) Satya and Samadhi (absorption) [4]. The first four are Yoga considers Satya as the one which exactly considered as external methods of purification and the the person has spoken, thought and imagine while last three are the internal methods of purification of talking with others. [15]. Truthfulness is the first factor mind. Pratyahara act as the bridge between both explained in Achara rasayana.[9]. As a part of code of external and internal path ways [5]. Descriptions of the conduct (Sadvrutta) which has to be followed, it is same are present in Ayurveda in various contexts either mentioned that one should not practice untruthfulness in the form of Sadvrutta (good conduct), Achara [8]. While describing the four fold qualities of patients, 619 Archana et al., Sch. J. App. Med. Sci., 2013; 1(5):619-624 it is depicted that he should tell everything truly without Niyama is included under the Daivavyapashraya any hesitation, as it is very essential for the physician to Chikitsa meant for the psychological disorders [34]. A get the complete picture of his illness leading to easy wounded person should perform the duties such as and effective treatment [16]. Yama, Niyama as a precautionary method to get protected from the bad effects of Nishachara (malignant One of the tools of attaining the true stars and spirits) [35]. As a part of code of conduct it is knowledge as explained in Ayurveda is Aptopadesha strictly recommended that Charakacharya one should (Testimony) which is based on Apta (authority). It is not break the Niyamas [36]. highlighted that, Aptas are one who tells the truth always and what they tell is worth to believe and Shoucha practice [17]. Among the various factors which fulfill Shoucha (purity) refers in terms of both the criteria of being Hitayu (healthy life) is Satyavadi external and internal cleanliness where, cleanliness of (telling truth), then only one is considered to be leading body comes under the first category, mind and speech a wholesome life [18]. under the second category [37]. In Ayurveda external cleanliness is said to be attained through Lepana Asteya (anointement), Snana (bathing), Dantadhavana (tooth Not to steal anything from anyone is brushing), Kavalagraha (gargling), wearing clean and considered as Asteya. Practice of this helps in white cloths, removing of nail, hair etc procedures [38]. attainment of all the good things in life [19]. Steya Purity of sppech is attained by the practice of Dharana (stealing) is considered as one among the Dashavidha (holding) of words which are Suchaka (back biting), papa Karmas [10] and is incorporated under the Anruta (lying), Kalaha (useless quarrels), Apriya category of bodily urges which has to be withhold in (unpleasant utterances), Abaddha (irrelevant talk), Ayurveda [20]. Parusha (harsh words), Atimatra (excessive talk), Akalayukta (talking at improper time) etc.[39]. Brahmacharya: Similarly the purity of mind is attained through Dhi Abstinence from sexual urges is considered as (intellectual capacity), Dhairya (patience), Jnana Brahmacharya and it helps in increase of potency [21]. (knowledge), Atmadi vijnana (knowing one’s self), Ayurveda gives due consideration to Brahmacharya and Samadhi (absorption) etc. [40]. Avoiding of thus it has been integrated under Traya Upasthambhas Mithyayoga (wrong utilization) of mental factors like (three fold sub pillars of body). It is described that Bhaya (fear), Shoka (fear), Krodha (anger), Lobha Brahmacharya imparts increase of Strength, complexion (greed), Moha (confusion), Maana (vanity), Irshya and life span [22]. As a part of Achara Rasayana, it is (envy)etc., also help in attaining psychological purity suggested to avoid alcohol and sexual interest [9]. In the [39]. Ashuchi (dirty) either external or internal is context of Agrya (paramount issue) Brahmacharya is considered as one of the causative factor for considered as Ayushya (one which imparts life span) psychological disorders like Unmada [41], Apasmara [23]. Ayurveda quotes excessive intercourse as the main [42]. The reference regarding Shoucha as one of the causative factor in the manifestation of various diseases best qualities of physician [43], teacher [44] and the like Gulma [24], Kushta [25] and employs practice of student [45] to be endowed, is also found in Ayurevda. Brahmacharya in many disease conditions [26-27]. Santosha Aparigraha Yoga considers, by Sukha (happiness) person Word meanings of Parigraha are surrounding, feels Santosha [46]. While describing Anumana or enfold, or envelop [28]. It is considered as Pramana (Inference) – a tool to get cognition, it is said Moha/greed. Aparigraha is just opposite to Parigraha that through Santosha one can assess the satisfaction meaning to free from this attachments of external [47]. pleasures [29]. Dana is considered as a part of Sadvrutta [30]. Regular practice of Dana for needy people is Tapa considered as a quality to assess the Hitayu [31]. According to Yoga Shastra, by the regular In this way the factors explained under Yama practice of Tapa (austerity), mind, body and sense by Yogasutrakara are found in Ayurveda under the organs become free from their afflictions [48]. heading of Sadvrutta and Achara Rasayana. Ayurveda considers Aptas (authority) are said to be free from Rajas and Tamas which they have attained by the Niyama regular practice of Tapas. Because of this, their words The rules and regulations which must be are considered as authentic [17]. A person who followed are mentioned in Niyama (observance of practices Tapa regularly will definitely have Hitayu spiritual rules). They include Shoucha
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