Well-known teachers: Patanjali and Buddha Shakyamuni

Patanjali has limited himself to compose a memorandum for the benefit of the people who wants to dedicate themselves to yoga postures and meditation. He is one of the greatest masters of the theory and practice of yoga philosophy and gives the learning process to an illuminated or self-conscious state.

Reasons why Patanjali is one of the great masters:

1. His recorded work is a systematic overview of the different systems.
2. He gives many practical advices regarding meditation and postures.
3. The writing of the yoga sutras (short texts about life laws and practices) for the theoretical nature reveals the origins to examine, explain them add in a systematic philosophy and practice of yoga system together. In that sense, this basic work of Patanjali is ideal for use in our Western society.

The eight stages of Yoga: the eightfold path

The eightfold path of Patanjali gives the learning process in sequence of how an enlightened or self-conscious state can be achieved.

The order of this is:

1. Yama             - the internalization of ethical disciplines (10 commandments)
2. Niyama         - conduct in the application of individual disciplines
3. Asana            - mastering postures / physical exercises
4. Pranayama  - breathing and breathing techniques
5. Pratyahara   - phrases are kept under control– one turns inward
6. Dharana        - concentration on a single point or a task
7. Dhyana         -  meditation. The concentration flows uninterrupted
8. Samadhi        - state of consciousness where duality is resolved

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