RAMAKRISHNA ANANDA

Patanjali's Eightfold Path

How does one become a yogi?

Patanjali teaches seekers how to start where they are and, through practice, be able to live in higher states of consciousness. The Eightfold Path is one of the greatest step-by-step guides to fulfillment and realization.

All Yogas

The Yogic Progression

Patanjali, a great yoga master and teacher, lived approximately 2200 years ago. He wrote sutras (thread ideas) which describe the key concepts of yoga. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali contains the Eightfold Path, a marvelous description of the yogic progression toward absorption and renewal in Spirit.

This Eightfold Path is designed to help an individual start yoga and actually become a yogi – usually, but not always, with the aid of a qualified teacher. There are eight essential steps. Although each deserves an in-depth study, this overview will hopefully inspire you to go farther.

Step One and Two of the Eightfold Path: character development through the yamas and niyamas (restraints and observances)
Step Three: asana (posture) focuses on being able to sit in meditation with a straight, unsupported, comfortable spine. It also means the ability to relate honorably to others/society

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Step Four: pranayama is working with the life force and energy in the body
Step Five: pratyahara is the ability to interiorize the consciousness
Step Six, Seven and Eight: concentration, contemplation and samadhi (absorption in Spirit)

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We bring the California mountains to you with online retreats that include Life Mastery techniques, guided meditations and devotional chants. As you access the material at your own pace, you’ll have the opportunity to be spiritually uplifted and stay connected to higher consciousness. See the Online Retreats.