Essay name: The Nervous System in Yoga and Tantra (Study)
Author:
Ashok Majumdar
Affiliation: Banaras Hindu University / Department of Kayachikitsa
This study deals with the presentation of the Nervous System in Yoga, Tantra and Ayurveda. Yoga and Ayurveda are allied sciences dealing with science of man in depth. This study has revealed a number of hither to unknown facts about concept of nervous system and thought science of Hindus.
Chapter 2 - The Eight Components of Yoga
14 (of 85)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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16
As mentioned above we find that Patanjali mentioned
eight components of yoga but other classical texts mentioned
different numbers. According to Goraksha-Sataka and Amritana
dopanishad yoga has six components; Gheranda Samhita mentions
seven, yoga sutra, Mandata Bhrahnapanishad, Sandilyopanishad
of eight and Tejobindupanishad of fifteen (Jaggi, 1973, p.13).
PRE-REQUISITES FOR YOGA PRACTICE
Hata-yoga-Pradipika recommends that the foods before taking
should be offered to almighty. One fourth of the appelete
should be kept emply after taking food. An excess food like
bitter, sour, salty, pungent or hot, green vegetables, sour
gruel, oil, mustard and sesame are considered unhealthy. The
following should be avoided even in small quantities are
alconal, fish, meat, curds, butter-milk, berres, oil-cakes,
asafaetida, garlic etc. Company of women and long journeys
also should be avoided (HYP 1:59-63). The practice of yoga
becomes failure by over-exertion, over-eating, taking too-
much, public contacts, severe austerity and fickleness of
mind (HYP I:15).
Bhagavat Gita mentions three types of food;
Sattvic (pure), rajasic (stimulating) and Tamasic (impure).
Milk, butter, fruit, vegetables and grams are Sattvic.
Spices, not substances, fish, meat, eggs, alcohal are Rajasic.
And rotten, putrified and over-ripe food or fruit are
considered tamasic..
