The student or sadhaka is prepared to undertake a program of self-discipline in order to improve his character, achieve psychological cleansing of past difficulties, and follow the traditional methods of yogic practice that will lead to spiritual experience and the realization of truths. of the life.
The natural law that determines that each one of us grows through self-effort is recognized and respected and it depends on the aspiration and determination of each student that personal spiritual progress is made under the watchful eye of the Guru. Some still follow this classical system, but in the western adaptation of the training process there are some considerable modifications.
First of all, there are many professional teachers to guide a student in Hatha Yoga, but in Western life it is a very rare relationship to find a devoted student who reveres a wise person as his mentor and spiritual teacher. It is equally unusual to find a wise individual who is prepared to take on the responsibility of such a personal charge that encompasses the physical and spiritual formation of another. any subsequent transmission of wisdom and guidance is based on impersonal general philosophical teachings rather than through spiritual intimacy. The individual aspirant is largely forced to rely on his own integrity and his own intuition in applying the spiritual directives of the yogic system.
These principles apply and are a reliable guide for those who wish to advance their personal culture and invite a greater understanding of life through their own development of spiritual awareness. The prescribed common disciplines and exercises are practiced according to individual enthusiasm and sense of purpose. Each of these must be carefully studied.
Yamas/Niyamas are moral and ethical values. It is customary to accept them since they are inherent in all cultures and civilizations and all enduring religion is based on the restrictions that are required so that we do not behave with violence or stealing, for example, and the need to cultivate the noblest qualities of kindness. loving and the truth. There are corresponding guidelines applied to health in Hatha Yoga.
Asanas – teach us of the need for correct attitudes of mind and body
Pranayama – Demonstrates many practical ways to constructively increase and direct energies through the breath.
Pratyahara: Reminds us of the need to cultivate and control all of our senses so that we are not enslaved by them, but apply our sensibilities appropriately.
Dharana: It can then be achieved without distraction as we learn to cultivate the mind and control our emotional and thought processes through psychological self-understanding.
Dhyana: is the passive control of the mind to allow a calm and receptive state in which we find refreshment for the soul through meditation and contemplation.
Samadhi: Indicates the arrival in a state of being beyond activity and effort in which we become receptive to the universal spiritual energies and wisdom of our human race. This is a unique and sublime spiritual experience.
Through our personal self-culture, self-discipline, and personal aspiration, known as Sadhana, we have the opportunity to ensure our physical and psychological health and directly experience the rewards of spiritual awareness.