Question

Why did Patanjali's practice begin with yamas and niyamas?

A) To emphasize physical postures first
B) To address ethical and moral principles
C) To promote meditation techniques
D) To focus on breath control

Answer 1

Patanjali's Yoga practice begins with yamas and niyamas to establish ethical and moral foundations, which are essential for further advancement in Yoga. These principles prepare practitioners for subsequent limbs, including postures and meditation, and contribute to the ultimate goal of self-realization and enlightenment. Option B is correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

The practice of Patanjali's Yoga begins with yamas and niyamas to address ethical and moral principles. These foundational aspects of Yoga are crucial for creating a moral and ethical groundwork upon which the other practices can be built.

The yamas pertain to moral restraints, such as non-violence, truthfulness, and non-stealing, while the niyamas relate to personal observances like purity, contentment, and self-discipline.

By beginning with these ethical and moral practices, Patanjali acknowledges the importance of character and values as the bedrock for progressing in the other limbs of Yoga, which include postures (asana), breath control (pranayama), sensory withdrawal, concentration, and ultimately culminating in meditation and a state of oneness (samadhi).

These principles are not only preparatory steps for the physical practices but also contribute to the overall goal of Yoga which is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind, allowing the individual to encounter their true self and achieve a state of enlightenment.