Introduction
Tejo Bindu Upanishad describes a fifteen-limb yoga. In addition to eight limbs found in typical Raja Yoga, here we could find seven limbs more.
Fifteen Limbs Yoga
The fifteen limbs are:
- Yama
- Niyama
- Tyaha
- Mauna
- Desa
- Kala
- Asana
- Mula Bandha
- Deha Samya
- Drk Sthiti
- Prana Samyama
- Pratyahara
- Dharana
- Atma Dhyana
- Samadhi
The elucidation of the limbs of yoga requires much understanding. Considering the vastness of the subject, I just reproduce the message conveyed by this scripture. But it involves much explanation, comparison, and deeper study.
As of now, I give them in abstraction as stated in the scriptures.
Yama
This Upanishad defines Yama as the subjugation of senses by focusing on the knowledge that all is Brahman. This should be practiced continuously.
Niyama
Niyama, as stated by this Upanishad, means the enjoyment of supreme bliss by constant application of consciousness over the spiritual things as applied by the sages and rejection of those things which are not as such.
Tyaha
Tyaha is the practice of renouncing the phenomenal world by inference of Atman which is ever existing. This is the practice of the sages and which gives immediate liberation. Attachments to worldly affairs give disturbance to the mind. The disturbed mind could not focus and hence yogi would fail in his venture.
Mauna
Mauna is silence by speech and mind. Yogis should attain this. For folks, it is mere word of mouth, but not applicable to yogis. A wordless mouth will lead to a thoughtless mind.
Desa
Desa is a secluded place where there is no one in the beginning and no one in the end and one is through. Yogi should select a place free from disturbances.
Kala
Kala literally means time which can be measured with a blinking of the eye or Matra. The duration of such time (a blink) will differ from Brahman and other beings downwards.
Asana
The asana in which the Siddhas attained salvation and wherein they realized the non-dual Brahman is Siddhasana. The yogi should assume Siddhasana for his practice.
Mula Bandha
Mula Bandha is the root of all the worlds. The worlds, the sage here means all the Chakras. Without Mula Bandha, you could not travel those worlds. It will control the mind also.
Deha Samya
Deha Samyama is the equilibrium of the body. In the Ayurvedic sense, the body should be free from three doshas, Vada, Pita, and slethuma. Then only there will a complete absorption in the balanced Brahman. If not, the body is like a tall tree with dry leaves.
Drk Sthiti
Seeing the tip of the nose, one should merge with the Brahman. Mere seeing the tip of the nose is not enough.
Prana Samyama
Pranayama is called here as Prana Samyama. Control of Prana is achieved by controlling the breath. By Prana Samyama control over the modification of the mind is gained by the perception of Rechaka (expiration) as avoidance of the phenomenal world, Puraka (Inspiration) as revolving of cognition: “I am that Brahman” and Kumbhaka (retention of breath) as the steadiness of maintaining the same cognition. Otherwise, it will give mere nose ache.
Pratyahara
The experience of finding Brahman in all the objects of desire is Pratyahara. It should be practiced continuously.
Dharana
The abstraction that seeing the Brahman wherever the mind goes is the supreme Dharana.
Atma Dhyana
The state of knowing “I am that Brahman alone and rest on no support” is Dhyana.
Samadhi
By patiently applying all techniques, the achievement of the constant condition of “ I am Brahman only” is Samadhi.
Reference: Sanskrit Text Reference
