Emotions and their management in Patanjala Yoga

Emotions and their management in Patanjala Yoga

Patanjali:

Maharshi Patanjali was a revered sage and eminent scholar of yoga and Samkhya philosophy. He conducted hectic research on yoga and systematically organized its principles and practices. His classic work on the subject was one of the most authentic and traditional teachings to break the yogic life.

Patanjala Yoga Sutras is a classic work by the sage Patanjali, also known as Ashtanga or Raja Yoga. The traditional text explains the nature of the mind and the causes of disorders of the mind. The second chapter of the text contains the structured methodology to achieve peace of mind through its principles and practices. Sage beautifully describes the nature of the disorders and the techniques to counteract these problems.

emotions

Emotions are the feelings or feelings of a person in relation to others under various circumstances. A positive state of emotional stability helps to express the correct behavior and personality traits. The imbalance of emotional states brings more and more suffering, leading to mental distractions, pain and anxiety. Sage Patanajli explains that the five afflictions are the fundamental causes of human misery, which are very powerful to disturb the nature of our emotions too.

Psychophysiology of emotional disorders

The disturbed emotions have a very strong impact on our physical and mental health. Many of the psychosomatic illnesses of modern times are rooted in the imbalance of these emotions. They throw out the rhythm of the endocrine profile, which influences the normal secretions of the many hormones. The physiology of various systems in our body is influenced by the imbalances. The irregularity of biochemical secretions affects our digestion and leads to digestive disorders such as acidity, constipation and indigestion

Management of emotions in yoga

Practicing yoga is one of the most effective means of maintaining stable emotions and preventing psychosomatic illnesses. The sage in his sutras recommends instilling the qualities in order to take advantage of harmony in life.

PYS 1.33 says

The spirit of kindness should be entertained with those who have experienced happiness, a feeling of compassion towards those in need, a spirit of goodwill towards those who are on the path of virtues, and indifference towards vice. This type of approach helps to evoke purity of mind and emotions. Purified mind reaches a single peak, finally attains serenity.