Svasthavritta Nirukti: Sva + Ava + Stha + Vritta = Searches for identity, Strong sense of self-esteem, Knows

Svasthavritta ,Sva = Self, my own, myself, innate, inherent, himself, his needs, problems & goals, Good self-control,
natural .Ava = Protect, do good to ,Stha = Stay, reside, Coping well with stress & anxiety. 3) Social Dimension of
remain .Vritta = Circle, stability, perseverance, Health: Social health refers to the ability to interact with - Panchakarma needs to be performed in proper sequence according to
routineSvasthavritta refers to the routine activities which people, respect oneself and others, develop meaningful the requirement.After that, one should administer Rasayana and
should be followed to protect one’s natural state and to relationships and develop quality communication skills. Vajikarana therapies.By doing this, diseases will not occur, Dhatu remain
in normalcy and get properlynourished, and the aging process is delayed.
keep it in equilibrium.  Paribhasha: The activities of an This allows a person to establish a healthy social
Yamadamstra Yamadamstra refers to the dentures of Yama (God of
individual which maintain the normalcy of the Dosha, environment. Social well-being implies harmony within the death), if an individual fails tofollow the right regimen at this stage, Yama
Dhatu, Mala, etc. in their own state and facilitate their individual, and between an individual and other members may take the life of that person.The eight days of Kartika Masa (third
normal physiological activities are considered as of the society.- Characteristics of social health: Social skills, week of November) and first eight days ofAgrahayana (fourth week of
November) are known as Yamadamstra Kala. Ritu HaritakiHaritaki can be
Svasthavritta. Svasthavritta Prayojanam: Social functioning, Ability to see oneself as a member of the
used as a rejuvenation remedy in all the seasons. The use of Haritaki
धर्माथकमर्र्ोक्षमणमर्मरोग्यं community, Focus on social and economic conditions.4) indifferent seasons with a different combination is known as Ritu
र्ूलर्ुत्तर्र््॥ १५ ॥ (च - सू– १ / १५) Arogya Spiritual Dimension of Health: This dimension exposes the Haritaki.Ritu Yoga Shishira Haritaki + Pippali ,Vasanta Haritaki +
(freedom of disease) is the main root cause or requirement individual to integrity, principles and ethics whichhelp to Madhu ,Grishma Haritaki + Guda ,Varsha Haritaki + Saindhava
to achieve the four Purushartha – Dharma, Artha, Kama & lead a life with purpose which elevates the person’s Lavana ,Sharada Haritaki + Sharkara ,Hemanta Haritaki + Shunthi, Ritu
Viparyaya Ritu Viparyaya is the intake of Ahara & performance of
Moksha.- One who does not follow the Dinacharya & health.5) Emotional Dimension of Health :This dimension
Vihara which is incontrast to the ongoing season (harmful action), or the
Ritucharya properly as described in Ayurveda is likely to focuses on being attentive about and able to control one’s presence of characteristics opposite to the natural seasonal characteristics
be infected with multiple health problems. Hence, feelings, thought and behaviour, which includes positive as (cosmic effect). Examples: Harmful action Cosmic effect Divasvapna, Guru,
everyone should follow these regimens to protect one’s well as negative reactions.6) Vocational Dimension of Snigdha, Madhura Ahara during Vasanta ritu. Excessive heat in Hemanta
ritu. Atapa sevana, Ushna, Tikshna, Katu Ahara during Grishma ritu.
health.- A person who fails to adopt health regimens of Health: This dimension is concerned with the occupation.
Excessive coldness in Grishma ritu. Achara Rasayana (Charaka Samhita,
Svasthavritta will fall victim to diseases (physical or Occupations play an important role in promoting both
Chikitsa Sthana, Adhyaya 1, Quarter 4, 30-35) Persons who are truthful
mental). Therefore, it is essential for an individual to follow physical and mental health. When work isfully adapted to and free from anger, who are devoid of alcohol and sex indulgence, who
regimens such as Dinacharya, Ratricharya, Ritucharya & the individual’s goals, capacities and limitations, the person do not indulge in violence or exhaustion, who are peaceful and pleasing in
Sadvritta to protect one’s health and to achieve the is vocationally healthy, if not the individual feels unhappy their speech, who practice Japa (incantation, etc.) and cleanliness, who are
stable and steady, who regularly practice charity and penance, who
Purushartha. - पहलम सुख निरोगी कमयम । A disease free and frustrated. 8 Dimensions Wellness 1) Physical ->
regularly offer prayers to the God, cows, Brahmanas, teachers, preceptors
body is the beginning of happiness. ,,, Svastha & Svasthya  Activity, sleep, diet & nutrition 2) Socio-cultural -> and old people, who are absolutely free from barbarous acts, who are
Svastha:- सर्दोषः सर्मनिश्च स्मधमतुर्लनियः । Connection, belonging, support3) Financial -> Satisfaction compassionate, whose period of awakening and sleep are regular who
प्रसन्नमत्मेन्द्रियर्िमः स्वस्थ of current & future financial situations4) Environmental -> habitually take milk and ghee, who are acquainted with the measurement
of the country and time, who are experts in the knowledge of rationality,
इत्यनिधीयते॥ (सु- सू– १५ / ४१)Svastha is known as Pleasant5) Occupational -> Satisfaction & enrichment from
who are free from ego, whose conduct is good, who are not narrow
the balanced state of Doshas, balanced state of Agni, one’s work6) Spiritual -> Expanding sense of purpose & minded, who have love for spiritual knowledge, who have in excellent
balancedstate & normal physiological function of Dhatus & meaning of life7) Intellectual -> Creative abilities, new sense organs and conditions, who have reverence for seniors, astikas
Malas, pure state of Atma, Mana &Indriyas- knowledge & skills8) Emotional -> Creating satisfying those who believe in the existence of God and validity of the knowledge of
the Vedas), and person having self-control and who regularly study
रोगस्तुदोषवैषम्यं दोषसमम्यर्रोगतम । (अ.हृ. - relationships, copying effectively with life Concept of Well-
scriptures, get the best out of rejuvenation therapy. If persons endowed
सू- २०) Roga (disease) is the imbalance / vitiation of being -People experiencing their quality of life and with these qualities practice Rasayana, they will get all the rejuvenation
Doshas, Aroga (health) is the balanced state of Doshas. ,,, enjoying their standard of living is determined as well- effects. -> Effects of Rasayana:दीघार्मयुः स्मृनतं
Svastha & Svasthya: One who stays excellent without being1) QOL: Quality of Life – Subjective2) SOL: Standard र्ेधमर्मरोग्यं तरुणं वयः ।
प्रिमवणास्वरौदमयंदेहेन्द्रियबलं परर््॥ ७ ॥
affliction of diseases and when there is no stimulatory of Life – Objective1) QOL: Quality of Life – Subjective
वमन्द्रिन्द्रद्धं प्रणनतं कमन्द्रतं लितेिम रसमयिमत्।
factor for disequilibrium of Dhatu is called Svastha (healthy component It is defined as the personal satisfaction or लमिोपमयो नह शस्तमिमं रसमदीिमं रसमयिर््॥ ८ ॥ (च - नच - १:१ /
person), and the state of enjoying health is called Svasthya dissatisfaction with the cultural or intellectual conditions ७-८) menstrual hygiene May 28th is celebrated as Menstrual Hygiene
(well-being). Synonyms of Svastha: Prakriti, Svasthya, under which an individual lives. It is determined by the Day annually across the globe to raise awareness and break the silence
Sukha, Arogya, Dhatusamya ,,, Arogya Lakshana Arogya combination of factors such as health, happiness, around menstruation and menstrual hygiene management. Menstruation
is a unique phenomenon to the females. The onset of menstruation is one
Lakshana are the features of the diseased free state / education, social and intellectual attainments, freedom of of the most important physiological changes occurring among the girls
health. सर्दोषः सर्मनिश्च स्मधमतुर्लनियः action, justice and expression.- QOL can be evaluated by during the adolescent years. The first menstruation (menarche) generally
प्रसन्नमत्मेन्द्रियर्िमः स्वस्थ PQLI (Physical Quality of Life Index).PQLI includes 3 occurs between 11 and 15 years. Menstruation is still regarded as
इत्यनिधीयते॥ (सु- सू– १५ / ४१) Anindita Purusha / indicators: i) Infant mortality rate ii) Life expectance at age something unclean or dirty in Indian society.The reaction to menstruation
depends upon awareness and knowledge about the subject. The manner
Prasahasta Purusha Lakshana: ि।दृढेन्द्रियो iii) Literacy2) SOL: Standard of Life – Objective component- in which a girl learns about menstruation and its associated changes may
बलेिमनििूयते॥ १८ ॥क्षुन्द्रिपमसमतपसः It refers to the scale of a society’s expenditure, the goods have an impact on her response to the event of menarche. Menstruation
शीतव्यमयमर्संसहः ।सर्पक्तम सर्जरः they consume and services they enjoy.- It includes level of wastes are the wastes that are generated by a female in her reproductive
सर्र्मंसचयो र्तः ॥ १९ ॥ (च - सू– २१ / १८-१९)- education, employment, wealth, income, comfort, material years. These wastes are produced during menstruation commonly known
as menses, periods, or monthly bleeding cycle. The menstrual cycle has
सर्र्मंसप्रर्मण = proportionate muscle tissue- goods and necessities available to a certain socio-economic three phases, that is, follicular phase (proliferative), ovulation phase, and
सर्संहिि = proportionate compactness- दृढेन्द्रिय class in a certain geographic area.- This primarily depends luteal phase (secretory). Menstruation is regulated by hormones; in this
= very strong sense & motor organs- ि बलेिमनििूयते = on GNP (Gross National Product.GNP includes the gross process, endometrium, lining of uterus, gradually thickens, sheds off and
can overcome onslaught of diseases- income generated within the country and net in causes bleeding that normally last for 3–5 days and occasionally up to 7
days. Menstruation sheds two-thirds of the endometrial lining. In addition
क्षुन्द्रिपमसमतपस = can tolerate hunger, thirst and comereceived from abroad.GDP (Gross Domestic Product) to blood, menstrual fluid contains mucus and vaginal secretions. The
heat - शीतव्यमयमर्संसह = can tolerate coldness and includes the gross income generated within the country menstrual flow varies from female to female and may be more or less at
exercise- सर्पक्तम = balanced / normal digestion & and excludes the net income received from abroad.  Carol the beginning of menses or may change throughout the cycle. Women
have developed their own personal strategies to handle this period of
assimilation- सर्जर = normal aging- सर्र्मंसचय = Ryff’s Multidimensional Model of Psychological Well- time. Globally, these strategies vary greatly due to the personal
balanced nourishment of muscle tissue  िुक्तस्य being:1) Self-acceptance2) Personal growth3) Purpose of preferences, availability of resources, economic status, cultural traditions
पररपमकः सुखेि च ।सृष्टनवण्मूत्रववमतत्वं life4) Environmental mastery5) Autonomy6) Positive & beliefs, educational status, and knowledge about menstruation.
शरीरस्य तुलमघवर््॥ सुप्रसन्नेन्द्रियत्वं च relations with others ,,,,, Ritushodhana  Sadharana Ritu- Practices related to menstruation hygiene are of major concern as it has a
health impact; if neglected, it leads to toxic shock syndrome, reproductive
सुखस्वप्नप्रबोधिर््। बलवणमायुषो लमिः Administration of evacuative therapies such as Vamana, tract infections (RTI), and other vaginal diseases. Poor genital hygiene
सौर्िस्यं सर्मनितम ॥ नवद्यमदमरोग्य नलङ्गमनि etc. are done in season havingSadharana Lakshana negatively affects adolescents’ health. Most girls are unaware and
नवपरीतेनवपयायर््। (कम - न्द्रख – ५ / ६-८) (common character) and is deferred in other unprepared for menarche as they are not informed or ill-informed about
अन्नमनिलमष = Timely initiation of hunger िुक्तस्य seasons.Sadharana Ritu are characterized by Manda Sheeta menstruation. Menstrual hygiene management (MHM) or menstrual
health and hygiene (MHH) is about access to menstrual hygiene products
पररपमकः सुखेि = Proper digestion & assimilation of Ushna Varsha (low coldness, heat and rain). They are moist to absorb or collect menstrual blood, privacy to change the materials, and
eaten food सृष्टनवण्मूत्रववमतत्वं = Proper suitable and not harmful to the body and also the drugs access to facilities to dispose of used menstrual management
evacuation of bowel, urine & flatus शरीरस्य तुलमघवर्् usedfor Shodhana karma. The other seasons, where there materials.Along with basic sanitation facilities, one should be also
= Lightness of the body सुप्रसन्नेन्द्रियत्वं = is extreme coldness, heat and rain,are harmful to the body provided with soap and menstrualabsorbents to manage menstruation
hygiene. The choice of absorbents varies among ruraland urban women
Pleasantness of sense organs and drugs.- During Hemanta ritu, the body is affected with and girls. In rural areas, the most preferred absorbents are reusable
सुखस्वप्नप्रबोधिर्् = Pleasant sleep & excessive cold, becomes severelyroughened and the clothpads and in urban areas women prefer to use commercial sanitary
Doshas get adhered to the minute channels.The drugs pads. 1) Reusable and Washable Cloth Pads They may be sustainable
awakening बलवणमायुषो लमि = Good strength & which are used for Shodhana karma are Ushna Svabhava sanitary option but must be hygienically washed and dried in the sunlight.
complexion and long life सौर्िस्यं सर्मनितम = (hot in nature), andbecause of the coldness of Hemanta
The sun’s heat is a natural sterilizer and drying the cloths/cloth pads
under it sterilizes them for future use. These cloth pads are reusable so
Balanced mind and digestive fire नवद्यमदमरोग्य ritu, they become less potent. As a result, theevacuation they are cost-effective, easily available, and ecofriendly. They also need to
नलङ्गमनि नवपरीतेनवपयायर्् = These are the features becomes ineffective and Vata Dosha inflicts the body with be stored in a clean dry place for reuse to avoid contamination. 2)
of a healthy individual, opposite qualities are complications.- During Grishma ritu, the body is affected Commercial Sanitary Pads They are easily available at many stores,
chemist shops, or online. They are expensive, compared to cloth pads, not
considered as ailment.  सत्त्वं रजस्तर् इनत with excessive heat and gets distressed, beingexposed to reusable, and not very environment-friendly. The cotton used in their
र्मिसमः स्युस्त्रयो गुणमः । तेषमं गुणमिमं hot wind and heat of the sun the Doshas get liquefied. The making is not 100% natural and may contain pesticides. 3) Tampons They
समम्यं यत्तदेहः स्वस्थ्य लक्षणर््॥ (र्मधव drugs which areused for Shodhana karma are Ushna are the type of absorbent that provides internal protection. They are kind
Svabhava (hot in nature), and because of the heat of plug of soft material (cotton) which is inserted into the vagina to absorb
निदमि) Sattva, Raja & Tama are the three mental qualities; the menstrual flow before it leaves the body. They are expensive, not
balance of these qualities in the body are features of health. ofGrishma ritu, they become even more Tikshna. Due to easily degradable in nature and, hence, not very environmental friendly.
 शीतोष्णेचैव वमयुद्धत्रयः शरीरज गुणमः ।तेषमं already liquefied Doshas andincreased potency of drugs, Nowadays, sea sponge tampons are available in the market which are a
गुणमिमं समम्यं यत्तदेहः स्वस्थ्य लक्षणर््॥ evacuation becomes excessive and the body gets natural alternative to synthetic tampons. 4) Reusable Tampons These are
inflictedwith excessive thirst.- During Varsha ritu, due to washable tampons made up of natural materials like bamboo, wool,
(र्हमिमरत) Sheeta (Kapha, Ushna (Pitta) & Vayu (Vata), cotton, or hemp. They are also knitted or crocheted using the natural
balance of these qualities in the body are features of health. sky being covered with water filled clouds, the sun, absorbent material like cotton orwool. They are inserted into the vagina
WHO Definition of Health Health is a complete state of moonand stars are being hidden, excessive rain is falling to absorb menstrual flow. 5) Menstrual Cups These are like cups made of
physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the and the atmosphere and earth iscovered with mud and medical grade silicone rubber which makes the cup easy to fold and get
water. The body gets excessively moistened and the drugs inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual blood. They can be worn up
absence of disease or infirmity.  Dimensions of Health 1) to 6–12 hours depending upon the amount of menstrual flow, so it needs
Physical Dimension of Health: Every cell and every organ usedfor Shodhana karma become damaged, which makes to be removed and emptied less frequently. They are reusable and
functioning at optimum capacity and perfect harmony with the evacuation dull in action.The human body also environment-friendly. It offers sustainable, practical, and cost-effective
the rest of the body. - Signs of physical health: Good becomes sluggish in recovery due to exposure of wind alternative where sanitation conditions are not good.6) Bamboo Fibre
withmoistness and clouds.- Therefore, the measures like PadsInstead of wood pulp, bamboo pulp is used as an absorbing material
complexion, Clean skin, Bright eyes, Lustrous hair, Body in these sanitary pads.It has more absorbing capacity and is safer to use.
with firm flesh, Not too fat, Sweet breath, Good appetite, Vamana, etc. are not performed in the seasons They are affordable, easily decomposed,and environment-friendly pads
Sound sleep, Regular activity of bowel and bladder, withexcessive coldness, heat or rain, except in cases of which also possess antibacterial properties. This providesinfection and
Smooth, easy coordinated bodily movements, All organs emergency. In emergency, one shouldapply the therapy irritation-free menstruation. Also, bamboo charcoal pads are available in
very carefully by modifying the seasonal effect properly by themarket with advantage that blood stains are not clearly visible and are
are of normal size and function normally, All senses are also reusable innature.7) Banana Fibre PadsNowadays, low-cost sanitary
intact, Pulse rate, blood pressure and exercise tolerance artificialmeans, affecting the qualities contrary to the
pads for rural women made from waste banana tree fibre were sold under
with normal range. - Evaluation of physical health: ongoing season, and making the procedureappropriate, trade name “Saathi” in India. They are environment-friendly and
Anthropometric measurements and self-assessment administrating the drug having standard potency of action decompose within six months after use. Besides these products, women in
questionnaires, Biochemical and laboratory investigations, with variation incombination, method of processing and the remote rural areas also use natural materials like cow dung, leaves,
Clinical examination, Dietary and nutritional assessment 2) quantity of different drugs.  Ritu Kalina Shodhana - To and mud. 8) Water Hyacinth Pads Menstrual pads manufactured using
Mental Dimension of Health: Mental health is not mere maintain the healthy condition of an individual, one should water hyacinth is sold under trade name “Jani.” They are cost-effective,
absence of mental illness, but having the ability to respond regularly take Rasayanaand Vajikarana Dravya. Before easily biodegradable, and ecofriendly in nature. ,,,Indications during
to varied experiences of life with flexibility and a sense of adopting these Dravya, Shodhana karma procedure Menstrual Period – Celibacy - Rest on bed made out of special grasses like
purpose. Mental health is defined as a state of balance needsto be followed along with Snehana and Svedana as Kusha, Kasha, etc. - Cleanliness of the genital area - Sanitary napkins are
between the individual and the surrounding world, a state Purvkarma. Byconsidering Yogya andAyogya (indications advised according to requirement and should be changed
of harmony between oneself and others ,coexistence and contraindications), Panchakarma is done in the regularly.Contraindications during Menstrual Period - Sexual
between the realities of self, other people and that of propersequence. intercourse - Excessive laughing & talking - Diva svapna, Anjana, Snana,
Anulepana, Abhyanga, Vyayama- Shodhana karma such as Nasya, Vamana,
environment. - Characteristics of a mentally healthy
etc.Complications due to improper menstrual hygiene: - Using unclean
person: Free from internal conflicts, Well adjusted,
pads or cheap alternatives can lead to urinary infections, urinary tract Gyana- Gyana means knowledge. Gyana Yoga is the path where
reality is discovered throughinsight, practice and knowledge.Gyana
infections or fungal infections. - Not changing the pad for a long time can
Yoga has four principles:I. Viveka (Discrimination)II. Vairagya
cause vaginal yeast infections and rashes. - Using cloth and bigger size (Renunciation)III. Shatsampatti (The Six Treasures)IV. Mumukshtva
shapes can lead to rashes due to friction between the thighs. - Using the (Constant Striving for God)
same pad for long can also lead to bad odour. - Many women think that
having intercourse during menstrual period is a good idea because there
is no risk of getting pregnant. But, the fact is, it is risky because as it is
highly likely to contract sexually transmitted diseases like Herpes,
Hepatitis B or STD. - Not washing hands properly after touching sanitary
napkins also leads to infections likeHepatitis B and that of yeast as well.

Yoga  Yoga Shabda Utpatti The word ‘Yoga’ is existent for more than
five thousand years. However, even today, itmay be the most popular
Indian word in the world. - The term Yoga is derived from the root
‘Yuj’ which means ‘union’. The union denotes that of the individual
soul (Jeevatma) with the cosmic soul (Paramatma). - According to
another derivation, Yoga means ‘concentration’. - In Bhagavad Gita,
the word Yoga is used to express a sense of divine power and glory. 
Definitions of Yoga  According to Patanjali Yogasutra:
योगश्चितवृश्चत्तश्चिरोधः । (प.यो.सू. १ / २)Chitta = Mind,
Consciousness, AwarenessVritti = Thought waves, Activities,
ChangesNirodha = Control, Regulation, Mastery, CoordinationYoga
refers to consciously controlling or mastering the activities of the
mind.The thoughts, feelings, emotions (good or bad) occurring
continuously in the mindare known as Vrittis, which should be
controlled by Yoga. According to Bhagavad Gita:- Yoga is the state of
equanimity in gain or loss. When the mind is detached from
thematerial world it maintains a desire free state. A desire free mind
will not beinfluenced with gain or loss, win or defeat and pleasure or
misery.- Yoga is the dexterity in action. Actions concerned with
physical, mental orintellectual levels should be performed with full
adeptness and skill.- Yoga is disunion or negation of union of the self
with sorrow. According to Sri Aurobindo:Yoga is an all around
personality development i.e. at physical, mental,
intellectual,emotional & spiritual levels. According to Swami
Vivekananda:Yoga is the process of culturing & controlling the mind.
The Four Paths of Yoga1) Karma Yoga (path of action)2) Bhakti Yoga
(path of devotion)3) Raja Yoga (royal path)4) Gyana Yoga
(philosophical path)

1) Karma YogaThe word ‘Karma’ means ‘to do’, ‘to act’. Any mental or
physical act is called Karma.Karma is also the word used to describe
the consequence of this act, thus the word alsorefers to the Universal
Law of Cause and Effect.Everything we do, say or think, gives rise to
an effect, which in due time will return to us,in full accordance with
this law of consequence. What we call ‘luck’ is the result of ourearlier
good actions, and what appears to us as misfortune is merely the
repercussion ofpast negative actions.Therefore, the events of our
future do not arise coincidentally, but are actually caused bythe
effects of our previous and present actions. In this way our destiny is
predeterminedby our Karma; just as the destination of an arrow
released from its bow is fixed andpredictable, unless its course is
diverted, or corrected by another event. Through positivethinking,
wisdom and selfless service, we can lessen and alter the outcome of
our Karmasand gradually guide our destiny towards the
positive.There are two types of Karma:i) Sakama Karma (selfish
actions)ii) Nishkama Karma (selfless actions)Selfish thoughts and
actions deepen the duality between ‘mine’ and ‘yours’. Beingselfless
however, leads us above and beyond the limit of our little ego to the
unity of allbeings. Sakama Karma binds us to the Wheel of Death and
Rebirth. Nishkama Karmafrees us from this.In India, the rain, the
tree, tree river and the Saint are all regarded as symbols
ofselflessness. Rain comes for the benefit of all – humans, nature and
animals equally.The tree offers its shade to all that seek shelter and
yields its sweet fruit even to thosewho hurl stones at the tree to
knock the fruit down. The river is also there for everyone.The deer
quenches its thirst in the same river as the tiger. A Saint gives his
blessing to allwithout distinction.Nishkama Karma is the way to
avoid creating new Karma and may even resolve earlierKarma. To
offer understanding, forgiveness and help are the selfless action that
liberateus from the cycle of Karma.2) Bhakti YogaBhakti means love
and devotion to God – love and devotion to His Creation, with
respectand care for all living beings and all of nature. Everybody can
practice Bhakti Yoga,whether young, old, rich or poor, not matter to
what nation or religion one belongs. Thepath of Bhakti Yoga leads us
safely and directly to the goal.Bhakti Yoga also includes the worship
of a form of God. God is everywhere. God dwellswithin us and all
around us. It is as though we are connected to God by a fine thread –
the thread of love. God is Universal Love. Love and Divine Grace
surround us and flowthrough us, but we are not conscious of this.
The moment this consciousness, this Divinelove, has been
experienced, one never desires anything more. We then know
themeaning of true love for God.A person lacking Bhakti is like a fish
without water, a bird without wings, a night withoutthe moon and
stars. All beings need love. Through it we feel protected and happy
justlike a child in the arms of its mother or a traveler at the end of a
long, arduous journey.There are two types of Bhatki:i) Apara Bhakti
(inferior / egoistic love)ii) Para Bhakti (superior / universal love)A
Bhakta accepts everything that happens to him as a gift of God. There
is noexpectation, there is simply complete surrender to the will of
God. This Bhakta acceptseach life situation as placed before him by
destiny. There is no resentment, his onlyPayer is: “Let Thy will be
done.”However, prior to reaching this level of supreme love for God,
our Bhakti is intermingledwith egoistic thoughts. This means that we
do in fact love God, but also expectsomething from God. Many people
turn to God for help when they are troubled or inpain. Others
pray for material objects, money, glory, career promotion.In the
Bhakti Sutras, Sage Narada describes nine elements of Bhakti Yoga:i)
Satsan (good spiritual company)ii) Hari Katha (to hear and read
about God)iii) Shraddha (Faith)iv) Ishvara Bhajana (to sing the
praises of God)v) Mantra Japa (Repition of God’s name)vi) Shama
Dama (Withdrawal and control of the senses with regard to worldly
things)vii) Santo ka Adar (to show honours to people who have
dedicated their live to God)viii) Santosha (Contentment)ix) Ishvara
Pranidhana (Devotion to God)3) Raja YogaRaja means King. A king
acts with independence, self-confidence and assurance.Like-wise, a
Raja Yogi is autonomous, independent and fearless. Raja Yoga is the
path ofself-discipline and practice.Raja Yoga is also known as
Astanga Yoga (Eight steps of Yoga), because it is organized ineight
parts:I. Yama (Self-control)II. Niyama (Discipline)III. Asana (Physical
exercises)IV. Pranayama (Breath exercises)V. Pratyahara
(Withdrawal of the Senses)VI. Dharana (Concentration)VII.Dhyana
(Meditation)VIII. Samadhi (Complete Realization)The eight steps of
Raja Yoga provide systematic instruction to attain inner peace,
clarity,self-control and realization.

Yama-ahima(non violence), satya (thrutfulness),asetya(non

Niyama- discipline- shaucha , Santosh, tapa ,svadhayaya, ishwara

Asana , pranayama , pratyahara ( whithdrawl of senses) Yogis are in

Dharana, dhyana , Samadhi ,