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In Budhism also there is eight fold path prescribed to attain salvation, the ultimate. This conforms to 'Astanga Yoga' of Patanjali. In Budhist 'Patakas' (Scriptures) the word 'Yoga' is used not so widely as its substitute, the word 'Samadhi'. Budhism in principle does not subscribe to the entities like soul or God and the ultimate 'Nirvan". (Salvation) which is described as 'Shunya" (Void). However, under the influence of prevailining philosophies it later recognized the enlightened and benevolent Bodhisatvas as incarnation of Budha, past, present and future. In Budhist yoga neither the rigours of various Asanas' (Postures) as of Hatha Yoga nor the forced breathing its inhalation (Purak), suspension (Kumbhaka) and exhalation (resbak) are prescribed or practised. Concentration on natural normal breathing is practised. The eightfold path is arranged in the three successive sequential stages (Skandhas) -
1. Sheel skandha
2.
3. Prajna skandha
1.
2.
Samadhi skandha
(i)
(ii)
BUDHIST STREAM OF YOGA
Sheel Skandha : It is three fold:
(iii)
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(ii)
(iii)
Samadhi Skandha: It is also three fold:
(i)
Samma Vacha: To abstain from falsehood and speak truth only. Samma Kamanto: To abstain from violence, stealing, sex and intoxicating things i.e. to adopt the vows of non-violence, nonstealing, celibacy and not to indulge in intoxication. Samma Ajivo: For livelihood not to engage in gambling, slavery, any work involving violence or harm to others, cheating and hoarding, Livelihood means should be based on detachment from greed and on moral, legal standards.
Samma Vayamo: It is to cleanse or free mind from evil, sinful negative thoughts and exert or practise good, benevolvent positive thoughts.
Samma Sati Here sati or smriti does not mean memory but awareness, consciousness or mindfulness in every act, every moment. It is like 'Dharna' (Concentration).
Samma Samadhi: In this concentration is further strengthened on pious thoughts and actions with equanimity in favourable and pleasant as well as in unfavourable and unpleasant situations.
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