Page 122 - Total War on PTSD Final

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The Bhagavad Gita is a beloved Hindu narrative about moral and ethical dilemmas and the violence and death of war. The concept of dharma or life’s purpose discusses how warriors are to be their very best to achieve their dharma. In India, there is a long history of the practice of Yoga and the military — maharajas retained yogis to train their troops because of their strength, flexibility and powers of concentration.
The Eight Limb Path correlates yoga and the military:
• Yama: Social Ethics – Standard Operating Practices (SOPs)
• Niyama: Personal Ethics – SOPs
• Asana: Postures – Physical Training
• Pranayama: Breath Control – BRASS – Breathe, Relax, Aim, Slack, Squeeze
• Pratyahara: Withdrawal/Control of senses – Stealth Maneuvers
• Dharana: Single pointed focus – Mission Purpose
• Dhyana: Meditation – Sustained Mission
• Samadhi: Enlightenment/Awareness of higher consciousness – Mission Achieved
The Practice of Yoga
Sutras 2.53, 3.1 and 3.7
Dhyana – Maintaining focus, meditation – Raja Yoga
Sutras 3.2 and 3.7
Samadhi – Complete absorption, a state of joy and peace – Jnana Yoga
Sutras 3.3 and 3.7 Yoga and the Military
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