| In the West, we generally think of "yoga" as the physical poses (asana) that we practice with our bodies. But this is only one aspect of the entire science/philosophy of Yoga. There are many ways to practice and truly live yoga throughout your daily life. It is only recently that we have focused more on the "fitness" benefits of yoga poses and, unfortunately, de-emphasized the other vital facets of yogic philosophy. Patanjali's Eight Limbs (Astanga) of Yoga Although yoga has been around in various forms for at least 5000 years, one of the first detailed written descriptions appears to be the Yoga Sutras, written by the Indian sage Patanjali between 400 BC and 400 AD. The Yoga Sutras (sutra means "thread") describe an eight-limbed path toward enlightenment. These eight concepts are meant to guide us toward a meaningful life, aligning the various aspects of the Self - not just our physical self, but also our mental and spiritual selves and the Universal Self. In fact, the word "yoga" means "to yoke" or "to unite," as in connecting body, mind, and spirit. Yoga is not a religion, but the Yoga Sutras do provide a set of philosophies of living with guidelines on how to live your daily life in harmony with yogic principles and methods. These philosophies can support and deepen any religion you may already practice. The path of yoga, in this larger context, is designed to help us live a life of peace, harmony, and joy. The following is a brief description of Patanjali's Eight Limbs of Yoga: 1. Yamas (Restraints). The five yamas are ethical guidelines on how to interact with the outside world. Ahimsa (Non-Violence). Ahimsa means having compassion and striving not to bring harm to all living beings, including yourself. This means not only harmful actions, but also harmful words and intentions. Ahimsa is the principle that leads many yogis and yoginis to become vegan or vegetarian. For some astonishing statistics about ahimsa, vegetarianism, and conservation of the earth, click here. Satya (Truthfulness). Satya means that person conducts his/her life in alignment with thought, word, and deed. To live in truthfulness, one must spend time learning the nature of their true self and living in accordance with it. Asteya (Non-Stealing). Asteya simply means not taking anything that is not freely given. This principle is fostered by practicing gratitude and being happy with what you have. Brahmacharya (Non-Sensuality, Moderation). Brahmacharya does not mean abstaining from sexual desires. Rather, it implies understanding the creative energy of life and using it wisely and moderately, rather than scattering it wildly. This refers to sexual practices, food, drugs, or anything that can be used to excess. Aparigraha (Non-Possessiveness). Aparigraha literally means "not grasping." This implies avoiding compelling desires to have what others possess, whether materially or personally. It also means letting go of the need to control the outcome of any situation. We simply set a course of action, then let go of the rest. For a wonderful explanation of the Yamas by renowned yoga teacherJudith Lasater in terms of modern living, visit www.judithlasater.com/writings/no4.html. 2. Niyamas (Observances). The five niyamas are ethical guidelines on inner conduct and attitude toward the self. Saucha (Purity). Saucha means cleanliness of the body, mind, heart, and environment. This involves the choices you make in terms of the "food" that you take in through the mouth, eyes, ears, and mind. Purity also implies keeping external stimuli to a minimum and quieting the constant stream of thought. Santosha (Contentment). Santosha is the complete acceptance of your circumstances at any given moment. It is not apathy or complacency, but a truly peaceful appreciation of life as it is. It is the joyful acceptance of each moment. Tapas (Self-Discipline). Tapas is the effort you put into your life's work and your spiritual practice. Tapas means doing the work required with the intention of the larger picture in mind. Svadhyaya (Self-Study). Svadhyaya is working with the self and its limitations in order to grow and learn. It involves learning from your life experience and being your own best teacher. Ishvara Pranidhana (Self-Surrender). Ishvara Pranidhana was defined by Patanjali as, "Success comes from complete resignation to God." You can define God in any way that suits you - a deity, universal energy, nature, etc. This means faithfully surrendering yourself and your life to a higher source, without attachment to the outcome. This means letting go of the need to micromanage ourselves, others, and our universe...surrendering to the flow. This is true freedom. For a wonderful explanation of the Niyamas by renowned yoga teacher Judith Lasater in term of modern living, visit www.judithlasater.com/writings/no5.html. 3. Asana (which literally means "seat," as in a groundedness with the earth) is the physical practice of postures. The body is our only tangible tool for connecting with our more subtle spirit, which it houses. Caring for the body and fostering a healthy environment for our spirit is a way to honor the Divine. Asana practice teaches us discipline, concentration, and equanimity, which are essential tools for progressing through the other limbs of Yoga. For an in-depth look at Asana by renowned yoga teacher Judith Lasater, visit www.judithlasater.com/writings/no6.html. 4. Pranayama (prana means "life force" and yama means "control") is the practice of breath control. The breath is a gift that sustains life and provides us with a link between body and spirit. In fact, the word spirit is related to such words as "inspire," "respiration," and "aspiration." Pranayama consists of many breathing techniques, such as the 3-part diaphragmatic breath called dirga and the ujjayi breath used during asana practice. There is a strong connection between our breath and our nervous system. A shallow, choppy breathing pattern, which we generally revert to in times of stress and fear, only exacerbates our stress by eliciting the "fight or flight response." Whereas, the regular practice of pranayama teaches us to lengthen the breath deep into the belly, signaling the parasympathetic nervous system to calm the body and mind with the "relaxation response." For a more detailed explanation and diagram of how yogic breathing affects the body, click here. 5. Pratyahara means "withdrawal of the senses." The breath control of pranayama can help us to direct our attention internally, remaining aware of our senses, but not attaching ourselves to them. 6. Dharana means "concentration." As the next step after turning off the distraction of the senses in pratyahara, dharana means to then begin to turn off the distractions of the mind. It involves focusing the mind on one thing, like the breath or a mantra, and slowing down the thought process. 7. Dhyana is the practice of meditation. With the senses and the mind quieted, dhyana is next step of the journey, whereby the object of focus in dharana fades away and true thoughtless meditation unfolds. 8. Samadhi means "self-realization." Simply put, it is a state of pure ecstasy. When the continuous cycle of yin and yang, pain and pleasure, and all desires and connection to the Self are released, the true peace that remains is Samadhi. There is no more Self, only a profound connection with the Divine. |
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| Yoga Philosophy |