Yoga

Lots of our lovely yogi friends out there ask about a knowing what’s is beyond the asana’s sequence in their yoga practice. We thought it would be helpful to put together a little insight for you. The basics of the eight limbs of yoga.

While the physical component of yoga is certainly of importance, it is only one of the eight traditional limbs of yoga practice. These are the eight limbs of the complete yoga system as they are found in the famous yoga textbook known as the Yoga Sutras, written by the sage Patanjali in 200 B.C. There are as follows:

1. Yama: These are five positive ethical guidelines (restraints, or abstinences) that include non-violence, fidelity to the Absolute, non-stealing, truthfulness and non-attachment.

2. Niyama: These are five positive behaviors, including cleanliness, contentment, self-discipline, self-study.

3. Asana: These are the actual physical exercises that people usually associate with yoga. These powerful poses are designed to give our bodies strength, flexibility and energy. They also contribute to the deep sense of relaxation.

4. Pranayama: These are the energizing breathing exercises that produce vitality, overall health and inner calm.

5. Pratyahara: This is detachment from the ever-present fluctuations of life. Through this practice, we can transcend all the trials and sufferings that life often seems to throw our way and begin to see such challenges in a positive and healing light.

6. Dharana: This is the practice of power ful and focused concentration.

7. Dhyana: This is devotional meditation on God, designed to still the agitations of the mind and open the heart to God’s healing love.

8. Samadhi: This is blissful absorption of one’s individual consciousness in the essence of God. In this state, the yogi experiences the direct presence of God in his or her life at all times. The result of samadhi is peace, bliss and happiness without end.