About Yoga
The Eight-Fold Path
Yoga is a physical, mental, and spiritual practice or discipline which originated along with Ayurveda in India. The origins of yoga have been speculated to date back to pre-Vedic Indian traditions, which are mentioned in Rigveda.
In Vedic Sanskrit, yoga (from the root yuj) means "to add", "to join", "to unite", or "to attach" in its most common literal sense. This 3000-year-old modality is a complementary approach to health and has been praised for its influence in both physical and mental realms.
It is known for kindling strength, endurance, immunity, perseverance, self-awareness, and concentration. Ashtanga Yoga literally means "eight limbs of yoga," defined in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.
Eight Limbs of Yoga
These are steps as much as limbs - they belong to the same body of teachings and there is a logical order to them
Yama
The Five Restraints
- • Ahimsa – Non-violence
- • Satya – Truthfulness
- • Asteya – Non-stealing
- + 2 more
Niyama
The Five Observances
- • Saucha – Purity, cleanliness
- • Santosha – Contentment
- • Tapas – Austerity
- + 2 more
Asana
Steady Posture
Control of the physical body through postures. Only possible if one has mastery over the body, as body and mind are intimately connected.
Pranayama
Control of Prana
Prana animates the mind. Air is the primary physical medium of prana and breathing is our best method to gain control over it.
Pratyahara
Withdrawal of Senses
The natural tendency of the senses is to go out towards objects. The yogi must pull the senses within to keep a balanced mind.
Dharana
Concentration
One-pointedness. The meditator is fully focused on the object of concentration, like the flame of a lamp in a windless room.
Dhyana
Meditation
A natural flow of thought between the meditator and the object of meditation. It is a very joyous state.
Samadhi
Super-conscious State
The state where Absoluteness is experienced with all-knowledge and joy. The meditator and meditated become one.
The Five Yamas (Restraints)
The moral and ethical practices that form the foundation of the spiritual edifice
The Five Niyamas (Observances)
The positive practices that support spiritual growth
Saucha
Purity
Purity of thoughts and feelings, cleanliness of the body, and keeping surroundings tidy and clean. Purity is the essence of the sattva guna.
Santosha
Contentment
Recognizing that the world around you is never going to be perfect. Be happy with what you have and endeavor to do the best you can.
Tapas
Austerity
To strengthen ourselves physically and mentally through austerities. The highest tapas is meditation on God. Daily practice of yogic disciplines is considered tapas.
Swadhyaya
Self-study
Study of the Self through yogic scriptures and mantra repetition. The best scriptures include Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and Brahma Sutras.
Ishwarapranidhana
Surrender
Surrender to God's will and devotion. All ethical and moral precepts of yoga culminate here.
The Higher Limbs of Yoga
Dharana
Concentration
One-pointedness. The meditator is fully focused on the object of concentration, like the flame of a lamp in a windless room.
Dhyana
Meditation
A natural flow of thought between the meditator and the object of meditation. It is a very joyous state.
Samadhi
Super-conscious State
The state where Absoluteness is experienced with all-knowledge and joy. The meditator and meditated become one.