What is Yoga?
There is much more to yoga than meets the eye.
The practice of yoga was developed in ancient India over 5,000 years ago by monks and other enlightened beings for health, happiness and longevity. Following is a very brief and simplistic overview outlining what Raj yoga, or Ashtanga yoga is according to Patanjali's Sutras, from my Advanced Teacher Training lecture notes.
The goal of yoga is union of the self with the supreme reality. There are eight limbs.
1. The Yamas {Purification of Nature}: a) Ahimsa (non-violence), b) Satya (truthfulness), c) Asteya (not stealing), d) Aparigraha (non-collection), e) Brahmacharya (non-indulgence)
2. The Niyamas {Purification of Nature} : a) Saucha (cleanliness), b) Santosha (contentment), c) Tapas (self-discipline), d) Svadhyaya (self-study), e) Ishuara Pranidhana (surrender to God)
3. Asana {Purification of the Body} : The physical practice of yoga postures
4. Pranayama {Purification of Energy} : Breathing exercises to control the five pranas and their functions
i. Udan - Involves the nose, mouth, eyes, throat, hands and working of the brain
ii. Pran - Pumps the heart and includes the lungs
iii. Saman - Associated with digestion and small intestines
iv. Apan - Inclusive of the large intestines, colon, and organs from the bladder down;
responsible for excretion and expelling toxins/waste
v. Vyan - Associated with all blood circulation and movement in the body
5. Pratyahara: Calming or withdrawing the senses
6. Dharana {Concentration} : Controlling the senses
7. Dhyana {Meditation} : Contemplation of self
8. Samadhi {Consciousness} : Freedom from Maya, or illusion
This is by no means a comprehensive summary of yogic philosophy. There are many books on the subject, and there are many different types of yoga. ie; Yin, Vinyasa.
The mental, physiological and spiritual benefits of yoga, asana and pranayama are extensive. There is no limit to where a yoga practice can lead.
The practice of yoga was developed in ancient India over 5,000 years ago by monks and other enlightened beings for health, happiness and longevity. Following is a very brief and simplistic overview outlining what Raj yoga, or Ashtanga yoga is according to Patanjali's Sutras, from my Advanced Teacher Training lecture notes.
The goal of yoga is union of the self with the supreme reality. There are eight limbs.
1. The Yamas {Purification of Nature}: a) Ahimsa (non-violence), b) Satya (truthfulness), c) Asteya (not stealing), d) Aparigraha (non-collection), e) Brahmacharya (non-indulgence)
2. The Niyamas {Purification of Nature} : a) Saucha (cleanliness), b) Santosha (contentment), c) Tapas (self-discipline), d) Svadhyaya (self-study), e) Ishuara Pranidhana (surrender to God)
3. Asana {Purification of the Body} : The physical practice of yoga postures
4. Pranayama {Purification of Energy} : Breathing exercises to control the five pranas and their functions
i. Udan - Involves the nose, mouth, eyes, throat, hands and working of the brain
ii. Pran - Pumps the heart and includes the lungs
iii. Saman - Associated with digestion and small intestines
iv. Apan - Inclusive of the large intestines, colon, and organs from the bladder down;
responsible for excretion and expelling toxins/waste
v. Vyan - Associated with all blood circulation and movement in the body
5. Pratyahara: Calming or withdrawing the senses
6. Dharana {Concentration} : Controlling the senses
7. Dhyana {Meditation} : Contemplation of self
8. Samadhi {Consciousness} : Freedom from Maya, or illusion
This is by no means a comprehensive summary of yogic philosophy. There are many books on the subject, and there are many different types of yoga. ie; Yin, Vinyasa.
The mental, physiological and spiritual benefits of yoga, asana and pranayama are extensive. There is no limit to where a yoga practice can lead.
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