The Eight Limbs of Yoga
These basic tenants of the art and science of yoga were defined by the early yogis as practices that would reduce suffering and increase fulfillment in life.
The 8 limbs of yoga outlined by yoga sage Patanjali are:
1. YAMAS: restraints
2. NIYAMAS: observances
3. ASANA: postures to balance Prana (energy) in the body
4. PRANAYAMA: breath control to increase Prana (energy)
5. PRATYAHARA: exercises to create withdrawal from the senses
6. DHARANA: exercises for developing one-pointed concentration
7. DHYANA: exercises that give experiences of absorption/meditation
8. SAMADHI: a total merge of Self with the Infinite
Yamas (restraints)
Ahimsa (non-harming, non-violence)
Satya (truth)
Asteya (non-stealing)
Bramacharya (conservation/respect for energy)
Aparigraha (non-possessiveness)
Niyamas (observances)
Santosha (contentment)
Swadhyaya (self-study)
Saucha (purity)
Tapas (dicipline)
Ishavara Pranidhana (surrender to God/Higher
Self/Source/Universe)
Foundational Texts
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
196 short aphorisms that "thread" together forming the foundation for the inquiry of yoga. There are many, many translations. Try the version called The Secret Power of Yoga, by Nischala Joy Devi as an excellent starting point.
The Bhagavad Gita (The Song of God)
Part of the Mahabarata, the "great" epic poem of India, the Gita is a dialog between Lord Krishna and the hero Arjuna, taking place in the "beat of one butterfly's wings" on the battlefield before the climactic struggle between good and evil. It is the story of one man crisis of conscience and a instructive commentary and call to action for dealing with the great, and universal challenges of human life. And, it's a GREAT read! Again there are so many translations. I enjoy my old copy from high school which was translated by Swami Prabhavananda and Christopher Isherwood.
These basic tenants of the art and science of yoga were defined by the early yogis as practices that would reduce suffering and increase fulfillment in life.
The 8 limbs of yoga outlined by yoga sage Patanjali are:
1. YAMAS: restraints
2. NIYAMAS: observances
3. ASANA: postures to balance Prana (energy) in the body
4. PRANAYAMA: breath control to increase Prana (energy)
5. PRATYAHARA: exercises to create withdrawal from the senses
6. DHARANA: exercises for developing one-pointed concentration
7. DHYANA: exercises that give experiences of absorption/meditation
8. SAMADHI: a total merge of Self with the Infinite
Yamas (restraints)
Ahimsa (non-harming, non-violence)
Satya (truth)
Asteya (non-stealing)
Bramacharya (conservation/respect for energy)
Aparigraha (non-possessiveness)
Niyamas (observances)
Santosha (contentment)
Swadhyaya (self-study)
Saucha (purity)
Tapas (dicipline)
Ishavara Pranidhana (surrender to God/Higher
Self/Source/Universe)
Foundational Texts
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
196 short aphorisms that "thread" together forming the foundation for the inquiry of yoga. There are many, many translations. Try the version called The Secret Power of Yoga, by Nischala Joy Devi as an excellent starting point.
The Bhagavad Gita (The Song of God)
Part of the Mahabarata, the "great" epic poem of India, the Gita is a dialog between Lord Krishna and the hero Arjuna, taking place in the "beat of one butterfly's wings" on the battlefield before the climactic struggle between good and evil. It is the story of one man crisis of conscience and a instructive commentary and call to action for dealing with the great, and universal challenges of human life. And, it's a GREAT read! Again there are so many translations. I enjoy my old copy from high school which was translated by Swami Prabhavananda and Christopher Isherwood.
Photo by Mike
Fyrberg
What is
Yoga?
Yoga is a practice of breathing techniques (pranayama), physical postures (asana) and meditation (dhyana) designed to bring the body, mind and spirit into union.
The word "yoga" means union.
Yoga Traditions
There are many traditions of yoga including: Kripalu, Ashtanga, Sivananda, Anusara, Iyengar, Kundalini, the list goes on.... All of these traditions have different components, emphasis and practices, but they all pull from the same foundations in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras and other classical texts. They also incorporate different types of yoga.
Kripalu Yoga
Kripalu means, "compassion" and focuses on find each individual finding the yoga that is right for them.
Yoga is a practice of breathing techniques (pranayama), physical postures (asana) and meditation (dhyana) designed to bring the body, mind and spirit into union.
The word "yoga" means union.
Yoga Traditions
There are many traditions of yoga including: Kripalu, Ashtanga, Sivananda, Anusara, Iyengar, Kundalini, the list goes on.... All of these traditions have different components, emphasis and practices, but they all pull from the same foundations in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras and other classical texts. They also incorporate different types of yoga.
Kripalu Yoga
Kripalu means, "compassion" and focuses on find each individual finding the yoga that is right for them.
