Guess what, these teachings are very applicable to our modern lives! They sound somewhat familiar and ring true when you dig a little deeper. They set some of the foundations for yoga philosophy.
Patanjali, an ancient sage, prescribed the Eight-Limbed Path of Yoga, which creates a map for living a meaningful, purposeful life. It outlines guidelines for moral and ethical conduct, and for self-discipline, directing attention to one’s health (physical, emotional, mental, spiritual) and leads to embracing the more spiritual aspects of our nature.
The eight-fold path is accumulative, each step building on the stability of the previous one(s):
- Yama (5): Ethical standards and sense of integrity
- Niyama (5): Self-discipline and spiritual observances
- Asana: Postures practiced in yoga. The body is a temple of spirit.
- Pranayama: Breath control. Techniques to gain mastery over the respiratory process, strengthen connection between breath, mind, emotion.
The first four limbs concentrate on refining our personality, gaining mastery over the body, and developing an energetic awareness of ourselves, all of which prepares us for the second half of the journey, which deals with the senses, the mind, and attaining a higher state of consciousness.
- Pratyahara: Withdrawal of our awareness from external stimuli. Non-attachment
- Dharana: Concentration, dealing with the distractions of the mind
- Dhyana: Meditation & uninterrupted flow of contemplation
- Samadhi: Realization of a profound connection to the Divine
This ultimate stage of yoga – enlightenment – can neither be bought nor possessed. It can only be experienced, the price of which is the continual devotion of the aspirant.
This is the first of 11 short posts, as we flesh out each of the Yama and Niyama (there are 5 of each). Sign up for our Blog so you don’t miss out!
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