![The Yoga Sutras Of Patanjali outline 8 main parts or “limbs” pertaining to the overall practice of yoga. Ashtanga is a method of yoga developed for the cultivation of these 8 limbs within us.Patanjali’s 8 limbs of yoga include:Yama [universal morality/how we treat the world & those around us]Niyama [personal observances/how we view & take care ourselves]Asana [yoga postures]Pranayama [control of the breath]Pratyahara [sense withdrawal]Dharana [immovable concentration of the mind]Dhyana [meditation]Samadhi [divine union/the ultimate goal]Ashtau (eight) + anga (limb) ….Clever, hm?The limbs below Yama & Niyama are easily reached through attending yoga asana classes. Hearing the instruction, the reminder to breathe is something we likely take for granted. Having a rare opportunity to withdraw from the senses by heavily concentrating on the present moment are actually easy during a yoga class compared to living these practices off of the mat.Example:There’s no instructor telling you “inhale as you turn on the sink, exhale as you reach for the sponge, inhale as you rinse the dish…” or “breathe deeply as you are frustrated this car just cut you off & nearly got you in an accident”.If you only concentrate on the physical aspect of yoga & simply coming to class, you certainly will see the affects, but the potential is so much greater.The practice of Yamas/Niyamas are the aspects of yoga in which we cultivate moral observances toward how we treat ourselves (Niyamas) & the world around us (Yamas). They’re like a garland of self discipline. Once you begin, it’s like the rest effortlessly connect with each other. I can certainly attest to the limbed yogic path being a richly satisfying experience, for it commands you to act peacefully from your heart, something we all could do better…even if we think we’re doing our best. I don’t think we should ever settle with the idea that we’ve reached our limit of spiritual growth or internal connection.Growth takes a lifetime.It’s important to acknowledge that the Yoga Sutras aren’t by any means harsh rules, but rather one way to live a more peaceful life of deepening consciousness. Yoga is from within…your practice will not come from a book and there ultimately will never be an end. Your life’s work is your practice of yoga, on & off the mat.For me, the Sutras are an inspiration…They are a reminder that I have endless potential within my practice. We all do.](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ly2wff6Ymh1rn7wrlo1_1280.jpg)
The Yoga Sutras Of Patanjali outline 8 main parts or “limbs” pertaining to the overall practice of yoga. Ashtanga is a method of yoga developed for the cultivation of these 8 limbs within us.
Patanjali’s 8 limbs of yoga include:
Yama [universal morality/how we treat the world & those around us]
Niyama [personal observances/how we view & take care ourselves]
Asana [yoga postures]
Pranayama [control of the breath]
Pratyahara [sense withdrawal]
Dharana [immovable concentration of the mind]
Dhyana [meditation]
Samadhi [divine union/the ultimate goal]
Ashtau (eight) + anga (limb) ….Clever, hm?
The limbs below Yama & Niyama are easily reached through attending yoga asana classes. Hearing the instruction, the reminder to breathe is something we likely take for granted. Having a rare opportunity to withdraw from the senses by heavily concentrating on the present moment are actually easy during a yoga class compared to living these practices off of the mat.
Example:
There’s no instructor telling you “inhale as you turn on the sink, exhale as you reach for the sponge, inhale as you rinse the dish…” or “breathe deeply as you are frustrated this car just cut you off & nearly got you in an accident”.
If you only concentrate on the physical aspect of yoga & simply coming to class, you certainly will see the affects, but the potential is so much greater.
The practice of Yamas/Niyamas are the aspects of yoga in which we cultivate moral observances toward how we treat ourselves (Niyamas) & the world around us (Yamas). They’re like a garland of self discipline. Once you begin, it’s like the rest effortlessly connect with each other.
I can certainly attest to the limbed yogic path being a richly satisfying experience, for it commands you to act peacefully from your heart, something we all could do better…even if we think we’re doing our best. I don’t think we should ever settle with the idea that we’ve reached our limit of spiritual growth or internal connection.
Growth takes a lifetime.
It’s important to acknowledge that the Yoga Sutras aren’t by any means harsh rules, but rather one way to live a more peaceful life of deepening consciousness.
Yoga is from within…your practice will not come from a book and there ultimately will never be an end. Your life’s work is your practice of yoga, on & off the mat.
For me, the Sutras are an inspiration…They are a reminder that I have endless potential within my practice. We all do.
