September 11, 2007

The History Of Modern Yoga

Yoga has been a part of Indian0s rich spiritual tradition for many thousands of years, but it was the great sage, Patanjali, who first systematized the practice around two thousand years ago. In his Yoga Sutras, Patanjali describes the yogic path as having eight limbs that eventually lead practitioners toward liberation.
The Eight Limbs of Yoga
YAMA 0 Moral codes
The first limb sets five standards for how we should treat others.
Ahimsa: Promote non-violent, non-harming actions and thoughts.
Satya: Strive for truthfulness in speech and action.
Asteya: Obstain from cheating, stealing, hoarding, or envious thoughts. Brahmacharya: Act responsibly with sexual relations.
Aparigraha: Avoid attachments and possessive behavior.
NIYAMA 0 Codes for self-purification and study
Niyama sets five standards for self-discipline and spiritual observance along the yogic path.
Saucha: Cleanliness.
Santosa: Contentment.
Tapas: Cleansing fire of practice.
Svadhyaya: Self-inquiry and study of the sacred scriptures.
Isvara pranidhana: Surrender to the Divine.
ASANA 0 0Seat0 or physical postures
Asana most-literally means 0seat,0 and hatha yoga postures help students open and cleanse their bodies in a way that is conducive to seated meditation.
PRANAYAMA 0 Breath extension
Pranayama means 0breath extension0 and consists of various breathing exercises that help students focus and calm their minds.
PRATYAHARA 0 Sense control
Pratyahara means 0sense control,0 and is a practice where advanced students turn their […]