One of the most important things to know about yoga is that there are eight limbs or paths of yoga. They serve as a guideline for living a purposeful life. Here's a very brief overview of each one.
1. Yama - Our behavior towards others and the world. Living as an example of kindness, truthfulness, sustainability, and moderation.
2. Niyama - Self-discipline through cleanliness, contentment, daily spiritual practices, self-study and continued connection to our own divinity.
3. Asana- Physical poses. This is what you'll encounter most often in a public yoga class held at a studio or gym. All physical styles of yoga fall under the umbrella of "Hatha Yoga." Examples include Vinyasa Flow, Iyengar, Ashtanga, Anusara, Jivamukti, Restorative, etc.
4. Pranayama - Breathing exercises. Helpful for expanding our breath capacity and maintaining the flow of energy through the body. Some breath practices may be applied to asana practice. "Light on Pranayama" by BKS Iyengar is a great reference!
5. Pratyahara - Control of the senses. This limb begins the work of turning inward. Drawing our awareness away from the external and objectively observing ourselves and our habits.
6. Dharana - Concentration. Each stage prepares us for the next. Now we focus our attention on a single point, slowing down our thinking process in preparation for the next limb, Dhyana.
7. Dhyana - Meditation or Contemplation. An uninterrupted flow of Dharana. There are so many different styles of meditation; each involves aspects of a still, quiet, and focused mind.
8. Samadhi - Enlightenment! Yippee!! Disciplined practice of the previous seven limbs may produce periods of ecstasy. I call them "mini-samadhi moments." A moment where we transcend our physical bodies and live in a state of interconnectedness with all things. Yoga means "union," and we are striving for an authentic sense of oneness. There is no "you and me," only "us." :)
To learn more about the Eight Limbs, check out this article by Mara Carrico, a writer for Yoga Journal.com.
Below you'll find a neat chant that will help you remember the eight limbs!
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