What is Yoga?
It is estimated from archeological finds that Yoga began around 3000BC, however many argue that Yoga has been in existence for 6000 years or more, making it one of the oldest disciplines in the world. The true purpose of Yoga is to cultivate health and well-being (physical, emotional, mental, social and spiritual) through the regular practice of many different modalities; including movement, breath-work, concentration, self-discipline, relaxation, self-inquiry and meditation, to name a few.
A man named Patanjali (Pa~tan~jali) is credited for compiling the Yoga Sutras. 195 concise philosophical statements that offer guidelines for living an enriched and purposeful life. These Sutras are written in Sanskrit and were originally handed down orally.
The most notarised verses of Patanjali’s wisdom teachings are known as The Eight Limbs of Yoga. As a general rule of thumb, these teachings have become the foundation and principal text of the Yoga most teachers are taught today.
Of the 8 limbs, only one focuses on Yoga postures, known in Sanskrit as asanas (pronounced a~sa~na). These physical positions are what make up most of the Yoga that we see taught in the West. The other seven limbs or parts of Yoga include: Yamas (5 practices for ethical living), Niyamas (5 principles of healthy living), Pranayama (breath work), Pratyahara (going within), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation) and finally Samadhi (freedom).
With regular practice, Yoga will lead to increased strength, better balance, more flexibility and a calmer approach to life’s challenges. As said by BKS Iyengar (one of Yoga’s most prominent Indian figures)
Where there is Yoga, there is prosperity, success, freedom and bliss
BKS IYENGAR
The overarching principle of Yoga is do no harm, with the first and second limbs, Yamas and Niyamas respectively, considered the foundations of a strong Yoga practice. Below, is a brief overview of both limbs.
Yamas
Yamas or “Restraints” are universal in their application. They relate to one’s relationship with other living beings and include:
Ahimsa is non-harm to all living creatures through non-violent feelings, thoughts, words and actions. Ultimately it is a conscious practice of love and compassion toward yourself and others.
Satya is the highest rule of morality. It is the practice of being truthful in all feelings, thoughts, words and actions by acting with honesty and refraining from obscuring the truth. However Satya should always be in service of Ahimsa and care should be taken to avoid brutal honesty or gossip.
Asteya is the desire to possess and enjoy what another has. It refers to stealing material, knowledge, time and energy from others. It arises from a subconscious belief in lack, leading us to keep what we should share.
Brahmacharya is consciously choosing how to use our energy, especially sexual, to express our life purpose. It requires us to practice continence of the body, mind and speech through moderation and conservation.
Aparigraha is a practice of giving what no longer serves you and acquiring only what you need. The idea is to let go of material things, so that you can create space for new energy and growth.
Niyamas
Niyamas or “Observances” are the positive guidelines of our own personal conduct and individual discipline. They cultivate and deepen one’s life and include:
Saucha practices cleanliness of the mind, body and spirit to protect the sanctity of the energy around us. This involves purging the mind of ill thoughts and emotions, bathing daily, preparing healthy meals and cleaning our home.
Samtosa requires recalibration of our inner attitudes. Accepting life’s highs and lows, so that we are content with the present moment, without worry or fear.
Tapas has a purifying effect and is the burning effort required to achieve a life goal or spiritual transformation by pushing the mind and body to overcome weaknesses and build inner strength.
Svadhyaya is consciously turning our observations inward for reflection on our soul. It also encourages the study of yogic scriptures and spiritual books to broaden our understanding and knowledge.
Isvara Pranidhana is the practice of letting go. By dedicating our actions to the divine matrix, our ego is diminished and we begin to be guided by our holy essence. The Bhagavad Gita, one of the most revered Hindu scriptures, tells us to let go of the outcome to our actions – we often have no control over this in any case. Operate with right action and the outcome does not matter.
The remaining limbs are as follows:
Asana
Asana literally means seat. It is the physical practice of Yoga, a precursor to Pranayama and Dhyana and initially only included eleven postures – all of which require stamina, concentration and an integration of pushing and resisting.
Pranayama
My personal favourite is pranayama, the regulation of the breath through inhalation, exhalation and suppression over place, time and number. Perfecting breath control has a purifying effect on the mind and is said to clear the residue of our actions, preparing the mind for Dharana.
Pratyahara
Pratyahara is withdrawing attention from external stimuli through the senses to focus on the mind. Cultivating a regular practice of sense discipline will lead to the highest control of the senses, which in turn will aid in the practice of Dhyana.
Dharana
Dharana, the first of the three inner limbs, is defined as ‘binding of the mind to a place’. It is the initial moment of deliberate concentration on an object, such as the mantra OM or the breath, to settle the mind into meditation.
Dhyana
Dhyana is extending the practice of Dharana, whereby the mind intuitively remains fixated and engaged with an object for longer periods of time. This leads to a deeper and more peaceful meditation and represents great control of concentration.
Samadhi
Samadhi is the final limb. It is perfecting Dhyana, where concentration on an object leads to a deep level of consciousness. It is complete control over the mind, free from mental fluctuations, enabling a true understanding of the Self and the world, leading to liberation.
This is only a brief overview. If you would like to learn more, please head online where you will find a wealth of information. A great starting places is Yoga Australia. If you are interested in studying Yoga, I highly recommend my mentors, Celia Roberts from BIYOME or Leanne Davis from ViniYoga Australia.
