subject: Roots Of Yoga [print this page] Much More Than A Gym Class Much More Than A Gym Class
Yoga is a great way to get in shape and relax yourself. It concentrates on stretching and breathing, building strength from within. But it is much more than just exercising. Ashtanga Yoga stems from the 3rd or 4th century, contains 196 sutras and serves as a doctrine, a moral and ethical guidebook to living a meaningful life. The physical exercise of yoga is only one small part of a philosophy that exists to bring people to peace.
The Eight Limbs of Yoga
Ashtanga Yoga has eight parts, or limbs to it, each one a guideline focusing on areas in your life. Together, they lead one to a state of peace called Samadhi.
Yama Yamas are restraints that we put on ourselves, focusing on the ethical standards by which we live. Embracing the yamas helps us to attain our purpose in life. They are broken into five branches, or practices of conduct. Ahimsa, non-violence; Satya, speaking truth; Asteya, non-stealing; Brahmacharya, our sexual conduct; and Aparigraha, avoiding greed.
Niyama While yamas help us avoid certain behaviors, niyamas help us to cultivates the attitudes that bring us peace. Saucha, cleanliness and purity; Santosha, contentment; Tapas, austerity; Svadyaya, self-study; Ishvara-Pranidhana, humility.
Asana This is what we traditionally refer to as santa monica private yoga. It is the physical postures and stretches, and is practiced while focusing on your mind and breath. It helps develop awareness of ourselves, discipline, and concentration.
Yoga was initially communicated in Sanskrit, the Indo-European language of the Vedas.
Pranayama Breath control. This is often used in conjunction with asana, to renew energy and promote control of the body. Each step (exhalation, or rechaka; suspension, or kumbhaka; and inhalation, or puraka) is carefully regulated.
Pratyahara This step helps us step away from our senses so that we can direct our attention inward. We can then examine our thoughts, feelings, and habits in an objective way.
Dharana Focusing our mind on one thing, and practicing our concentration. It is often achieved by repeating mantras, or thinking repeatedly of an image.
Dhyana This is meditation, which helps us to control our mind and achieve a feeling of peace.
Samadhi After following the eight steps, we come to a state of self-realization. You experiences a feeling of deep peace and oneness with all living things.
The word yoga means: to put to active and purposeful use, or to yoke, join, or concentrate. It has come to describe a way of unity, or a method of discipline. The root word is yuj, which means to hitch up.
by: Sagbee
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