What is Yoga? it can have many forms....
Updated: 5 days ago
The core meaning of yoga is to join, unite, or yoke. It harmonizes our mind, body, and spirit into a state of balance, and equinimity. The heart of yoga is self-discovery: a path toward presence, well-being, and enlightenment. It is one of the systems in which we can recognize and awaken to our true nature, which is ever present Pure Loving Awareness.
There are many forms of yoga.
We can view it and consider it as 8 limbs.
This is an overview of the eight limbs of Yoga that can be a useful way to study yoga, as outlined by
the sage Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras.
The 8 Limbs of Yoga
1. Yama (Ethical Standards): Social guidelines and moral restraints concerning how we interact with the outside world.
Ahimsa: Non-violence and kindness
Satya: Truthfulness and authenticity
Asteya: Non-stealing
Brahmacharya: Moderation or wise use of energy
Aparigraha: Non-possessiveness and non-attachment
2. Niyama (Personal Observances): Self-discipline and inner practices that cultivate a positive relationship with oneself.
Saucha: Purity and cleanliness (body and mind)
Santosha: Contentment
Tapas: Zeal, discipline, or fiery dedication
Svadhyaya: Self-study and self-reflection
Isvara Pranidhana: Surrender or devotion to a higher power/universal consciousness
3. Asana (Physical Postures): The steady and comfortable physical seats and postures designed to build strength, flexibility, and a quiet body.
4. Pranayama (Breath Regulation): The conscious control, extension, and regulation of the breath (prana or life force) to calm the nervous system.
5. Pratyahara (Withdrawal of the Senses): Turning awareness inward by detaching the mind from external sensory distractions and stimuli.
6. Dharana (Concentration): The practice of single-pointed focus, holding the mind's attention on a single object, mantra, or anchor.
7. Dhyana (Meditation): An uninterrupted, effortless flow of contemplation where focus deepens into continuous meditation.
8. Samadhi (Bliss and Absorption): The final state of complete integration, inner peace, and union with the universal consciousness or true Self.
When I teach yoga asana, it is important to remember:
Each time we begin our asana (physical posture) practice, remember to drop perfectionism, and listen to your body. Always back off of any postures that produce sharp pain. You are your best teacher. Consistency is important, so a practice of 20-45 minutes 3 times a week is a good goal, then modify as you wish. Use any props you feel you need or want. to make poses accessible as your body adapts and changes over time.
Shavasana, or corpse pose done at the end of the asana practice, done for at least 5-10 minutes, rests and resets your body, allowing your nervous system to settle. It is one of the most important poses, if the the most important pose, for incorporating the physical postures into your whole being.
Want to know about more styles of yoga asana?
Check out this article for 13 different types: https://yogamedicine.com/guide-types-yoga-styles/
In addition, there are six main branches of yoga.
The Six Main Branches of Yoga
Hatha Yoga: Focuses on the physical body through Asana (postures), Pranayama (breath control), and purification to create physical strength and inner balance.
Raja Yoga: Known as the "royal path" or classical yoga, it uses meditation, concentration, and the Eight-Limbed Path to master and calm the mind.
Karma Yoga: The yoga of action and selfless service, where practitioners perform good deeds and duties without expecting rewards or attachment to results.
Bhakti Yoga: The path of devotion and unconditional love, channeling emotions into prayer, worship, and seeing the divine in all living things.
Jnana Yoga: The path of wisdom and intellect, relying on study, contemplation, philosophy, and self-inquiry to understand the true nature of reality.
Tantra Yoga: Uses ritual, energy work, and visualization to expand awareness and experience the sacred connection in all aspects of life.
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