The Eight Limbs of Yoga

Yoga refers to traditional physical and mental disciplines originating in India. It focuses on developing a healthy mind and body, and to achieve self-awareness. The various methods and disciplines of yoga accessible to everyone, whatever their culture or other paths they can follow. Yoga practice also involves developing awareness of the universal and personal level through yama and niyamas, a number of ethical rules and disciplines designed to cultivate living in harmony with others and in unity with our true self.

Yoga has been practiced for thousands of years and consists of ancient theories, observations and principles regarding the connection of mind with the body. The ancient Indian sage systemized yoga philosophy in eight paths or limbs: yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, Samadhi. These members each expressing different aspects of yoga and together constitute the path or yoga practice that combines the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels of our being.

Yama - Yama are ethical disciplines that relate to how we can live in a common world of peace and integrity. Niyama - These disciplines relate to the individual and focus on living a healthy, fulfilled and masterful life.

Asana - The word asana means "to be" in the sense of being in a position. The asanas were developed for maintaining a healthy mind and body, with each posture affects the body, mind and emotions in a unique way and works as a way to balance and wellness. Pranayama - practice of pranayama, we develop breathing techniques which increase oxygen delivery and enhance lung capacity while increasing the absorption of Prana, or life force. In its simplest form, involves pranayama deep, complete breathing.

Dharana - Following Pratyahara, Dharana is the ability to be completely absorbed and internally focused. The practice of single-pointed concentration stills the mind and leads to deep silence within.

Dhyana - Following is Dharana Dhyana, or meditation - sitting room, where there is no focus, just quiet, no thoughts, only emptiness. Samadhi - In this state of absolute personal freedom is the union of individual soul with the universal soul. It is the practice of living in one with all there is.

With regular yoga practice of yoga, you get strength, flexibility and good health, the benefits that will result in all aspects of life. Increased energy levels bring a new perspective on life, the increased sense of self-love and inspiration lead us to discover talents and interests that we never knew existed, and problems that once seemed overwhelming becomes more manageable.

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