What is yoga philosophy?
**Complementary information**
‘‘Finding our Roots’’, gouache and watercolor on paper
Traditionally, the teachings of yoga were orally transmitted from teacher to student. About 2 500 years ago, a sage named Patanjali wrote the ''Yoga Sutras'', sharing the knowledge he had gained. A central teaching in the Sutras is the Eight Limbs of Yoga. Eight principles which help us grow deeper awareness of our body and mind, guiding us on our journey to evolve, grow and understand ourself.
The first two points (Yamas and Niyamas) are values and practices that help us be more at ease with ourselves and others.
The Yamas
A Sanskrit word that can be translated as: reflection of our true nature*
They are composed of 5 principles which present the values that reflect our true nature:
-reverence, love, compassion for all (ahimsa)*,
-truthfulness, integrity (satya)*,
-generosity, honesty (astheya)*,
-balance and moderation of our life force (brahmacharya)*,
-awareness of abundance, fulfillment (aparigraha)*,
The Niyamas
Evolution towards harmony*
They are also composed of 5 principles which when observed help us evolve towards harmony:
-simplicity, purity, refinement (saucha)*,
-contentment, being at peace with oneself and others (santosha)*,
-discipline, fire (tapas),
-self-observation and study (swadhaya),
-merging with the ‘’divine, universe, consciousness…’’ - place the word that resonates with your vision of what might unite us all no matter your religious or non-religious views (Ishvara-Pranidhana)
Asanas:
Yoga poses. They keep your body healthy and strong and are conducive to calming the mind.
Pranayama:
Breathing exercises. Like the asanas, they have many health benefits and allow you to steady your mind and emotions.
Pratyahara:
Means withdrawal from the senses
Dharana:
Is concentration
Dhyana:
Is the practice of meditation.
And Samadhi:
Hard to express in words, it is something to experience. But when meditating you can become fully absorbed, transcending the body's senses and the mind's thoughts, uniting with pure consciousness.
This was a short overview, if I have sparked your curiosity, there are many great books and courses offering a deeper look at the subject !
*As this interesting translation and explanation of the Yoga Sutras (from which some of the above translations stem): The Secret Power of Yoga: A Women’s Guide to the Heart and Spirit of the Yoga Sutras, by Nischala Joy Devi, 2007