Yoga Philosophy is 8 Limbs of Discipline and Practice
Yama (Yamah)-To be without desires is the essence of yama in relation to ourselves and how we interact with the world. These principle guidelines are required for a life of spiritual attainment in yoga. To rise above the primitive human nature of basic survival, to abstain from sexual indulgence and alleviation of greed from an inherent sense of lack or false belief of a scarcity of resources. Observance of the 5 yamas will reduce mental and emotional suffering with the elimination of desire.
Ahimsa-Non-violence, not harming, non judgment
Satya-Living in Truth, not falseness, not lying
Asteya-Non-stealing, not coveting
Aparigraha-Non-materialism, modesty in possessions
Bramacharya-Chastity, sexual continance
Niyamas-The moral and spiritual values of yoga which must be practiced as a lifestyle to cultivate integrity of character of relieve suffering of mind. These 5 represent fundamentals of the spiritual practice.
Sauca-Cleanliness and purity within through the mind, breath (pranayama) and externally in sanitation of the body
Santosa-Contentment within Self, satisfaction with what is in this moment, no desire
Tapas-Spiritual pursuit and discipline in practice of yoga
Svadyaya-Study of self, Self realization through spiritual study, self relflection without ego identification
Isvara pranidhana-Devotion and surrender to Source (God)
Asana-The physical movements, seated positions and postures, skeletal aligning and muscle strengthening to provide balance and integrity of the body. When asana is perfected it results in effortless repose while in posture and life force is stimulated.
Pranayama-Awareness of breath with elongation, retention, and control to stimulate the vital force energy (Shakti). To develop control of breath is to master vitality; we understand life force is what animates our physical form.
Pratyahara-Development of awareness of sensory perception to master the withdrawal of the senses in preparation for meditation.
Dharana-Devlopment focus, concentration in preparation for meditation.
Dhyana-Meditation, stillness in absence of thoughts. Transcending the mind-lessness of self created suffering through the illusion of the past or focus on the future. To truly Be in presence for life.
Samadhi/Yoga-Divine union with Source, God, Universal energies. The transmutation from physical form to formless energy with complete absorption in transcendance.
Yoga is movement of the body, awareness of the breath, stillness of the mind. Yoga is concentration, meditation, cultivation of moral values and structured discipline in life. Yoga is creating shapes with the body that facilitate muscle strength and length, joint mobility, and breathing for blood oxygenation while building resilience through, and then transcendance of, discomfort. Yoga is the practice of setting intentions to create a life of joy with the release of mental and emotional suffering and turmoil. Yoga is unifying with all that is energetically while maintaining the physical body in optimal health and the mind in balance.
In its truest form yoga teaches practitioners to withdraw from the senses and to release attachment from the fluctuation of emotions. Yoga at its core requires the dissolution of ego, letting go of the “me” identity and settling into the “we” of universal consciousness. Though a concentrated, disciplined practice we recognize ourselves as energetic bodies, rather than a physical makeup of parts, to develop a greater sense of “oneness” with the perfection of creation. Energy has no limits or form and yoga is by its very nature an energetic practice. To follow yoga principles and practice is a spiritual pursuit with the intention to become less separate as an individual and to begin to transmute from the bondage of the physical to the cosmic energy of Source.
Here lies the truth of yoga, as a unifying practice, as a holistic endeavor to become one with all that exists, through physical discipline and breath, in mental and emotional freedom, with spiritual faith, and always coming back to the heart in Love.
Yoga as a spiritual practice is the development of the self.