sandeyeThe Theory: the Eight Limbs of Yoga: 1 overview
May 16th 2008 17:23
There are many schools of Yoga practice that I have encountered when reading and researching. One of the more popular possibilities for those taking Yoga seriously, beyond the Asana/Pranayama stage, is the Eight Limbs of Yoga.
The Yamas and Niyamas remind me somewhat of my Buddhist practice, being relative to ways of living life in a harmonious and peaceful manner, accepting and dealing with the world and its inhabitants around us.
The Asana and Pranayama are where most Yoga practitioners enter their practice, either through a class, from a personal instructor, or from reading a book/taking a TV or Internet class. Some stay with only these popular Yoga particles, whilst others wish to go beyond, into exploring the depths of the full Yogic lifestyle.
Pratyahara and Dharana are meditational practices leading to an inner peace and silence, and to a meditative concentration. Dhyana is meditation practice itself, and Samadhi is the target or goal sought. An inner present unity, a state of awareness of the now and the know, also sometimes labeled self-realization or enlightenment. (These practices are also very similar to my Buddhist practices of knowing your mind and then nowing your mind.)
Covering the attitude and morals for living, along with the physical and spiritual aspects of life, the Eight Limbs of Yoga provide a structure within which to live the entire life, rather than just a method to become healthy and relaxed, fit and youthful. I will further explain these in my next three posts.
The Yamas and Niyamas remind me somewhat of my Buddhist practice, being relative to ways of living life in a harmonious and peaceful manner, accepting and dealing with the world and its inhabitants around us.
The Asana and Pranayama are where most Yoga practitioners enter their practice, either through a class, from a personal instructor, or from reading a book/taking a TV or Internet class. Some stay with only these popular Yoga particles, whilst others wish to go beyond, into exploring the depths of the full Yogic lifestyle.
Pratyahara and Dharana are meditational practices leading to an inner peace and silence, and to a meditative concentration. Dhyana is meditation practice itself, and Samadhi is the target or goal sought. An inner present unity, a state of awareness of the now and the know, also sometimes labeled self-realization or enlightenment. (These practices are also very similar to my Buddhist practices of knowing your mind and then nowing your mind.)
Covering the attitude and morals for living, along with the physical and spiritual aspects of life, the Eight Limbs of Yoga provide a structure within which to live the entire life, rather than just a method to become healthy and relaxed, fit and youthful. I will further explain these in my next three posts.
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