Archive for January, 2011

Eight Limbs of Yoga

Yama (Self-Control: how to treat and care for others)

Ahimsa (Non-Violence: protecting all living beings, making life safe for others, practicing kindness, consideration)

 Satya (Truthfulness: think before you speak, remain silent if the truth would hurt, do not speak unnecessarily)

 Asteya (Non-Stealing: do not take what does not belong to you, do not waste another’s time, do not tell confidential information, save on non-renewable energy)

Bramacharya (Mastering Relationships: form relationships based on understanding, respect others relationships, practice moderation and self-control)

 Aparigraha (Non-Possessiveness: take only what is necessary, let go of attachments to things, don’t hoard, don’t be greedy, give away what you no longer use)

Niyama (Commitments: how to treat and care for ourselves)

 Saucha (Cleanliness: keeping your environment clean, eat healthy, encourage positive thinking)

Santosha (Contentment: be grateful and happy with what you have and who you are, realize everyone has struggles and accept and move through difficult situations with grace)

 Tapas (Daily Practice: keep the body fit on a daily basis, eat only when hungry, regularly pay attention to breath)

Svadhayaya (Daily Study: read something inspirational, become centered, get to know yourself better)

Ishvara Pranidhana (Surrender to Higher Power: let go of false sense of control, become attuned to God’s will)

Asana (Physical Poses: move the body everyday to improve strength, balance and flexibility)

Pranayama (Breath Control: to cleanse, strengthen, increase energy and improve health)

Pratyahara (Withdraw From External: letting go of outer distractions, turning inward)

Dharana (Focus: concentration, train the mind to focus without distraction)

Dhyana (Fixation: uninterrupted flow of concentration to see the Truth)

Samadhi (Perfect Meditation:  Begin to see your life improve, imbued with more love and deeper connections to yourself, your loved-ones and ultimately all humanity)