The Heart of Yoga
Heart of Yoga
Ashtanga literally means eight limbs. All yoga is technically speaking ashtanga yoga as all yoga follows the eight limbs described by Patanjali. But these days the term is commonly used to describe the method taught by Jois. The eight limbs are described by Patanjali as:
- Yama (ethical discipline):
- ahimsa (non-violence)
- satya (thruthfulness)
- asteya (non-stealing)
- brahmacharya (refraining from sexual indulgence)
- aparigraha (detachment)
- Niyama (observation & purification):
- sauca (cleanliness, purity)
- santosha (contentment)
- tapah (austerity)
- svadhyaya (study towards self knowledge)
- ishwara-pranidhana (surrender to God/higher self)
- Asana (postures)
- Pranayama (breath control)
- Pratyahara (sense withdrawal)
- Dharana (concentration)
- Dhyana (meditation)
- Samadhi (consciousness itself)
The eight branches mutually support each other and are to be learned and taken into daily committed action. An established asana practice prepares dedicated yogis for a balanced practice of the more subtle limbs such as pranayama which are the key to embodying the yamas and niyamas. The heart of yoga is ethical living, honesty and compassion.
