Yoga
Yoga, one of the ancient Indian practices, has it's roots in Sanskrit tradition. The word yoga has various meanings, the most commonly accepted meaning is 'to unite'. It is widely assumed that it denotes uniting the mind, body, and spirit creating harmony with oneself and the universe.
According to ancient texts, yoga is said to "enliven the body's inner intelligence."
Yoga, as we know it in the west, is comprised of poses, postures, and stretches. It is mostly used as an exercise program. This practice is only one limb or branch of yoga, called asana. There are eight limbs or steps in yoga. The art of yoga is guided by these eight steps:
- Yama, which is universal morality or how we relate to others.
- Niyama, personal observances or how we relate to ourselves.
- Asanas, postures, this is the physical aspect of yoga and the most familiar of the limbs.
- Pranayama, breathing, the control of breathing and how it relates to physical health and mental wellbeing.
- Pratyahara, Sensory control, means to withdraw the senses from external things.
- Dharana. Inner awareness and concentration. This step is to train the mind to focus, to stop wandering.
- Dhyana. Simply stated, dhyana means worship. It means to meditate on the Divine.
- Samadhi. This final step is to merge with the Divine.
continue to Yoga Part 2