Yoga is often misconstrued as just a physical practice of contorting your body into different poses. This image of yoga is reinforced by the countless Instagram posts of yogis bending their bodies into impossible shapes or doing handstands on the beach at sunset. However, yoga is much more than just the asana or physical practice – it's a holistic system for achieving balance in your life.
The practice of yoga originated in ancient India as a means of achieving spiritual enlightenment. It is a system that includes eight limbs, of which asana or the physical practice of yoga is just one. The eight limbs are, in order: yama (abstinence), niyama (observances), asana (physical postures), pranayama (breath control), pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses), dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation), and samadhi (union).
Asana is just one aspect of yoga, and while it is important for strengthening the body and increasing flexibility, it is not the end goal of the practice. The physical postures are meant to prepare the body for the other limbs of yoga, which focus on controlling the mind and achieving inner peace.
In addition to the physical practice, yogic philosophy focuses on cultivating a positive mindset, developing ethical behavior, and achieving self-realization. The yamas, or ethical principles, include non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, continence, and non-greed. The niyamas, or personal observances, include cleanliness, contentment, self-discipline, self-study, and surrender to a higher power.
Another important aspect of yoga is pranayama, or breath control. This practice involves regulating the breath and using it as a tool to calm the mind and increase energy levels. Pranayama techniques include alternate nostril breathing, ujjayi breathing, and kapalabhati.
Pratyahara, or withdrawal of the senses, is the practice of turning inward and detaching from external distractions. This is necessary for achieving concentration and meditation, which are integral components of yoga. Concentration involves focusing the mind on a single object or thought, while meditation is a state of deep awareness and inner peace.
The ultimate goal of yoga is samadhi, or union with the divine. This is achieved through the practice of the other seven limbs, and involves transcending the limitations of the ego and connecting with a higher consciousness.
We hope that through attending classes at Iyengar Yoga Source that you discover how yoga is much more than just the physical practice of asana. It is a holistic system for achieving balance and harmony in all aspects of your life. By incorporating the other limbs of yoga – including ethical behavior, breath control, concentration, and meditation – into your practice, you can cultivate a positive mindset and achieve inner peace. If you are interested to know more about the philosophy of yoga, drop in on our Sunday evening yoga sutra discussion group! Email iyengaryogasource@gmail.com for more information!