Sutras, written over 2,000 years ago.
through Ujjayi breathing, Pratyahara through Dristi, and Dharana through breath & movement. The first 2 limbs create a foundation & context. The higher limbs become the fruit of a lifelong practice. The Yamas and Niyamas set the stage or create a context within which the asana practice develops. These “guidelines for healthy living” provide fertile soil for the asana practice to develop. Without them, asana practice is nothing more than gymnastics [B.K.S. Iyengar]. With them, you create a sound foundation for the higher limbs. You will likely find that in implementing the yamas, niyamas, and asana, feedback loops will form. One practice enforces the others. You may notice that your asana practice in subtle but unmistakable ways gives you both the awareness and discipline to follow the personal and social constraints of the yamas and niyamas. You don’t need to actively repress or control yourself. With patience and practice you will find that the allure of the habits you wish to shed will fade away. You simply won’t need them anymore. |
"Each soul is potentially divine. The goal is to manifest this Divinity within, by controlling
nature, external and internal. Do this either by work or worship or psychic control or
philosophy - by one or more or all of these - and be free." Patanjali's Yoga Sutras
nature, external and internal. Do this either by work or worship or psychic control or
philosophy - by one or more or all of these - and be free." Patanjali's Yoga Sutras
Yama & Niyama: Foundation to Asana
The 8 Limbs of Integral Yoga
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