Yoga | kellsnaturalhealing

Ashtanga Yoga

Ashtanga Yoga means the eight limbs of Yoga. what we refer to yoga in the west is one of these limbs, the asana (meaning posture). It's was Patanjali who codified yoga in his 196 aphorism which is known as the yoga sutra; sutra meaning 'thread'. patanjali clearly lays out the path for those who wish to gain self realisation. essentially he says that we are in a state union with what is false and untrue. he explans these practices and principles for breaking this cycle of destruction and find out what is really true, find out our true nature. altogether the eight limbs of Yoga are :-

yama

Yama is essentially social discipline. these are codes of ethical behavour we can use to help create social harmony. these include: non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, sexual restraint, freedom from desire.

niyama

this refers to individual discipline. these five principles are: cleanliness, contentment, austerity, self-study, devotion to God. these are personal guidelines to help the student stay on the right path.

ASANA (poses)

asanas are the poses and the physical element in yoga. this is usually the first introduction of westerns to yoga and the easiest for us to grasp. this physical exersice and stretching help to prepare the mind and body for meditation. through it's many great benefits it allows us to engage in the rigours of concentrated focus. our minds are constantly running away with us so the asana allows us still this monkey mind and helps us to place our attention where we choose.

the benefits of regular practice become obvious to those that partake. it will improve the breathing, our posture, our internal organs will become toned and ready to function much more effeciently. it can prevent the onset of early aging by keep our bodies detoxed and healthy.

pranayama

this is the control of the breath. there are many different techniques to control the breath.

each one has a specific effect. prana means both breath and the energy in the body, known as nadis. this is similiar to the merdians in chinese medicine.

pratyahara

the intention here is to withdraw the senses inwards. by doing this the practicioner learns to cultivate energy by not wasting it on the outside world.

dharana

dharana is meditating upon one single object. here we learn develope our ability to focus and lconcentrate our energy to one point and develope the skills neccesary to enter the final stage.

Samadhi

the ultimate aim of all yoga practice is to reach this state. by mastering all the other practices the student now enters the pernament state of bliss. there is now an effortless oneness with the world.

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