YOGA

The eight limbs of Yog are

1.Yama (abstinence)

2.Niyama (codes of conduct)

3.Āsana (postures)

4.Prānāyāma (breath control)

5.Prayāhāra (turning inward)

6.Dhārāna (concentration)

7.Dhyāna (meditation)

8. Samādhi (complete absorption in God)

The eight limbs can be practiced/improved at the same time

●There is no need to perfect one in order

to go practice the next

●However, the lower stages need to be perfected first.

Yama (abstinence) comprises of

1. Ahimsa (non violence)

2. Satya (truthfulness)

3. Asteya (abstention from theft)

4. Brahmacharya (celibacy)

5. Aparigraha (non hoarding)

Niyama (codes of conduct) comprises of

1. Śhaucha (cleanliness)

2. Santosh (contentment)

3. Tapaḥ (austerity)

4. Svādhyāya (study of the scriptures)

5. Eśvara praṇidhānāni (surrender to God)

saucha (cleanliness), santosha (contentment), tapas (discipline or burning desire or conversely, burning of desire), svadhyaya (self-study or self-reflection, and study of spiritual texts), it also promotes mental clarity and inner peace.

What does Yama mean?

A yama is a duty or observance recommended by yogic philosophy and teaching as part of the eight-limbed path of yoga. In Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, he outlines five yamas as his first "limb" of yoga.

The word, yama, originally meant "bridle" or "rein" and refers to the restraining nature of the yamas. These yamas are practices that are considered to be outer observances. They are a way of applying the behavioral codes of yoga to the way the yogi relates to the world. Practicing the yamas is said to give the yogi the opportunity to live in a way that is healthier and more peaceful. They can improve relationships with others, strengthen character and help the yogi progress on his/her spiritual path. It is also believed to reduce or even prevent the accumulation of bad karma, which can be gathered when one lives without awareness or honesty.

WHY NIYAMA  IS IMPORTANT?

The practice of Niyama helps us maintain a positive environment in which to thrive and gives us the self-discipline, humility, and inner strength necessary to progress along the path of yoga. Yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara and meditation help in emotional management. For example, the principle of non-violence will protect us from negative emotions and develop positive

The 5 Niyamas ----

• Saucha (cleanliness) Saucha can be translated as 'cleanliness', but it doesn't just mean physical cleanliness. ...
• Santosha (contentment) ...
• Tapas (discipline) ...
• Svadhyaya (self study) ...
• Isvara Pranidhana (surrendering to a higher power)

What Is Dharana?

Dharana, a Sanskrit word meaning "concentration," is the sixth limb of yoga in the Ashtanga yoga system—also called the eight-limbed path. The goal of dharana is to bind your consciousness to one particular object, place, or idea. This single-object meditation can focus on an internal thought or an external object around you in the outside world.