Eight Limbs of Yoga : Origin and Meaning

Yoga: Your Path To Serenity

The pace of today’s world has taken most of us by storm, and it’s common to find ourselves feeling trapped by stress, deadlines and survival mode. Coping with everything and finding an inner balance is seemingly impossible for many. However, it’s not because there are no options. Sometimes, it is that there are so too many options and directions.

Escaping this vicious circle is the first step towards emotional and physical balance. Some people paint. Some listen to music. Some go to the gym. Such “escapes” only release part of the stress, either physical or emotional.

Yoga is a practice that can help you to regain inner balance and improve your overall lifestyle. At first glance, many are tempted to assume this practice requires immense flexibility. You couldn’t be more wrong. Considered by some a discipline that should be learned thoroughly, yoga is an ancient Indian practice that combines physical exercise and meditation in a perfect symbiosis.

Positive outcomes of practicing yoga

Pain relief;

Improved posture and flexibility;

Boosted creativity;

Reduced anxiety and depression;

Improved work productivity.

Origin of Yoga

In Sanskrit, the language of ancient Indian culture, the word “yog” signifies “union with the Divine”. Today, we can easily deduct that the union they referred to was in fact the union between mind, body and spirit.

Yoga is not just a stretching method. Of course, it is related to the ability of each person to adopt certain positions, but in essence, yoga aims to create a perfect balance between body, mind and spirit. With practice, patience and time, people who choose yoga as a method to unplug from the hectic lifestyle of the 21 ^st century will experience complete physical and emotional balance. Although there are many types of yoga, they all have the same purpose: not only to ameliorate the overall body state, but also to reunite the mind, body and spirit trilogy.

When it comes to meditation, one has to understand that there are basic steps of yoga that consequently lead to the mindful meditation. Don’t imagine that today you’re doing a few poses and tomorrow you will reach a deep state of meditation. The state of yoga requires patience and exercise. Patanjali was the ancient sage who defined the principles of yoga, also known as the :

Eight limbs of Yoga

1. Ethical Standards (Yamas)
   1. Non-violence (Ahimsa)
   2. Control of senses (Bramacharya)
   3. Non-stealing (Asteya)
   4. Truthfulness (Satya)
   5. Non-coveting (Aparigraha)
2. Self-discipline (Niyama)
   1. Cleanliness (Shaucha)
   2. Contentment (Santosha)
   3. Asceticism (Tapas)
   4. Self-Study (Svadhyaya)
   5. Devotion (Ishvara Pranidhana)
3. Posture (Asana)
4. Breath control (Pranayama)
5. Sensory withdrawal (Pratyahara)
6. Concentration (Dharana)
7. Meditation (Dhyana)
8. Final liberation (Samadhi)

You see, there is a long way until you can truly learn and acknowledge meditation as a part of yoga. However, with every step of the way, the practicing yogi can successfully focus on his or her inner self, shutting off outer distractions whilst transcending the restless mind. Meditation is essential achieving a relaxed body, a calm mind, proper breathing and control over all aspects of one’s life.

Hopefully you too will be able to enjoy this state of awareness in order to regain balance and liberate your inner power for a better self.

 

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