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Moral code of conduct, the way we interact with others ~ in our thoughts, words, and behaviors; Nischala Joy Devi interprets the 5 Yamas as a reflection of our true nature.
Ahimsa – non-violence, not harming, kindness, compassion for all
Satya – truthfulness, honesty, integrity
Asteya – non-stealing, not taking from others, big-heartedness
Brahmacharya – non-excess, awareness of energy
Aparigraha – non-possessiveness, non-greed, non-attachment, awareness of abundance
Self-observation, self-study, self-discipline ~ integration of body, mind, & spirit; Nischala Joy Devi interprets the 5 Niyamas as evolution toward harmony.
Saucha – purity, cleanliness
Santosha – contentment, embracing the moment for what it is, whether difficult or enjoyable
Tapas – discipline, training the senses of the body & mind
Svadhyaya – sacred self-examination, contemplation
Isvara Pranidhana – surrender to the Divine
The physical postures. In the West, asana is the most commonly recognized limb of Yoga. Yoga Sutras 2.46-2.48 are related to the body being steady and at ease, which can contribute to decreasing the fluctuations of the mind.
Energy control. Prana means life force or energy. Pranayama practices (breathing exercises) have a positive effect on the Parasympathetic Nervous System (rest and digest system) and contributes to a calm and focused mind. The length of inhalation and exhalation of the breath, and the specific Pranayama practices, are chosen based the practitioner’s experience with the practice and/or the imbalance in body and/or mind. The goal is to strengthen and cleanse the nervous system and increase our prana.
Withdrawal of the senses. Pratyahara occurs when the practitioner is so focused on the practice (Asana, Pranayama, or
Meditation) they become unaware of outside distractions. Practices include Restorative Yoga, Yoga Nidra, and Guided Meditation
Website resources for the 8 Limbs of Yoga content:
http://www.swamij.com
William JD Doran, Expressions of Spirit
Chip Hartranft Sankrit/English PDF
Contemplation, cultivating inner awareness; Nischala Joy Devi describes Dharana as ‘gathering consciousness and focusing it within’. Dharana means “immovable concentration of the mind”. Dharana is paying attention and training the
mind toward one-pointed focus in preparation for Dhyana, or Meditation. Practices include mudra, mantra, chanting, and concentrated gazing.
Meditation. Nischala Joy Devi describes Meditation as ‘the continuous inward flow of consciousness’. Stilling the mind in a sustained flow of concentration with the intention to increase awareness and
cultivate oneness with the universe. Types of Meditation include mindfulness, lovingkindness, mantra, present moment, visualization.
Deep absorption, to merge; Nischala Joy Devi describes Samadhi: ‘when individual consciousness unites with the divine
consciousness and the illusion of separateness dissolves’. It cannot be described, it can only be experienced.
Book resources for the 8 Limbs of Yoga content:
Secret Power of Yoga, Nischala Joy Devi
Yoga: Discipline of Freedom, Barbara Stoler Miller
The Yamas & Niyamas: Deborah Adele
Meditations from the Mat: Rolf Gates & Katrina Kenison