YOGA PHILOSOPHY AND PRACTICAL APPLICATION

Yoga Philosophy revolves around the following concepts. Rather than tell you that it is necessary to observe these as dogma, my suggestion is that you use them as a point of self-study.  Take some time to sit silently, read through them and ask yourself the following questions:

  • How does this idea make me feel as I think about it?
  • How can the application of this concept improve my life and my experience of life?
  •  In the simplest way, how can I apply this to my everyday life?
  • Take one idea a day and apply it in a clam observant way.
  • Notice what you notice as you continue to apply and the concept becomes part of you.
  • Journal your experiences.

 

THE EIGHT-LIMB PATH OF YOGA

  • YAMAS – The Five Moral Restraints
    • Ahimsa – nonviolence
    • Satya – truthfulness
    • Asteya – nonstealing
    • Brahmacharya – moderation
    • Aparigraha – nonhoarding
  •  NIYAMAS – The Five Observances
    • Sauca – purity
    • Santosa – contentment
    • Tapas – zeal; austerity
    • Svadhyaya – self-study
    • Isvara-pranidhana – devotion to a higher power
  • ASANA
    • Postures
  • PRANAYAMA
    • Mindful Breathing
  • PRATYAHARA
    • Turning inward
  • DHARANA
    • Concentration
  • DHYANA
    • Meditation
  • SAMADHI
    • Union of the Self with Object of Meditation

 

THE FOUR AIMS OF LIFE

  • Dharma – observation of spiritual discipline
  • Artha – creation of a balanced life
  • Kama – enjoyment of the fruits of one’s labors
  • Moska – liberation

 

THE FIVE AFFLICTIONS

  • Avidya – spiritual ignorance
  • Asmita – pride
  • Raga – desire
  • Dvesa – aversion
  • Abhinivesa – fear of death

 

THE TWO ASPECTS OF SPIRITUAL PRACTICE

  • Abhyasa – practice
  • Vairagya – renunciation