Recently I opened my regulate FGIF Yoga class using very inspirational quote from Facebook saying:
The Goal of Yoga (No, it’s not the handstand). The yoga pose is not the goal. Becoming flexible is not the goal. Standing on your hands is not the goal.The goal is to create space where you were once stuck. To unveil the layers of protection you’ve built around your heart. To appreciate your body and become aware of the mind and the noise it creates. To make peace with who you are.The goal is to love, well…,you.Come to your yoga mat to feel; not to accomplish.Shift your focus and your heart will grow. ~ Rachel Brathen
I think it surprised a few yoga seekers in my class, quietness was felt in the bones. Yes, it is obvious that Yoga here in the West is more known by its practical aspect of asana, or physical posture “ looking good in yoga pants and being so back-bendy!”
I kept surprising them sharing that it is not goal and true purpose of yoga. So what is hidden behind a goal of yoga? Simple answer will be LIFE in its full spectrum.
I briefly introduced THE EIGHT LIMBS OF YOGA to see if they could find my way of presenting yoga, here in our class to my surprise they did.
THE EIGHT LIMBS OF YOGA by Mara Carrico
YOGA core principles that serve as a compass for living a meaningful and purposeful life.
1.YAMAS
Yamas are ethical considerations to help guide interactions with others. There are five yamas:
- NONVIOLENCE (Ahimsa)
- TRUTHFULNESS (Satya)
- NON-STEALING (Asteya)
- CHASTITY AND FIDELITY (Brahmacharya)
- NON-COVETING (Aparigraha)
At first glance, these considerations mirror the basic morals taught in kindergarten, but have depth in their continued practice. Here are a few alternative versions to consider:
- Ahimsa: practice nonviolence in thought, word and deed; practice self-love
- Satya: tell the truth; opt for silence if your words may harm others
- Asteya: do not steal, even in non-material ways, such as withholding information or time
- Brahmacharya: use your energy wisely and with intention; avoid excess or overindulgence
- Aparigraha: you are enough and you have everything you need already
Please keep in mind that there are many interpretations of the Yamas and Niyamas; find the definitions best suited to your personal practice.
2. NIYAMAS
The Niyamas are practices that inform self-discipline and worldview. The maxims below generally reflect the essence of each Niyama:
- Saucha: “Leave a place cleaner than you found it” (cleanliness)
- Santosha: “Don’t worry, be happy” (contentment)
- Tapas: “When the going gets tough, the tough gets going” (willpower and self-discipline)
- Svadhyaya: “Learn from your mistakes” (study of self and sacred scriptures)
- Ishvara Pranidhana: “Have faith” (surrender to the divine)
3. ASANA
Asana refers to the physical postures practiced in yoga. Derived from the root word as in Sanskrit, which means seat, asana is designed to prepare the body and mind for seated meditation. ASANA in an ancient yogic tradition means “ taking a seat close to your teacher.” Beyond the physical, asana refers to an outlook that life is full of opportunities to learn, even though obstacles: find the teacher in all things.
Introduction to Tantrik Yoga starts here:
4. PRANAYAMA
Breathing is the only bodily function that you perform consciously and unconsciously; it can be voluntary or involuntary. However, breathing patterns, such as a tendency to hold your breath, are indicators of mind and body health. Pranayama is the practice of consciously controlling the breath, of taking your breath back into your own lungs. In Sanskrit, prana is our vital life force, so pranayama is the cultivation and mindful use of life force. Pranayama leads to improved concentration, health, focus, clarity, creativity, purpose and compassion.
5. PRATYAHARA
Pratyahara is the practice of withdrawing from external stimuli to enhance internal awareness. Mindfully return to quiet through meditation and removal of distractions. Set aside 5-10 minutes each day to sit or lay quietly with your eyes closed. As your practice grows, your heightened sense of awareness leads to an ability to see things are they are, not as you are. Draw inward, not to silence your senses, but to quiet them enough to see beyond yourself.
6. DHARANA
Dharana is the practice of intense concentration, usually focusing on one object, such as the flame of a candle or a picture of a deity. This practice trains the mind in stillness and focus. Start with just a few minutes each day and expand your practice as it serves you. If other thoughts or distractions flicker through your experience, recognize them then let them go.
7. DHYANA
Dhyana is the state of being keenly aware, yet without focus. It is awareness without judgment or attachment; it is peaceful, meditative and precedes complete bliss. It is otherwise known to artists and athletes as the flow state. Consider moments in your life where you were so engrossed in the present that you lost track of time or desire (even for food). The practice of yoga offers a return to this state.
8. SAMADHI
Samadhi is a state of ecstasy. It is transcendence, connectivity with the divine, a coupling with the universe, and a mind-body integration of the concept that “all things are one.”
In a yoga class, sooner or later you will hear saying ” accordingly Patanjali?”
WHO WAS PATANJALI?
Patanjali, a revered scholar in the yogic tradition, is credited with authoring the Yoga Sutras, a foundational text for classical yoga. In the Yoga Sutras, the eight limbs are referred to as ashtanga, ashta meaning eight and anga meaning limb in Sanskrit. Patanjali is estimated to have lived in India sometime between the 5th century BCE to 4th century CE.
This is a story from my yoga class, when I briefly introduced THE EIGHT LIMBS OF YOGA to see if they could find my way of presenting yoga . Here is my students answers:
…”we do breath work, we sit in silence, we chant and do yoga poses and we flow; and you always ask us to return to your heart to reflect, respect the source of wisdom and intelligence in us from the above, invocation of a guiding light and loving kindness using our speech.”
I was happy to hear their collective answer mirroring back my yoga teaching. Yes, yoga is above the handstands and looking good in yoga pants.
Posted by Veronika Prielozna, M.A, RYT 500 exploring her yoga teaching practice.
Reference: https://www.gaia.com
Featured Image: Google Image source
YOGA and TRAVEL 