Learning Journal # 11
I’ve been learning about the 8 limbs of yoga from a philosophical/spiritual approach that incorporates the Sanskrit terminology. Ashtanga refers to the 8 total limbs of yoga. Yoga is defined as a practical way of living happily in the world while gradually moving one’s consciousness inward. Yoga is NOT just a workout class; this is only a small segment of the larger practice of yoga that is ultimately a spiritual pursuit. These are the limbs of yoga:
- Yama- social ethics, “restraints”
- Niyama- personal ethics, “internal restraints”
- aasans - posture, sitting (what most westerners think of Yoga)
- Praanaayaama- breath regulation
- Pratuaahaara- internalization of the senses, “drawing back”
- dhaaranaa - focus, concentration
- Dhyaana- complete absorption
I will go more in depth into these practices and Sanskrit/English meanings behind these in later journals.
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