Yoga is mainly known for its benefits for the body, stress-relief, etc. However, what many people are not aware of is that yoga is a whole philosophical system. What’s more, the philosophy most likely formed before the asanas.
One of the earliest surviving scripts on the theory and practice of yoga is Patanjali’s “Yoga Sutras” (aphorisms). There is also a thousand-year-old script titled “Rig Veda” where yoga is mentioned, but “Yoga Sutras” are considered to be one of the foundational texts of classical Yoga philosophy. There are 196 of them, divided between four chapters, discussing the aims and practice of yoga, the development of yogic powers, and finally, liberation.
The eight limbs of yoga, together called “ashtanga”, is the path leading to enlightenment. As you may guess – very few people actually reach enlightenment. Nevertheless, there are so many more reasons to follow this path.
“It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey”.
By living according to yogic principles, we avoid stress and strain in life. We find ourselves walking the path to greater awareness, the harmony of living, and our true purpose. If we follow these teachings and maintain discipline, we will be more present with our true selves.
The first two parts of Yoga, namely “yama” and “niyama” are aimed at the external and internal harmony of an individual. Yamas are recommendations, showing areas in which our behavior and character may serve us best when controlled, while niyamas tell us which ones should be amplified for our benefit.
The yamas are: non-violence, truthfulness, nontheft, sexual continence, non-attachment
The niyamas include: purity, contentment, inner determination, self-study
Staying aware of all these principles at all times is challenging, and requires years of practice. It is suggested to take things step-by-step and work on one yama or niyama at a time, until it has become fully integrated in our life.
Truthfulness
For example, you might decide to focus on being honest at all times. Such a shift could entirely change your outlook on life and approach to life problems. You will drop the mask, refrain from adjusting yourself to society’s expectations – this may lead to a series of changes in your life.
By being completely honest, you could find yourself on a new professional path, some people may shift away from you in life, and others – who actually resonate best with you – will be naturally drawn towards you.
Non-violence
A second example could be practicing the attitude of non-violence. Funnily enough, we humans tend to put lots of emphasis on the violence “we” do to our surroundings, forgetting how we sometimes treat ourselves. We should start from being loving and gentle towards ourselves, so this love can radiate out into the world.
Violence against self can be easily recognized in your experience of the body in everyday life. Health problems that come out of stress sleep deprivation, and constant strain. Society has taught us to keep pushing, despite alarm signals sent by our bodies – in the form of body tension, headaches, tics, panic attacks, burnouts, and so many others…
Sometimes, to reach certain important to us goals, we can strain ourselves a bit more. However – if this is repeated over a longer length of time, serious harm can be done. It’s important to “release the reigns” a bit, practice daily yoga and meditation.
It’s impossible to love another, if we don’t love ourselves first.
Non-attachment
We are sure, you are wondering about non-attachment. It means loving unconditionally, learning how to let go of thought and emotions that create suffering, and of material possessions.
“Attachment is the origin, the root of suffering”
This does not mean we have to give away all of our belongings like the Buddha himself, and go live in a convent or monastery. The goal of non-attachment is to become like water, continuing its steady flow untouched by obstacles along its way.
We have discussed three of the yamas, now let’s take a look at some niyamas.
Purity
As a first example, we can take “purity”. This involves your daily hygiene, such as washing your body, performing ayurvedic cleansing rituals (occasionally the intense ones), but not only! In actual fact, our aim is to keep a pure mind, a pure planet Earth – and a pure body.
Practicing meditation can maintain the purity of thoughts. Eating a fresh, organic plant-based diet and occasionally fasting, plus practicing yoga will help maintain a pure physical body. Washing, brushing your teeth (with a non-fluoride toothpaste!), scraping your tongue (yes!) and… nose cleansing.
(Yes, we will write an article specially dedicated to this topic. So much to learn.)
Saucha, or “purity” also includes speaking pure words and… cleaning up that mess in your house. Yes, having an organized environment at home also keeps the mind at rest.
Contentment
Let’s take another one – Santosha, meaning “contentment”. It reminds us to appreciate what we already have, stop chasing happiness in the future. Also, acknowledge who we are, our skills, and shortcomings.
Be content with the stage of yoga you are at, with the level of advancement of your asanas. Don’t compare yourself with others in the room, most important that you practice with open attention. Accept the restrictions of your body, and observe the progress throughout your whole life. Everyone’s path is different, so comparison makes no sense.
Now, after reading these teachings, we will leave you to research the rest by yourself. Think about the principle that could influence your life the most in this moment, and try to stay aware of it every day.
Transformation is well on its way!
- Written by Michelle Prygiel
