The Eight Limbs of Yoga

Yoga is a comprehensive system of mind/body techniques that is thousands of years old. Its techniques are designed to improve physical and mental health and well being, and include such practices as physical postures and stretching, breathing exercises (pranayama), focused concentration, meditation, visualization, and chanting (mantra) (Desikachar, 1999; van der Kolk, 2014).

In the Yoga Sutras, Yoga is defined as "union" of mind, body and spirit. Classically, Yoga is understood as the science of the mind. [1] These days it is assuming importance in improving mental health and quality of life in the treatment of a number of disorders. [2]

as the tree in most yoga styles). This exercise stimulates the nervous system, assists balance,

Deemed the “land of opportunity,” by those who emigrated to America, it is only natural that as our country grew, so to would the development of new concepts, introduction of new practices, and influence from outside nations. While it may not be common knowledge, the concept, and practice, of yoga was introduced to the United States just over 100 years after the Declaration of Independence

The art of doing yoga we know today originated 5000 years ago in India. The infinite cognitive, physiological, and neurological benefits of yoga have been found and proven effective in regaining energy, balance, and health. Practicing this ancient body art, even just for few short minutes, will enable an individual to regain balance and physical energy. Regular practice of yoga can bring improvement in health, in mind and body, increased energy, well-being, and

Crystal Boschert began her exploration with yoga 8 years ago. Within no time she fell in love with yoga, which led her wanting to learn more so, she could deepen her practice and to share her passion of yoga and its many benefits with other’s along with helping others to adventure into a more holistic way of living. In 2014, she registered with The National Yoga Alliance as a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT 200) and began teaching after completing her first teacher training at Jane’s House of Well-Being in St. Charles, Missouri. She was trained to teach Hatha yoga, using the Dynamic Yoga Method (DYM), under Robin Buck, Sarah Kadel, Matthew and Holly Krepps, and other masterful teacher’s.

It is not surprising to those of us who are long time yoga practitioners that the popularity of this profound spiritual science is now exploding on a world wide scale. Unfortunately though some of the authenticity and truths about yoga are being lost and some myths are creeping in with regard to what yoga is and how it is to be practiced. In this article I will look to clear up what I find to be the top 5 myths about yoga.

According to a Hindu, yoga is the path or discipline through which salvation is reached. By using certain breathing techniques and exercises, control of the mind

Karma, Jnana, Ashtanga/Raja, and Bhakti yoga. Karma yoga are self centered activities that, later on, link to a greater objective. It usually requires some amount of sacrifice for use in the next life. This form usually enjoys worldly pleasures. Jnana yoga promotes philosophical wisdom and knowledge. This type is usually in a secluded space to study, with minimal activity. Ashtanga or Raja yoga are divided into eight essential stages. Most modern day yoga is based off of this. This yoga requires some difficult standards to people to participate in. It is said to have mystic power to become “smaller than the smallest.” Lastly, Bhakti yoga is a path to devotional service. This is a combination of all types of yoga. This is a recommended practice to those emotional people as a symbolic worship

Yama and Niyama are the first two steps of the eight limb movements. These two steps have been important in the process of what I wanted to achieve through yoga. Yama has allowed me to free myself from all the negativity. Overtime I have been able to learn about my own habits, values and beliefs and how I treat others. I’ve also gained internal discipline that has taught me better habits, such as time management and appreciation of other. As I continue to practice yoga I feel Yama and Niyama being a part of who I am. I find myself being more aware of what foods I put into my body, and paying attention to how I treat myself. Niyama has given me insight to appreciating the little things in everyday life. In the beginning of this course

Karma Yoga is the third of four paths to the divine. Karma Yoga is usually the chosen by people who have an active life that consider Karma Yoga, the divine view. According to Huston Smith in his book, “The World’s Religion”, this path is “the path to God through work (Smith 37).” His writings also describe how each part of the body supports another part of the body, for example, “the brain envisions movements… Moreover, the spinal nervous system executes them (Smith).” From these writings, I understand, just as the parts of the body are dependent on each other, so we are dependent on our bodies to interact correctly. Instead of becoming stagnant, we must work to keep the body fresh and alive to attain closeness with God. Karma Yoga’s goal is to rise above the limitations we have set ourselves. How does one achieve the goal of Karma Yoga is best described by Philip Novak in his book, “The World’s Wisdom”, “doing without seeking recognition, not becoming lethargic because of worry, and working without concern for the outcome ( Novak 31).” Novak also writes, “Working for oneself will restrict the path to God, free-will can be a blessing and detrimental to the goal of Karma Yoga, and complete faith will allow the follower to act without

The Lotus Pose is one of the most significant yoga poses in the long-standing ritual. On the other hand, for numerous Western followers of yoga who occupied their whole being deskbound in chairs, it is also one of the more difficult pose. The Lotus pose is frequently used for meditation, and numerous yoga classes will start or finish with this pose. Nonetheless, the Lotus Pose is an progressed pose which really is not appropriate for those who are beginning yoga.

Yoga is a discipline both involving physical and mental control that originated in India. The word Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit word, "yug", meaning union and it means the joining of the individual spirit with the universal spirit. The type of yoga known as Hatha Yoga, ("Ha"- sun, "tha"-moon) is what is most commonly practiced and this yoga involves the path of the mind and body and is the most physical. There are eight limbs or steps of Hatha Yoga, the first step being the five Yamas. There are five yamas and these concern your behavior to the world.

Yamas and Niyamas are the social ethical principles that are seen as the “ways of right living.” Yamas and Niyamas make up two of the eight limbs of yoga. The eight limbs of yoga focuses on disciplining the mind. The three gunas are the energies that exsist inside the body that must be balanced. The connection of the Yamas, Niyamas, and the other six limbs of yoga to the three gunas is that in order to reach Sattva, on of the gunas that is identifed as balance and brings forth happienes, one has to implement the use of the eight limbs of yoga.

A type of yoga that focuses primarily on the breath is viniyoga; which also uses chanting, pranayama, and asana techniques. Asana is a relaxing type of yoga that includes many resting poses and pranayama are breathing exercises. Ashtanga is a fast paced yoga and the inspiration for many power yoga classes you can find at the gym. Bikram is hot yoga, which is generally practiced in a room that is generally heated to over 100 degrees (McCall 106-113). Kripalu is different from other forms of yoga because it places importance on emotions, physical sensations, and thoughts that arise during practice. The way we think and react during practice is an example of the way we respond to people and act out in our everyday life ("Kripalu" 4-5). Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy is a practice where the instructor moves your body into a number of positions while you remain passive. There are many other types of yoga as well including; kundalini, anusara, triyoga, savasana, tantra, and gym yoga (McCall 110-113).