| The Yoga Sutra, dating from about the third century A.D. distills the essentials of
the philosophy of yoga. Yoga is at the heart of all meditative practices in Asia and now the America's.
Use the Sutras as a tool to create a new perspective on the nature of knowing and achieving
insight and wisdom that can translate from your yoga matt to your life. The essential assumption
of yoga is that our natural state is freedom, health and inner peace. |
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Please contemplate the first 4 sutras, we will publish the sutra's regularly.
Sutra 1-4
- This is the teaching of Yoga
- Yoga is the cessation of the turnings of thought
- When thought ceases, the spirit stands in its true identity as observer to the world
- Otherwise, the observer identifies with the turnings of the the mind.
The first step in the art of yoga is to calm and focus the mind.
Bringing it to an awareness of the moment and expanding that
awareness. A mind that is restless or agitating during a yoga practice
will miss the depth of knowledge to can be tapped into. Therefore, we
always start our practice with meditation and breathing techniques to
help quiet the mind.
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| The Eight limbs of Yoga |
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Yama
= self discipline
Niyama = self restraints*
Asana = yoga postures
Pranayama = Breath control, energy control.
Pratyahara = Sense withdrawal
Dharana = Concentration.
Dhyana = Meditation.
Samadhi =ecstasy- is a state of formlessness. Bliss.
The ultimate goal of all yogas. Sutra(2.29)
The five niyamas are:
- Saucha: cleanliness
- Samtosa: contentment
- Tapas: heat; spiritual austerities
- Svadhyaya: study of the sacred scriptures and of one's
self
- Isvara pranidhana: surrender to God
Non
harming, truthfulness, non-stealing, chastity, and greedlessness are
the restraints. Sutra (2.30)
Purity,
contentment, asceticism, study, and devotion to the divine are the
disciplines Sutra (2.32)
Postures
(asana) should be stable and comfortable Sutra (2.46)
Through
contentment (samtosha) unexcelled joy is gained Sutra (2.42)
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| Yoga Glossary/terms
Namaste
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I honor the place in you in which the entire universe dwells ~~~
I honor the place in you which is of love ~ of truth ~ of light ~ of peace ~~~
When you are in that place in you ~~~
And I am in the place in me ~~~
We are One!
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| Namaste (pronounced num-ah-stay) is a Hindu salutation. Much like the Hawaiian expression "Aloha",
Namaste may be used as a greeting or parting, often times accompanied by hands held in the prayer
position directly in front of the heart. |
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Yoga
Yoga in Sanskrit literally translated means to yoke, to join; a union.
This union is multi layered. It can be as simple as the union of the
mind and body to more complex and spiritual of spirit to the divine
spirit and beyond. The yogic tradition is a system of
philosophies, practices, and processes that dates back more than 6000 years.
It is not a religion but a spiritual practice that is all inclusive
and accepting of all faiths, therefore, it can be used to enhance ones
chosen religion or faith path. The processes and
practices of yoga are organized in such a way as to help us uncover our true
nature of unity with creation and creator and to maintain that
awareness in everyday life.
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Meditation
Meditation: the sustained concentration of the mind to one
point. The beauty of Meditation is that there are an infinite
number of points to focus on. There are many styles of meditation as
well depending on the cultural orientation. Here at Lakeshore Yoga we
teach many different styles of mediation, each is simple, yet powerful methods to calm and focus the mind, reduce stress, and
ultimately realize the Supreme Peace within. When you succeed in making the mind totally
one-pointed, it becomes the greatest power you have to accomplish anything you wish.
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Asana
Literally translated, Asana means "seat". A posture or position through which a connection may
be established to the earth. Through asana practice we are encouraged to develop an awareness of
our inner body so that we may work from the core of our being.
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Om or Aum
Om or Aum is considered the all pervading, all connecting sound of the Universe. The voice of
silence, testifying to the Divine presence in all that Is. The following
is the symbol of Om
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