Ashtanga Yoga - the 8 fold path

There is more to the science Yoga than just the physical postures. Yoga is a way of life that enriches our philosophy.

The traditional Ashtanga (Ashtanga means 8) Yoga – as described in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras – is a discipline that consists of eight different elements. If live your life according to these different elements you will lead a healthy and happy life. The Yoga path is one that leads us to real happiness.

These 8 elements are:

1. Yamas: social discipline
2. Niyamas: self discipline
3. Asanas: physical postures
4. Pranayama: control of energy
5. Pratyahara: isolation of the senses
6. Dharana: concentration
7. Dhyana: meditation
8. Samadhi: enlightenment

The Yamas and Niyamas are not about right and wrong. They are about being honest with your true Self.

If we life according to these principles we are living our lives in a better way, we are moving towards an understanding, which makes it possible to 'connect' with the Divine, to rise from being Atman to becoming Paratman.

For a lot people their Yoga path starts with the 3rd element: the asanas. This is because it is the most “visible” and “tangible” part of the science of Yoga.

Even if for now you only practise asanas you should become aware of the other components of the Yoga. If you practise asanas for a while you will come to a point where it has become inevitable that you raise your practice beyond the level of these physical postures.

PranaYoga - Yoga & Relaxation	Last Update: 6-11-2007