Yoga: Beyond Physical Practice
Yoga goes far beyond physical exercise. It presents a philosophy structured in eight limbs, known as Ashtanga Yoga, which guide behavior, discipline, and awareness.
Ethical Foundations: Yamas and Niyamas
The first two limbs, Yamas and Niyamas, address social ethics and personal discipline, covering values such as:
Non-violence
Honesty
Detachment
Purity
Contentment
Self-regulation
These principles form the foundation for a balanced life.
Physical Practice and Breath
Asana: physical postures that strengthen the body.
Pranayama: breath control, increasing energy and vitality.
Pratyahara: withdrawal of external stimuli, allowing internal focus and self-awareness.
Concentration, Meditation, and Self-Realization
Dharana and Dhyana: promote concentration and meditation, leading to mental clarity.
Samadhi: represents self-realization and a heightened state of consciousness.
Benefits and Modern Relevance
Ashtanga Yoga strengthens the individual, encourages reflection on one’s relationship with the environment and self, and promotes sustainability, ethics, and community well-being. Following this progression, the practitioner moves from confusion to clarity, achieving greater awareness, control, and surrender, integrating body, mind, and ethical values essential for a fulfilling life.
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