By Allene Edwards, Organic Lifestyle Magazine
Yoga, in its entirety, is a complete way of life. This 5,000 to 10,000-year-old discipline is a collection of teachings handed down through the ages, a means to connect mind, body, and spirit through proper breathing, meditation, and mindful, focused postures. The full practice of yoga is concerned with all aspects of living: the physical, mental, and spiritual well-being of the individual and his/her relationship to the Earth and fellow creatures. It provides principles to live by and a means to reach self-actualization and enlightenment.
There Are Four Major Paths to Yoga:
- Bhakti Yoga—the path of devotion
- Jnana Yoga – the path of rational inquiry
- Raja Yoga – the path of mental concentration
- Karma Yoga – the path of right action
It is believed that all yoga paths lead to spiritual enlightenment.
Around the second century, Patanjali sought to define and standardize yoga. He outlined the underlying principles of Raja yoga, which are now known as Patanjali’s Eightfold Path of Yoga or the Eight Limbs of Classical Yoga.
Reading much like commandments, the first two limbs are concerned with the do’s and don’ts of everyday life—basically morality and proper living.
First Limb: Restraints (The 5 Yamas)
These are the things you are to refrain from doing—“the don’ts.”
- Do Not Be Violent (Ashama) Treat yourself and all other creatures with respect and kindness. Learn to love yourself.
- Do not be Untruthful (Satya) Live a truthful life, but if the truth can harm others, keep silent.
- Do Not Steal (Asteya) Do not take anything that is not yours, including the ideas of others. Do not abuse your power or confidences.
- Do Not Lust (Bramacharya) Gain control of the senses and practice moderation in all things, especially sexuality.
- Do Not Be Possessive—Do Not Covet (Aparigraha) Don’t be greedy or exploitive.
