The Eight Limbs of Yoga
Patanjali's Eight Limbs of Yoga start with Ahimsa - compassion, or put another way, non-violence. 1. Yama - Points for inner contemplation: Ahimsa - non -violence to oneself and others in thought, word and deed. Satya - truth Asteya - non stealing Brahmacharya - conservation of vital energy, increasing willpower and focus. Aparigraha - non-possessiveness, non-grasping, non-greed. Letting go of the need to acquire things for the sake of hoarding, allowing space in relationships, letting go of past experiences. Living in the moment. 2. Niyama - Outward observances - Saucha - cleanliness Santosa - contentment, satisfaction, gratitude Tapas - heat, authentic spiritual practice Swadhyaya - study of the inner Self, study of spiritual scriptures Iswara pranidhana - surrender to a higher source, to the source of creation 3. Asana - yoga postures 4. Pranayama - control of the vital life energy in the form of breathing techni...