A Personal and Modern Look at the 8 Limbs of Yoga
A Personal and Modern Look at the 8 Limbs of Yoga
The 8 Limbs of Yoga according to Patanjali is pretty much a guide to living meaningfully and completely. My interpretation of these 8 points:
1. Morals
Non-violence; not just in the physical sense but in the emotional sense as well. Lead a life of compassion and love for yourself and others without the intention of causing any physical or emotional harm.
Truthfulness; be honest with yourself and others. Don’t listen to your mind. Quiet the mind, so that you may hear the soul.
Continence; be aware of reactions that are the result of an emotional response versus your true desire so that you can choose your actions based on truthfulness
Non-covetousness; appreciate yourself and what you have been given without comparison to others.
2. Behaviors
Cleanliness; not just hygiene but also the cleanliness of your soul. Nourish your mind and body with healthy foods. Nourish the soul with compassionate deeds and meditation.
Contentment; accepting every experience, person, thought, and emotion.
Spiritual austerity; believe in your beliefs. However, accept that even your beliefs are impermanent and are constantly reshaping.
Self-study; don’t stop becoming more aware of your true self by studying the past and living in the moment.
Surrender; give in to each moment knowing that your choices will not matter because they will be in the past and the future of your choices does not exist.
3. Postures respect and treat your mind and body like the temples we admire. Yoga poses detoxify our bodies and strengthen our minds through focus and concentration.
4. Breath if we can control our breath, we can control our mind. Remind yourself to notice how you are breathing at any given moment. Elongate the breath by slowing down and lengthening the inhales and exhales.
5. Withdrawal of the senses redirect your mind from the external world to your internal experience. Experience your own body; the look, feel, smell, taste, and sound.
6. Concentration after withdrawing the senses, you can now concentrate on the actions of your mind. Follow your thoughts. Where do they go? Can you control them?
7. Contemplation basically meditation in action. Be aware of your mind’s stillness without focus or concentration.
8. State of bliss freedom from our thoughts, actions, perceptions, opinions, and experiences. Connecting to all living things.
*I am always open to discussion about yoga philosophy and I welcome anyone’s and everyone’s perspectives and understanding of the 8 Limbs of Yoga. Please comment if thoughts arise that you would like to share :)