The eight limbs of Yoga were recorded in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.  These are a practical means to guide us in our life to remove suffering and ultimately lead us to enlightenment.  This is not an intellectual course but one that is practiced and observed.  Patanjali also says, "Yoga is achieved by dedicated practice over a long period of time."  It is not for the fickle hearted but applied with dedication... Dedication to personal growth, expanding consciousness - both individual and collective...  

Each limb leads us from the gross to the subtle.  Beginning with codes of conduct or Yamas and Niyamas... how we relate to the world... from our physical body, thru the energy body, and then into layers of the mind.  We can reflect upon these, when we practice yoga and in understanding how our stress and suffering spring out of these.  Understanding how each of these cause suffering in our world - personally, socially, politically, and environmentally...

Read them over... We will be discussing them in class to deepen your understanding.  

1.  Yama (Restraints)

      a.  Ahimsa (non-harming) by body, speech, mind

      b.  Satya (non-lying) being truthful to ourselves and others

      c.  Aparigraha (non-hoarding) no greed - living lightly/using

           only what is necessary

      d.  Asetya (non-stealing) taking only what is given

      e.  Bramacharya (no misuse of sexual energy)

2.  Niyamas (Observances)

      a.  Sausa (cleanliness) of our environment and our bodies

      b.  Santosha (contentment) - no whining

      c.  Tapas (austerity vigor) - Heat, lively motivation to stay   

           on path

      d.  Svadyaya (self study) - reflection, studying sacred wisdom

      e.  Ishvarapranidana - Dana means donation (dedicate       

           everything to God), universal field, higher consciousness...

           It's up to you how you choose to relate to this, but it 

           means to recognize something bigger than ourselves.

3.  Yoga Asana (To Pose) - The physical practice Asana is 

     designed to develop the body and posture as well as how you

     pose in the world.

4.  Pranayama (Breathing Exercises) - Aimed to expand     

     energy...  Again, Yama means to control, extend, and    

     direct.  Prana is vital life energy (not trendy yoga clothes).

5.  Pratyahara (Withdrawal of Senses) - Our senses connect us

     with the world like a turtle drawing into its shell... eyes, ears, 

     smell, taste, touch.

6.  Dharana (Concentration) - Holding the mind on one object (i.e.

     the breath without wandering) 

7.  Dhyana (Meditation) - Connection with the observer... 

     expanding the sense of small self

8.  Samadhi (Enlightenment) - Merging with the Higher Source

I received this and want to share it with you:

Power of Positive Intention...

Prayer from Dr. Emoto to Heal the Gulf of Mexico

"I send the energy of love and gratitude to the water and all the living creatures in the Gulf of Mexico and its surroundings.  To the whales, dolphins, pelicans, fish, shellfish, plankton, coral, algae, and all living creatures... I am sorry.  Please forgive me.  Thank you.  I love you."

 

We are not powerless.  We are powerful.  Our united energy, speaking this prayer daily... can literally shift the balance of destruction that is happening.  We don't have to know how... we just have to recognize that the power of love is greater than any power active in the Universe today.

 

Gratitude to all students who support us...