Yoga consists of eight limbs most of which are concerned with the mental and spiritual well being. The art of living a perfect and healthy life that is practiced in India from thousands of years ago and the yoga philosophy foundations are explained in yoga sutra of the Patanjali. These eight limbs are the eight aspects of the yoga.
The eight limbs helps to increase personal development of a person, achieve peace of mind and body. They also help to gain spirit that leads to enlightenment and Samadhi.
- The first one is Yama which reveals the 5 guidelines with reference to the moral behavior towards others . These five guidelines include truthfulness, nonviolence, abstinence from stealing, abstinence from sexual relationships, and abstinence from intense craving.
- The second one is Niyama which reveals the 5 guidelines with reference to the moral behavior towards oneself. These five guidelines include cleanliness, sustained practice , contentment (satisfation), surrender to God, and self study.
- The third is Asana which includes the practice of yoga postures.
- The Fourth is Pranayama which includes practice of breathing exercises.
- The fifth is Pratyahara which focuses on withdrawal of senses to such an extent that the exterior world should not be a distraction to the world within your body.
- The sixth is Dharana which focuses on concentration. On e should be able to concentrate or be focuses on something, no matter how much distraction are caused.
- The seventh is Dhyana which highlights meditation.
- The eighth and the last is Samadhi which means bliss. One can achieve bliss by transcending of the self via meditation.
These aspects of yoga were written in the yoga sutra of Patanjali in 200 AD approximately. The eight aspects of yoga describe how our inner mind works and helps to control restlessness and enjoy an everlasting peace.
Understanding these aspects of yoga is very important. Reaching the eighth aspect of yoga requires a lot of dedication. Most of us are notable to move above the fourth aspect. The fifth aspect of Pratyahara is a very difficult state to attain, and almost an impossible task to most of us!
OM Yoga-Its Theory and Practice is written by Swami Nirmalananda Giri. Swami Nirmalananda Giri is the abbot of Atma Jyoti Ashram, He is a traditional Hindu monastery in the small desert town of Borrego Springs in southern California. He travelled wildly, and has spent time in various parts of India. He has written broadly on spiritual matters, especially on meditation and on the internal side of the world’s religions. This book will help you in actual understanding of Yoga, “Yoga is all about freedom” ,it is best known for comfortable zone of relaxation on a mental and physical level. Even it involves much more than that.