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Yoga – An Overview
Yoga, a Sanskrit word meaning 'to yoke' or 'union', is a 5,000 year-old living
oral tradition. It is a science, philosophy and attitude in practice that helps the
individual to cultivate health of body and mind, creativity and happiness. In
yoga, the union refers to the yoking of the body, mind and spirit.
Yoga has always been an oral tradition, passed along from guru to disciple and
from teacher to student. This oral tradition and the passing on of direct life and
practice experience provide a true living link to yogic knowledge and practice.
The practice of yoga is not based on scriptures, nor does the practitioner of yoga
need to believe in specific doctrines or philosophies. Students of yoga are
provided specific methods of practice and encouraged to become conscious of
the direct experiences of their teacher(s) by developing and nourishing their
own yoga practice. Studies in self-discipline and self-awareness are additional
parts of a regular yoga practice.
About 2,500 years ago a revered sage named Patanjali codified some of the oral
traditions of yoga
into four short
books of yoga
sutras. These sutras,
or threads, help the
teacher and student
of yoga understand
the basic concepts
or branches of yoga.
There are eight
branches or limbs of
yoga known as
Ashtanga (in
Sanskrit, 'ash' = eight, 'anga' = limb). Of these eight limbs, the two most well-
known in western culture are the yoga postures, called asanas, and pranayama,
regulation of the life-force observed most commonly in working with the breath
and breathing. For the dedicated practitioner of yoga, two additional limbs are
equally important. The first are the yamas, which help the yogi maintain ethical
practices in daily life. The second are the niyamas, observances which are
important to achieve the outcomes of yoga.
The practice of yoga builds poise and stillness of the body and concentration
of the mind, yet yoga is much more than a program of exercise. We welcome
your interest and curiosity to learn more about this wonderful system of health,
wellness and contentment. Come join us in the yoga experience!
Shanti.
May you always
remember that the fruit
contains the seed, and
within the seed is all the
potential of the tree.
—Goswami Kriyanada
Thank you to Miss Evelyn for this beautiful Namaste