Going Beyond the Mat: Practicing the 8 Limbs of Yoga to Understand Yoga as It Was Meant to Be

Yoga is more than just a physical practice – it’s a holistic system of well-being that encompasses the mind, body, and spirit (1 Trusted Source
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Go to source ). While many people view yoga as a form of exercise, the true essence of yoga lies in the practice of the 8 Limbs of Yoga, also known as Ashtanga Yoga.

The History of Yoga

Yoga has a rich history that dates back thousands of years in India. The earliest written records of yoga date back to the Vedas, which are ancient Indian texts that were written between 1500 and 1000 BCE. The Vedas contain hymns, rituals, and philosophical teachings that form the basis of Hinduism.

The practice of yoga as we know it today was developed during the period of classical yoga, which lasted from around 500 BCE to 800 CE. During this time, a number of influential texts were written that laid out the principles and practices of yoga. These texts include the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, and the Bhagavad Gita.

Yoga was initially practiced by ascetics and yogis who were seeking spiritual enlightenment and liberation. The physical postures and movements that we associate with yoga today (Asana) were developed later as a means of preparing the body for meditation and spiritual practice.

Yoga began to gain popularity in the West in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as Indian gurus and teachers began to travel to Europe and America to share their knowledge of yoga. One of the most influential teachers was Swami Vivekananda, who gave a series of lectures on yoga in the United States in the late 1800s.

In the 20th century, a number of Western teachers began to develop their own styles of yoga, incorporating elements from Indian traditions as well as other forms of physical exercise and spiritual practice. Some of the most popular styles of yoga today include Hatha Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Bikram Yoga, and Iyengar Yoga.

Today, yoga has become a popular form of exercise and relaxation around the world, with millions of people practicing yoga on a regular basis. While the physical postures and movements are an important part of the practice, yoga is ultimately a holistic system of well-being that encompasses the mind, body, and spirit. By understanding the history and philosophy of yoga, we can deepen our understanding of the practice and access its transformative power in our daily lives.

Why We Must Decolonize Yoga

While the practice of yoga has become popular around the world, it’s important to acknowledge the ways in which the practice has been colonized and appropriated. Yoga has its roots in India, and for centuries it was practiced in the context of Indian culture, philosophy, and spirituality.

However, in the West, yoga has often been divorced from its cultural and spiritual context and marketed as a form of exercise or self-improvement. This has led to a commodification of yoga, with Western companies and individuals profiting off of a practice that is deeply rooted in Indian culture.

Furthermore, the representation of yoga in the West has often been whitewashed, with images of thin, white, able-bodied women dominating the media and popular culture. This erases the diversity of the practice and reinforces harmful stereotypes about what a “yogi” should look like.

To decolonize yoga means to honor its roots in Indian culture and spirituality, and to recognize and rectify the harm that has been done through cultural appropriation and whitewashing. This means acknowledging the history and philosophy of yoga, learning from Indian teachers and traditions, and creating more diverse and inclusive spaces for the practice of yoga.

By decolonizing yoga, we can deepen our understanding and appreciation of the practice, and work towards creating a more just and equitable world. It’s important to remember that yoga is not just a form of exercise or self-improvement, but a holistic system of well-being that encompasses the mind, body, and spirit. By honoring its roots and practicing with intention and awareness, we can access the true transformative power of yoga.

What Are the Eight Limbs of Yoga

The first limb of yoga is Yama, which focuses on ethical principles and social behavior. The five Yamas are Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness),Asteya (non-stealing),Brahmacharya (celibacy or control of sexual energy), and Aparigraha (non-greed). By practicing the Yamas, we cultivate a sense of compassion, honesty, and integrity, both towards ourselves and towards others.

The second limb of yoga is Niyama, which focuses on personal discipline and spiritual observances. The five Niyamas are Saucha (cleanliness), Santosha (contentment), Tapas (discipline), Svadhyaya (self-study), and Ishvara Pranidhana (surrender to a higher power). By practicing the Niyamas, we cultivate a sense of self-awareness, self-discipline, and devotion to something greater than ourselves.

The third limb of yoga is Asana, which focuses on physical postures and movements. Asana is what most people associate with yoga, but it’s just one part of the practice. By practicing Asana, we cultivate strength, flexibility, and balance in the body, which can help prepare us for the deeper aspects of the practice.

The fourth limb of yoga is Pranayama, which focuses on breathing techniques and control of the life force energy. By practicing Pranayama, we cultivate a sense of calmness, clarity, and vitality in the body and mind.

The fifth limb of yoga is Pratyahara, which focuses on withdrawal of the senses and turning inward. By practicing Pratyahara, we cultivate a sense of detachment from the external world and can begin to explore the deeper aspects of the self.

The sixth limb of yoga is Dharana, which focuses on concentration and single-pointedness of the mind. By practicing Dharana, we cultivate a sense of focus and discipline, which can help us stay present and engaged in our daily lives.

The seventh limb of yoga is Dhyana, which focuses on meditation and contemplation. By practicing Dhyana, we cultivate a sense of inner peace and connection to something greater than ourselves.

The eighth limb of yoga is Samadhi, which is the ultimate goal of yoga and represents a state of blissful union with the divine. By practicing the previous seven limbs of yoga, we can gradually move towards Samadhi and experience a deep sense of fulfillment and unity.

The Bottom Line

By practicing the 8 Limbs of Yoga, we can understand yoga as it was meant to be – a holistic system of well-being that encompasses all aspects of our being. While physical postures and movements (Asana) are an important part of the practice, they are just one part of a much deeper journey. By cultivating ethical principles, personal discipline, and spiritual awareness, we can access the true essence of yoga and experience its transformative power in our daily lives.