Yoga as Philosophy of Living
Hatha yoga provides millions of practitioners with valuable benefits ranging from improved physical conditioning to greater peace of mind; ultimately, however, yoga’s purpose is not physical fitness or relaxation. Yoga provides a philosophy of living, an ethical approach to life that any person—of any religion—can enjoy.
The ancient yogic philosopher Patanjali identified the “eight limbs” of the path of Raja yoga. These eight limbs, known as Ashtanga in Sanskrit, provide interconnected, progressive steps toward enlightenment. Here are contemporary translations for the original Sanskrit terms:
1. yamas (ethical restraints): nonviolence, truthfulness, nonstealing, moderation and nonpossessiveness
2. niyamas (observances of self-restraint): purity and cleanliness of body, mind and surroundings; contentment; austerity; study; and living with constant awareness of the Infinite
3. asanas (yogic postures): practice of physical poses to harmonize mind and body and create proper alignment
4. pranayama (breath control): observation and practice of breathing exercises to develop the free flow of life force (prana) through the body
5. pratyahara (sensory inhibition): quieting the mind by drawing the senses inward from the external environment to the inner self
6. dharana (concentration): focusing attention on a single object, like the breath
7. dhyana (meditation): experiencing a state of mental stillness
8. samadhi (ultimate union): enlightenment through transcendence and union with the Infinite
Shirley Eichenberger-Archer, JD, MA
Shirley Eichenberger-Archer, JD, MA, is an internationally acknowledged integrative health and mindfulness specialist, best-selling author of 16 fitness and wellness books translated into multiple languages and sold worldwide, award-winning health journalist, contributing editor to Fitness Journal, media spokesperson, and IDEA's 2008 Fitness Instructor of the Year. She's a 25-year industry veteran and former health and fitness educator at the Stanford Prevention Research Center, who has served on multiple industry committees and co-authored trade books and manuals for ACE, ACSM and YMCA of the USA. She has appeared on TV worldwide and was a featured trainer on America's Next Top Model.
