The Eight Steps of Yoga
Yoga (a Sanskrit word meaning ‘union’) is the eight-fold path towards enlightenment. The ‘union’ refers not just to the connection between body, mind and soul in the individual but also to the union between the individual soul with the universal soul at the point of liberation.
Hatha yoga, the classical form of yoga that gave birth to most of the modern styles we know today, is concerned with the first four of the eight steps;
1. Yamas (social discipline)
2. Niyamas (self discipline)
3. Asana (the physical postures usually referred to as Yoga)
4. Pranayama (the control of pranic energy through the breath)
Once the prana energy is controlled mastery of the mind becomes possible and progression to the four remaining steps is achieved;
5. Pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses)
6. Dharana (concentration)
7. Dhyana (meditation)
8. Samadhi (the super-conscious state of enlightenment)
The word ‘Hatha’ refers to the balance of sun (ha) and moon (tha) energies in the body: through regular practice of asana and pranayama these energies become balanced and help to open up the nadis (energy channels) which leads to health and vitality and brings ‘union’ between body and mind.
Hatha yoga, the classical form of yoga that gave birth to most of the modern styles we know today, is concerned with the first four of the eight steps;
1. Yamas (social discipline)
2. Niyamas (self discipline)
3. Asana (the physical postures usually referred to as Yoga)
4. Pranayama (the control of pranic energy through the breath)
Once the prana energy is controlled mastery of the mind becomes possible and progression to the four remaining steps is achieved;
5. Pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses)
6. Dharana (concentration)
7. Dhyana (meditation)
8. Samadhi (the super-conscious state of enlightenment)
The word ‘Hatha’ refers to the balance of sun (ha) and moon (tha) energies in the body: through regular practice of asana and pranayama these energies become balanced and help to open up the nadis (energy channels) which leads to health and vitality and brings ‘union’ between body and mind.