Yoga Philosophy

Yoga is not only the asana practice. It’s much more and beyond that. It accepts three reality – purusha( consciousness), prakriti (matter) and ishvara (god). It primarily emphasises on the practices and disciplines to control the modification of body, breath, senses and especially control of your mind.

Yoga word is derived from root word ‘yuj” which means to yoke or concentrate or to unite. It authored or compiled by Sage Patanjali.

It compiled around 200 BC. It’s called patanjali yoga sutra, containing 196 sutras. Yoga chitta vritti nirodha main focus is 1. mind, 2. obstacles to yoga, 3. Systematic yoga practice, 4. Attainment tot the highest goal.

Sage Patanjali’s system of meditation is called Ashtanga. It means 8 parts of limbs. It emphasised on how to live a meaningful and purposeful of life. They serve as a prescription for moral and ethical conduct and self-discipline; they direct attention toward one’s health; and they help us to acknowledge the spiritual aspects of our nature.

The eight limbs of yoga are 1. yamas (abstinences / five restrains / prohibition), 2. niyama (five observances), 3. asana (postures), 4. pranayama (control of breathing), 5. pratyahara (withdrawal of senses), 6. dharana (concentration), 7. dhyana (meditation) and 8. samadhi (total of absorption). The eight limbs form a sequence from the outer to the inner. The first 5 is external practice in nature or they are called bahiranga sadhana or technically call it hatha yoga. The last 3 limbs which is internal practice (dhyana yoga)

There are 5 niyamas that cultivate of dharmic virtues. Santosha mandates contentment and forbearance.

Santosha

The Sanskrit word santosha is divided into two parts: sam, meaning completely or entirely, and tosha, meaning acceptance, satisfaction, and contentment.

How can I apply that in my life: particularly during my yoga practice

I often doubt myself or have some negative thoughts about myself that I cannot do certain poses. For example, While I am working my way into a posture (downward facing dog/ chtturanga plank and etc) and i just couldn’t help but take a peek around the room to see whether I am doing ‘ok’ compare to someone else in the class. And I concluded that I did the worst in the class.

Well, I have to believe in myself and accept my flaws and work on it, I have to accept myself for what I am and appreciate what i have and what I am already, and moving forwards from there.

How others can apply in their lives:

Having said all, this doesn’t mean we are sitting back and relinquish the need to do anything. It simply means be contented and be focused. The most important message to take away from this? is in our nature to want more, to not let ourselves rest until we’ve satisfied some temporary happiness or urge, for example, losing weight, getting an ideal job or being able to get ourselves into that yoga posture we’ve been working towards instead, be Contented even when your situation is very far from ideal.

Because once we’ve conquered what we wanted, but how long does it really last? Once we’ve reached that place of temporary peace, we ultimately become very attached to this feeling, and fight to keep hold of it, eventually leading to sadness again until we find that next goal to make us ‘happy’. We remind ourselves. This is enough. This is perfect. All is wonderful. Feeling satisfied with your possessions, your status and your situation.