Philosophy of yoga

The name of yoga is derived from the Sanskrit word YUJ which is translated as “to unify”, “to concentrate”. These terms signify the return to harmony and  balance. Other meaning is “to focus, concentrate, meditate deeply”. Yoga is the state of consciousness, reaching the state of silence of mind. The tool for achieving this is pracising  positions of Yoga Asanas from simple ones to increasingly complicated. Using the appropriate position and breath we can experience the state of deep inner peace. HATHA JOGA (Body Yoga) is the basic level of yoga, without knowledge of which one cannot master the higher grades.

YOGA SUTRA describes eight elements of Yoga:

1. YAMA means a moral control over oneself, not only in action but in speech and thought as well.

  • AHIMSA means "do not hurt", "do not use force" but  compassion and respect for others, and also  proper treatment of our body during  exercises. Yoga should not be pushed at all costs!
  • SATYA speaks of truthfulness and wise attentive behaviour in life.
  • ASTEYA requires avoiding all greed, attaining a less materialistic view of life, avoiding lust for things we do not need to possess.
  • BRAHMACHARYA is an incentive to moderate sensual desires.
  • APARIGRAHA means "lack of greediness". Greediness and consumption of things make it difficult to achieve inner peace. It is better to measure our success with who we are and not with what we have.

2. NIYAMA means a law or a rule; discipline in action and behaviour.

  • SAUCHA means purity. In addition to the physical purity and purity of the surroundings, it suggests a proper diet and purity of thought.
  • SANTOSHA signifies life satisfaction, appreciating what we have. It promotes the acceptance of the fact that there are things we do not need to own. * TAPAS encourages the development of determination and fervent enthusiasm for both exercise and self-improvement.
  • SWADHYAYA is self-education which leads to the discovery of one's inner self. It is a process of continuous learning and self- reflection through formal and informal studies.
  • ISHVARAPRANIDHANA means acceptance of an omniscient principle, higher power and  knowledge that brings meaning to our lives.

3. ASANA  is a yoga position whose aim  is to purify the body and prepare for the meditation necessary to attain samadhi. Being alone with the object of meditation, a practitioner experiences the state of unity and tranquility.

4. PRANAYAMA is a breath control designed to improve vital force and concentration of the mind.

5. PRATYAHARA is a departure from senses when the mind ceases to be distracted by external sensations.

6. DHARANA is an ability to silence the mind and to remain in this state.

7. DHAYANA  is the state of meditation in which the mind is focused at one point.  

8. SAMADHI is a state of total control over mind