Yoga teacher training touched on the spiritual and philosophical aspects of yoga and specifically the Yoga Sutras by Patanjali. Other texts were mentioned as well, but Patanjali provides a short and seemingly simple path. I say seemingly because I’ve outlined the path below – eight things, you think, how hard could that be – as they are all items that deserve attention on their own. This post will serve as a reference as more time is later spent on the various items and their interpretations and applications in my own life.
- Yamas – ethical standards, actions relating to external world
- Ahimsa – Do no harm
- Satya – Truthfulness, in word and thought
- Asteya – Non-stealing / coveting
- Brahmacharya – Abstinence
- Aparigraha – Non-possessiveness
- Niyamas – self-discipline, relating to ourselves
- Saucha – Cleanliness
- Samtosa – Contentment
- Tapas – Spiritual
- Svadhyaya – Study of vedic scriptures
- Isvara pranidhana – Worship of God
- Asana – the physical poses
- Pranayama – controlling the breath
- Pratyahara – detaching from senses, while remaining aware
- Dharana – concentration on a single point
- Dhyana – meditation
- Samadhi – oneness with meditation object and per Patanjali a state of ecstasy