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Yoga Sutra's of Patanjali - The Beginners Guide to the Yoga Sutras
By Ntathu Allen

If you are new to yoga or even a seasoned yogi, chances are you have heard your yoga teacher mention the words "the sutra's" or the "eight limbs of yoga" or even mentioned the great yoga teacher, Patanjali.

Did you realise that the Sutras form the philosophical basis of your physical practice? In fact, yoga, which means 'union' is about the bringing together and harmonization of your mind, body and soul. Through a deeper understanding of the philosophical aspects of yoga it is possible for you to go deeper into your practice and make yoga an even bigger part of your daily life.

The Sutra's of Patanjali is one of the most popular texts dealing with yoga philosophy. Widely influenced by the great Indian sage Patanjali, most modern day yoga students' first introduction to philosophy is through their introduction to the Yamas and Niyamas or in hearing the words "the Eight Limbs of Yoga".

Patanjali is known as one of the founders of yoga. Born around 300 BC, Patanjali's texts give you a set of 196 aphorisms or threads known as the Sutras. This work epitomizes the principles and practices of yoga as it brings together all the various strands and thoughts re yoga philosophy into one comprehensive bundle of knowledge.

The Four Chapters of the Sutras

The Sutras offer you a thread, or sutra to follow though each stage of your yoga journey. The Sutras contain four chapters, each chapter covering a different stage and approach to yoga.

1. The first chapter explains yoga and focuses on how the mind fluctuates, the obstacles the mind creates and the effect this has on you and your yoga practice.
2. The second chapter focuses on the Eight Limbs of Yoga, which is where most yoga students first encounter the Sutras.
3. The third chapter of the Sutras explores the potential of your mind and the vast release of potential which can be gained through the practice and mastery of yoga.
4. The fourth chapter discusses the soul and its final journey towards release and liberation.

The Sutras and the Eight Limbs of Yoga

As previously stated, the more common known Sutra text, is the second chapter of the Sutra. According to Patanjali, this consists of eight limbs, known as 'The Eight Limbs of Yoga'. Each of the limbs form part of yoga philosophy yet each limb has its own separate meaning or identity. The ultimate aim is to study and gradually integrate the Eight Limbs of Yoga into your daily life. This gives you a well rounded, more holistic yoga practice. The Eight Limbs can be viewed as stepping stones towards the traditional goal of yoga - self realisation and enlightenment - a true and deep sense of inner peace and universal connection.

The first five limbs of the Eight Limbs of Yoga help to clear negative emotions and behaviours and prepare the body and mind for the next three limbs, which lead to enlightenment or Samadi as it is known in yoga.

The first five limbs consist of

1. Yama (a set of social codes for communal ethical living)
2. Niyama (guidelines for personal conduct and behaviour)
3. Asana (yoga postures)
4. Pranayama (breath control)
5. Pratyahara (withdrawal and control of the senses)

The last three limbs are

6. Dharana (concentration)
7. Dhyana (meditation)
8. Samadhi (enlightenment, self-realisation)

As a Yoga Teacher, I have noticed some students prefer to study the philosophical side of yoga whilst others favour the more practical aspects. Neither is right nor wrong; however, I believe, in true yogic fashion, we seek union, so it is the blending, practicing and understanding of the theory and practice which leads to a deeper more holistic and balanced mind body and spirit.

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Blessings From Ntathu Allen, Yoga and Meditation Teacher. Visit me for further support and encouragement on your personal wellness journey on http://www.yogainspires.co.uk

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How You Can Perform Yoga Workouts All on Your Own

More often than not, the people who want to carry out yoga are those that expertise a whole lot of stress throughout their on a regular basis lives. These people may presumably be those that discover themselves concentrating on a anxious circumstances or those who are reasonably lively in attending to their loved ones twenty four hours a day seven days a week. If ever you might be one among these, then it is likely that you just do not need spare time to go to a yoga groups. That is exactly the place this guide might help you. Learn how to do yoga exercises proper within the conveniences of your house.

The very very first thing that you'll want to conduct is find a private space and select a selected time to begin this hassle-free yoga train session. You can attempt doing this exercise early in the am on top of your bed so to really feel relaxed all through your day. You may even select to do this train routine previous to heading to bed so that you will will be capable of definitely really feel positive.

As quickly as you determined a spot, lie on your backside and try to avoid pondering on different issues that that could probably deliver you any kind of stress. It's all about getting the spirit to consider nothing else however yoga exercise. As quickly as you might be in some extent of absolute consolation, bend your knees nearer to your higher body and place your arms round your knees.

Breathe regularly and profoundly. Make certain you can sense your lung enlarge and contract with every single breath that you just take. Sense your backside loosen and release as you flex the knees towards your chest muscles. Lower the knees suddenly on one aspect after which flex the knees nearer to your upper body repeatedly. Do the identical on the reverse side. Deal with the motions that you are doing and nothing more. Extinguish any disturbing thought processes that will mess up this moment of a rest period.

You wouldn't have to go to pricey yoga programs to find ways to do yoga. All you need to do is give attention to acquiring a powerful physique together with a standard functioning mentality. Nobody declared that it is going to be straightforward to discover ways to do yoga by yourself. Having said that, nobody testified that it's not achievable.

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