What Is Yoga Based Life Style

Yoga is not just about a set of asanas or postures and breathing techniques; yoga is also about a particular lifestyle. Patanjali prescribed all the essentials of yoga in Yoga Sutra. The Yoga Sutra describes the Eight Limbs of Yoga, which are the eight aspects of a yoga based lifestyle. The limbs are actually practical guidelines for a person’s complete well being and if followed sincerely, it can help you to attain a balance between the mind, soul and body.

Here Are The Eight Limbs Of Yoga Based Lifestyle:

Yamas Or Attitude: This describes your attitude towards people and towards the situations and world around you. Yamas can be further described as five points –

Ahimsa: This means non-violence. This attitude is about not harming anybody or anything around you and being kind and gentle towards everyone.

Satya: Satya means honesty or truthfulness. Truth should again not harm anyone and according to this yama, if being completely honest is going to harm anyone, then silence might be the best alternative.

Asteya: This means that you shouldn’t steal anything – materialistic possessions or ideas – from anyone. You shouldn’t even share someone’s secrets with someone else.

Brahmacharya: Absistence from lust and sexual activities will lead you towards the right path.

Aparigriha: This is about being non-possessive and living a life free of greed.

Niyamas Or Attitude: This is your own attitude towards yourself. There are five Niyamas:

Sauce: This means cleanliness, and cleansing of the body, mind and soul.

Santosha: This means being content with what you have and being modest and humble.

Tapas: Austerity is the keyword for this Niyama. The body and mind can be kept in good condition by being frugal with your needs.

Svashyaya: This means studying yourself and understanding yourself. It also means studying the sacred texts.

Isvarapranidhama: This means being aware of the Divine force that has created all of us.

Asanas Or Physical Postures: These yogic asanas are about a set of precise exercises that stretch and strengthen our muscles, rejuvenates our bodies and makes us more steady and alert. These exercises are also good for the internal organs.

Pranayama Or Breathing Exercises: This is the art of breath control and precise breathing techniques. Pranayama teaches you to inhale and exhale effectively, so that you breathe in the maximum amount of oxygen and breathe out the toxins, thus cleansing your body and calming your mind.

Pratyahara Or Withdrawal Of The Senses: This means complete focus; focus on your yoga asanas, pranayama and meditation.

Dharana Or Concentration: This means focusing without the slightest bit of distraction.

Dhyana Or Meditation: This means calming the mind and focusing on a single point. Meditation increases one’s awareness of self.

Samadhi Or Enlightenment: It is believed that those who follow the Eight Limbs of Yoga will ultimately be able to gain enlightenment.