Exploring Yoga Sutras of Patanjali 2.1
2.1: Tapah svadhyaya isvara pranadhanani kriya yogah These Sanskrit words will be familiar to anyone who knows their Nyamas from their Yamas! Patanjali puts extra emphasis on the last three Nyamas by starting Chapter 2 with [...]
Exploring Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
Having looked at the first 4 Sutras in the last newsletter, we’re going to jump to 1.12 to 1.16 that delve into the fundamental yogic principles of ‘practice’ and ‘non-attachment’ (abhyasa and vairagya). We learnt [...]
Living the 8 Limbs – the third of the Yamas – Asteya
“asteya pratisthayam sarva ratna upasthanam” When non-stealing (asteya) is established, all jewels, or treasures present themselves, or are available to the Yogi. Yoga Sutra 2.37 In Sanskrit - A = not, Steya = stealing. This [...]
Living the 8 Limbs – the second of the Yamas – Satya
“satya pratisthayam kriya phala ashrayatvam” “As truthfulness (satya) is achieved, the fruits of actions naturally result according to the will of the Yogi.” Yoga Sutras 2:35 This Yama is a commitment to truthfulness. Satya literally [...]
Living the 8 Limbs – the first of the Yamas – Ahimsa
“ahimsa pratishthayam tatsamnidhau vairatyagah” “around one who is solidly established in non violence, hostility disappears” Yoga Sutra 2:35 Ahimsa is the first of five specific ethical precepts, in Yoga we call these precepts ‘yamas’. The [...]
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali – 1.4
While it can take a lifetime (or 3!) to understand, absorb and integrate the teachings of the Sutras, the core essence can be found in just the first four Sutras. Patanjali lays out the aim [...]