It's no secret that yoga is in my daily routine, and that I like taking pictures of it. The more and more I post pictures, the more and more I get asked "What kind of yoga do you practice?" And the answer? Ashtanga Vinyasa! Mainly referred to as Ashtanga, which is divided into 6 series developed by K. Pattabhi Jois. Ashtanga is Sanskrit for "eight-limbed" which is what I am going to break down for you so you can see why I chose Ashtanga as my method of Christian yoga practice. The eight limbs are: Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi.
1. Yama (Moral Codes)
The best way to explain Yama to someone, is with the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. There are 5 different Yamas tied in with this limb. To save you time and confusion, I will cut the Sanskrit words and give you the English translations: nonviolence, truthfulness, nonstealing, continence, noncovetousness. (which you will find all these words in relation to the 10 Commandments).
2. Niyama (Purification and Study)
In other words, self discipline, and your spirituality. This is to get yourself into a good routine. For me, I attend regular church services, I develop my personal meditation practice with God, and regularly reading my Bible. There are also 5 different Niyamas in this limb, which in English are: Cleanliness, Contentment, Inner Spiritual Heat, Scripture Study and Reflection of One's Self, and lastly, Surrender to God. I also discipline myself by always striving for what I want to achieve, such as becoming better at yoga. In order to gain the health benefits of yoga, I must show up on my mat regularly.
3. Asana (Posture)
This is a very simple limb on Ashtanga (though the postures aren't always easy!). The posture is a foundation of all yoga practices. In a daily yoga practice, you move through a series of asanas to improve your body's health which is important for continuing with healthy spiritual growth. I always say that I practice good health so that I may use my healthy body to serve God better. Asana is also good practice to help you concentrate better, instead of paying attention to soreness and pain. Concentration is necessary for meditation on the Word of God.
4. Pranayama (Breath Control)
Breath control is practiced with various breathing exercises for a healthy and more controlled respiratory system. When used in meditation, you may connect your breath with your mind and emotions. Focusing on the breath, also helps you gain concentration abilities.
5. Pratyahara (Withdrawal)
This withdrawal specifically means withdrawing yourself from the outside world for a moment and study the inner-self. Taking a few moments in your day to observe whatever it is going on inside of you and recognize what is getting in the way between you and your spiritual growth. I usually practice this during asana and meditation.
6. Dharana (Concentration)
The previous limb prepares you for Dharana. In all the limbs before this, we are continuously practicing concentration. The practice of Dharana, however, is concentrating on one single object, or something that is repetitious, like a noise. I like to concentrate on my breath, the very breath of life God has given to man.
7. Dhyana (Deep Meditation)
The constant concentration will often put you into what is called meditation, OR contemplation. These two are usually mistaken to be the exact same limb, but they do have a difference. Dharana is a fixed point of concentration. Dhyana on the other hand, is a flow of awareness without a single point of focus. Your object of concentration prepares you for the steadiness of having a quiet mind. These two limbs are by no means easy, and like everything, they take practice.
8. Samadhi (Union)
Finally, this last limb is what all the previous limbs prepare you for. Being united with all things great. For me, I unite with God, be aware of all things He has created in this universe, and ultimately gather God's peace and grace, which were meant to be given to each one of us. This is where it all comes together.
Ashtanga does not have to be a Christian practice, but for me, it certainly does. It also just makes sense. All that I believe comes together in this practice, which God has given me eyes to see how to make it about my relationship with Him, giving me what most people want: Peace.
The best way to explain Yama to someone, is with the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. There are 5 different Yamas tied in with this limb. To save you time and confusion, I will cut the Sanskrit words and give you the English translations: nonviolence, truthfulness, nonstealing, continence, noncovetousness. (which you will find all these words in relation to the 10 Commandments).
2. Niyama (Purification and Study)
In other words, self discipline, and your spirituality. This is to get yourself into a good routine. For me, I attend regular church services, I develop my personal meditation practice with God, and regularly reading my Bible. There are also 5 different Niyamas in this limb, which in English are: Cleanliness, Contentment, Inner Spiritual Heat, Scripture Study and Reflection of One's Self, and lastly, Surrender to God. I also discipline myself by always striving for what I want to achieve, such as becoming better at yoga. In order to gain the health benefits of yoga, I must show up on my mat regularly.
3. Asana (Posture)
This is a very simple limb on Ashtanga (though the postures aren't always easy!). The posture is a foundation of all yoga practices. In a daily yoga practice, you move through a series of asanas to improve your body's health which is important for continuing with healthy spiritual growth. I always say that I practice good health so that I may use my healthy body to serve God better. Asana is also good practice to help you concentrate better, instead of paying attention to soreness and pain. Concentration is necessary for meditation on the Word of God.
4. Pranayama (Breath Control)
Breath control is practiced with various breathing exercises for a healthy and more controlled respiratory system. When used in meditation, you may connect your breath with your mind and emotions. Focusing on the breath, also helps you gain concentration abilities.
5. Pratyahara (Withdrawal)
This withdrawal specifically means withdrawing yourself from the outside world for a moment and study the inner-self. Taking a few moments in your day to observe whatever it is going on inside of you and recognize what is getting in the way between you and your spiritual growth. I usually practice this during asana and meditation.
6. Dharana (Concentration)
The previous limb prepares you for Dharana. In all the limbs before this, we are continuously practicing concentration. The practice of Dharana, however, is concentrating on one single object, or something that is repetitious, like a noise. I like to concentrate on my breath, the very breath of life God has given to man.
7. Dhyana (Deep Meditation)
The constant concentration will often put you into what is called meditation, OR contemplation. These two are usually mistaken to be the exact same limb, but they do have a difference. Dharana is a fixed point of concentration. Dhyana on the other hand, is a flow of awareness without a single point of focus. Your object of concentration prepares you for the steadiness of having a quiet mind. These two limbs are by no means easy, and like everything, they take practice.
8. Samadhi (Union)
Finally, this last limb is what all the previous limbs prepare you for. Being united with all things great. For me, I unite with God, be aware of all things He has created in this universe, and ultimately gather God's peace and grace, which were meant to be given to each one of us. This is where it all comes together.
Ashtanga does not have to be a Christian practice, but for me, it certainly does. It also just makes sense. All that I believe comes together in this practice, which God has given me eyes to see how to make it about my relationship with Him, giving me what most people want: Peace.