...Patanjali was the first person to compose yoga into a text called Yogasutra around two thousand years ago. He did not create anything new with yoga but rather outlined the art and summarized it in an organized fashion. The metaphysical base for his book consists mainly the sankhaya theory, but he made considerable changes to it. For instance the sankhaya theory consisted only of Prakriti (Unmanifest, Primordial "matter") and Purusha (Consciousness) but patanjali added the Purushavishesha (Supreme Being or God) element to the theory. The principles of yoga were described by patanjali in an eight fold yogic discipline. The yoga sutra is the known as most important basic text on yoga. In it he described that the goal of the student practicing yoga should be to attain physical, mental and spiritual health. The eight yogic disciplines according to patanjali are.

1) Yamas (restraint) The importance in yama is given to restraining oneself from anything that tempts pleasure. The yama is split into five parts they are non-violence against any living thing is known as "Ahimsa", "satya" which is Honesty or being truthful, Not Stealing other peoples properties (asteya), celibacy (bramacharya), Not being greedy for material things (Aparigarha)

2) Niyamas - Niyamas are precepts that are applicable self-discipline. The niyamas precepts fall under five categories they are purity (saucha), Cantonment (Santosh), Austerity (Tapas), Study (Swahdyaya), Surrender (Isha...more

The Purpose of Yoga - Harnessing Empowerment with Jnana Yoga

...Do you feel that good things always happen to other people? If someone told you Yoga could change your life exponentially would you believe them? Positive change starts from within. Yoga will help you from the inside out, but you must believe you deserve better, envision it, take action, and never give up.

When I was growing up, some members of my family believed that go...more

21 Days to a New You: Yoga Style

...e habit. But, thats okay. This gives you time to develop a routine that is right for you; one that allows you to start out slowly and build up over the next few weeks.

One exercise to consider is yoga; it is perfect for this type of person. It is easy to learn, isnt hard on the joints; you can practice the poses at home when it is convenient for you, plus, it is centuries old, so the poses have been well proven over time. You can watch a yoga class on cable, buy a DVD of beginner and intermediate classes, take an introductory class at a local yoga studio or buy a book on the discipline.

Being over 50 doesnt mea...more

Yoga straps - Having A Grip On Correct Yoga

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As we all know Yoga can be completely accurate and possible for everyone if the necessary things like mats, clothes, pillows, straps and many more are around. It makes your pose very much easy and everyone can practice that without any hassle. In olden times there may not be such straps or balls but they use to improvise it by using some other material which can be used in the place of the actual brick and ...more

Hatha Yoga Teacher Training Uk