Inner World of Yoga – Day 16

Inner World of Yoga Day 16

By Wendy Kolanz

Learn why seeing body~mind~spirit as one entity is essential.

Today we have a look at the limbs of YOGA as defined by Sri Madhuji, a self-realized former monk and a compassionate, non-judgmental healer and teacher from India, who now resides in California.

The practice today is to read about the Eight Limbs or Stages of Yoga, contemplate them, and practice one or more of the practices from weeks one and two.

As you read through the stages, Sri Madhuji’s explanations may or may not be totally clear to you whether or not you are a regular yoga practitioner. I find his definitions explain very functionally the true nature of YOGA, and illustrate how through YOGA we move from a consciousness of perceiving life as suffering (which is caused by not knowing our true nature), to a consciousness of knowing our true nature is pure joy; to ultimately a union with all that is.

Please read and contemplate the Stages of Yoga. I hope you gain a better understanding of the promise YOGA holds for each individual and our world, why this system has endured for over 5000 years, and how it is more relevant today than ever.

Eight Limbs or Stages of Yoga* as defined by Sri Madhuji

Yoga practices form a ladder leading to self-love, self-knowing and self-realization.

(1)   Yama: Is the self-control that involves a force to make things flow as per the universal laws. Both the law and the energy that execute the law is “Yama.” YAMA is not a literal practice of concepts. Yama has to “happen,” rising from within you as you develop the focus to experience and stay with your own suffering. The action or law, arises from a state of being not doing.