about-us

Eight Limbs of Yoga - Overview

Sat, 22 Jan 2011 22:05:19 +0100

The art and science of Yoga are at least over 5000 years old. But it wasn’t until 200 BC that Patanjali, who is considered to be the father of Modern Yoga, compiled 196 aphorisms into what became a yogic Bible and is called The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.

In that text he described the eight aspects of a Yogic Lifestyle and called it the Eight Limbs of Yoga or Ashtanga (the name has nothing to do with Ashtanga Vinyasa…)

The limbs are practical guides to a one’s personal development to achieve the harmony of the mind, the body and the spirit which leads to Samadhi or enlightenment. In short it is about creating balance and equanimity, living in peace, good health and harmony with the greater whole.

The eight-limbed path forms the structural framework for yoga practice. These eight steps basically act as guidelines on how to live a meaningful and purposeful life. They serve as a prescription for moral and ethical conduct and self-discipline; they direct attention toward one's health; and they help us to acknowledge the spiritual aspects of our nature.

1. Yama : Universal morality, ethical standards
2. Niyama : Personal observances
3. Asanas : Body postures
4. Pranayama : Breathing exercises, and control of prana
5. Pratyahara : Control of the senses
6. Dharana : Concentration and cultivating inner perceptual awareness
7. Dhyana : Devotion, Meditation on the Divine
8. Samadhi : Union with the Divine

Yamas and niyamas are the suggestions given on how we should deal with people around us and our attitude toward ourselves. The attitude we have toward things and people outside ourselves is yama ("Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."), how we relate to ourselves inwardly is niyama. Both are mostly concerned with how we use our energy in relationship to others and to ourselves.

Yamas:
1.Ahimsa – Compassion for all living things, non-violence
2. Satya – Commitment to Truthfulness
3. Asteya - Non-stealing
4. Brahmacharya - Sense control
5. Aparigraha - Neutralizing the desire to acquire and hoard wealth, non-possessivness

Niyamas:
1. Sauca - Purity and cleanliness
2. Santosa - Contentment and modesty
3.Tapas – Discipline and austerity, heat, purifying fire
4. Svadhyaya – Self study
5.Isvarapranidhana – Surrender to the Higher Power

Tao Porchon-Lynch at Ananta

Tue, 02 Nov 2010 16:02:12 +0100

On October 30th Ananta Yoga Studio was honored to host the 92 years young yoga legend - Tao Porchon-Lynch. She conducted 2 workshops: a gentle and an intermediate. What a delight it was to have her share her wisdom with all of us. Everyone felt inspired. Tao reminded us, that age is a state of mind (and, of course, a state of a neglected body) and she proved to us her life's motto: there is nothing that cannot be done. We love you, Tao!

Teacher Training 2010 Graduation!

Sat, 12 Jun 2010 23:44:49 +0100

The very first class of YogaFlow teacher trainees had a graduation this Saturday! It was a lovely group of 11 people, which included 2 moms-to-be. Those unborn babies will be the youngest graduates :) We wish the new teachers the best of luck on their yogic journey and many wonderful discoveries.

Before and After

Sun, 30 May 2010 02:51:56 +0100

A little bit of history… Ananta Yoga was “conceived” in May of 2008 and opened its doors on November 8^th 2008. The first picture, which was taken almost 2 years ago shows what the space looked like after the walls were removed and the second – is what you’ll see today. All designs on the walls were done by a student and a friend of the studio – Valerie Magro – who happened to be an accomplished NJ artist.

Ananta… what does it mean?

Sun, 30 May 2010 02:52:09 +0100

Ananta… infinite… endless…

According to a legend, Ananta - the Great Serpent - is the origin of all incarnations within this material world. He floats on the cosmic ocean and serves as a couch for the Lord Vishnu, who rests between his creations. The serpent is comfortable enough to serve as a bed for the Lord and steady enough to hold the entire Universe.

Same is true for any Yoga asana. As Patanjali - who is believed to be the reincarnation of Ananta - said in his Yoga Sutras:

"Posture should be steady and comfortable. By relaxation of effort and meditation on the "Endless" (ananta) posture is mastered."
Patanjali's Yoga-sutra II.46-47

So let us follow Patanjali’s teachings, while continuing our infinite journey, and enjoy the many benefits that Yoga has to offer along the way.

"Asanas (postures) make one firm, free from maladies and light of limb."
The Hatha-yoga-pradipika I.17