ASHTANGA (EIGHT) YOGA - THE EIGHT LIMBS OF YOGA
This is the first in a new series of Yoga philosophy. We are beginning with Ashtanga Yoga. Even though Ashtanga Yoga is a style of hatha Yoga, it is also a philosophy and a systematic means of healthy living.
The first limb of Ashtanga Yoga - The 5 Yamas (Restraints, Abstinences) - The moral preliminaries of Yoga
1. Ahimsa - Nonviolence
2. Satya - Truth
3. Asteya - non-stealing
4. Aparigraha - non-accumulation, non-attachment
5. Brahmacarya - moderation
Now, explaining each Yama:
1. Ahimsa - Nonviolence - this doesn't just mean not killing another human being, animals ,bugs, etc.
It also means not harming with thought, word and deed. Trying NOT to think mean or negative thoughts
about someone is non-violent - non-harming.
It also means non-violence in the name of a worthy cause. For example, if you are against real fur coats, you don't try to ruin or destroy someone's fur coat to get your point across - that is violence. Instead, communication and education would be the way to approach the fur wearing person. Calmness and kindness will result in the same.
You may not convince that person to not buy real fur coats right away, but you may have planted a seed in that direction that may germinate in that person's mind over time - and that person may realize that "hey yeah, I shouldn't buy real fur coats". And you come away with being a kind and caring person!
This also means being kind to yourself too. For example, if you don't like the weight you're at, don't beat yourself up with negative thoughts or negative self-talk - accept where you are at this point in time, and take healthy steps to get your weight to a healthy level - and be patient! Consistency and patience will help to achieve your goal.
MORE TO COME....