Dear Yogi’s,
After having several conversations with many of my students about yoga being more than just physical movements. I have tried here to create an imaginative description of the eight limbs of yoga, along with metaphors and pictures to help bring them to life:
- Yama – The Foundation of Ethical Living: Imagine a majestic tree with deep roots. Yama is like the strong roots that anchor the tree, providing stability and nourishment. Each root represents a different ethical principle, such as non-harming, truthfulness, and non-greediness. These roots intertwine and support the tree, just as the principles of Yama interconnect to guide our moral conduct.
Picture: Visualize a tree with its intricate root system spreading out beneath the surface, holding it firmly in place.
- Niyama – Cultivating the Inner Garden: Picture a beautiful garden blooming with vibrant flowers. Niyama is like the care and attention given to the garden. Each flower represents a different personal discipline, such as cleanliness, contentment, and self-study. Just as the gardener tends to the plants, we cultivate these qualities within ourselves.
Metaphor: Our mind and body are like the garden, and Niyama is the nurturing and mindful practice that helps us grow and flourish.
- Asana – Sculpting the Body Temple: Imagine a graceful dancer performing intricate movements. Asana is like dance, where each posture is a unique expression of strength, flexibility, and balance. Just as the dancer’s movements flow seamlessly, we connect with our bodies through mindful physical postures.
Metaphor: Asana is the artistry of shaping our body temple, sculpting it with intention and grace.
- Pranayama – Harnessing the Life Force: Picture a gentle breeze rustling through the trees, infusing them with vitality. Pranayama is like the breath, the vital life force that sustains us. Through controlled breathing techniques, we harmonize and channel this energy within us.
Metaphor: Pranayama is the rhythmic dance of our breath, nourishing and energizing us from within.
- Pratyahara – Finding Stillness in the Storm: Imagine a serene lake reflecting the surrounding mountains. Pratyahara is like the stillness of the water, unaffected by external disturbances. It is the art of withdrawing the senses from distractions and turning inward, finding inner calm amidst the chaos.
Metaphor: Pratyahara is the tranquil lake of our mind, providing a clear reflection of our true selves.
- Dharana – Focusing the Mind’s Lens: Picture a laser beam of light, intensely focused on a single point. Dharana is like the concentrated beam, where we train our minds to focus on a chosen object or intention. Just as the laser’s focus is unwavering, we cultivate unwavering concentration.
Metaphor: Dharana is the laser-like focus of our mind, directing our attention with precision and clarity.
- Dhyana – Merging with the Cosmic Flow: Imagine a river flowing effortlessly, merging with the vast ocean. Dhyana is like the merging, where our individual consciousness becomes one with the universal consciousness. It is the state of deep meditation, where we experience a sense of oneness and transcendence.
Metaphor: Dhyana is the river of our consciousness flowing towards the vastness of the ocean of existence.
- Samadhi – Union with the Divine Symphony: Picture a grand orchestra playing in perfect harmony, creating a transcendent symphony of sounds. Samadhi is like the symphony, where the individual self merges completely with the cosmic whole. It is the ultimate state of blissful union, where the boundaries dissolve, and we experience profound transcendence.
Metaphor: Samadhi is the symphony of our being, merging seamlessly with everything that is alive.
I hope this helps to understand, the scope of yoga beyond the physical movements (Asanas). Enjoy!