YOGA
BEYOND THE POSES
A Brief Introduction to Yoga Philosophy
The Yoga Sutras were compiled approximately 2,000 years ago by the philosopher Patanjali. These texts outline the purpose of yoga and provide guidance for living a balanced, ethical life both on and off the mat. Within the Yoga Sutras are several verses that describe the ‘eight limbs’ of yoga –a practical guide on how to live a meaningful and purposeful life.
The Eight Limbs of Yoga
1. Yama (Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharya, Aparigraha)
2. Niyama (Saucha, Santosha, Tapas, Svadhyaya, Ishvara, Pranidhana)
3. Asana
4. Pranayama
5. Pratyahara
6. Dharana
7. Dhyana
8. Samadhi
YAMA
The first limb, Yama, translates to “restraint.” The Yamas are principles of conduct on how we interact with the world around us. The Yamas are further subdivided, and each one teaches ethical standards, integrity and guidance on how to behave towards others.
Ahimsa
Ahimsa (non-harming) is the first Yama. Ahimsa asks that we refrain from violence (physical, verbal, emotional) towards ourselves and others. Every time we choose thoughts and actions of kindness and positivity, we create a ripple of effect of peace on the planet that affects innumerable others. As we learn to manage our stress, frustration, and anger, we offer an example for those around us to follow. Rather than passively remaining neutral or non-engaged, Ahimsa means to proactively cultivate peace, compassion
and reverence for all beings.
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Questions for Further Reflection:
1. How can practicing compassion and understanding lessen your stress levels?
2. How does your lack of inner peace contribute to your lack of peace in your home or work environment?
Satya
Satya is the second Yama. It means truthfulness and unquestionable integrity. Satya suggests that if we are not living from a place of deep authenticity, then we are not living our true life. Our minds are always fluctuating. We deal with a constant onslaught of thoughts and emotions, but Satya reminds us not to let our thoughts define us. Our thoughts are not our truth; they are not who we really are. A daily practice we can use to help us un-identify with irrational thoughts, is to simply take some time observing each thought as it arises and watching it without judgement as it passes. Practicing Satya on your yoga mat means moving in a way that is safe and honors your body. We must be truthful to ourselves and acknowledge our body’s strengths and limitations. We must recognize that we are all different, and comparing your truth to someone else’s is not productive or beneficial. Yoga meets you exactly where you are. Our practice grows as we grow, and challenging ourselves on our mats is all about being honest with ourselves in any given moment.
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Questions for Further Reflection:
1. Reflect upon a lie you have told and how it felt in your body. Why did you tell it? Discuss it with someone you trust and commit to being more truthful from now on.
2. Watch your words for a day. Are they kind? Necessary? Speak only if they meet these criteria. Not all truth needs voicing.
3. Have you ever forced yourself into a posture that your body wasn’t ready for? What did it teach you about your truth?
Asteya
Asteya is the third Yama, and it means non-stealing. The most obvious interpretation is that we shouldn’t take another person’s physical possessions. But Asteya also invites us to consider less visible forms of theft—like taking someone’s ideas, their time, or even their joy. We might also reflect on how we steal from the Earth’s resources, or from our own present moment by ruminating on the past. Asteya can also be seen as a practice of generosity—offering presence, patience, and compassion to ourselves and others, rather than taking more than we need.
Here are a few ways you can practice Asteya on your yoga mat:
1. Don’t Steal From Your Body: Avoid pushing past your limits just to match someone else’s flexibility, strength, or appearance. Respect
your body’s limits rather than “stealing” energy or peace from it.
2. Let Go of Comparison: When we compare ourselves to others in the room, we may unintentionally steal from our own experience. Stay focused on your journey rather than someone else’s.
3. Honor Your Time on the Mat: Be present. Checking out mentally or rushing through poses might feel like you’re stealing from the depth of your own practice.
4. Avoid Distraction: Refrain from bringing your phone, talking, or fidgeting in ways that might pull energy or focus from others. This
honors shared space and attention.​
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Questions for Further Reflection
1. How can you practice being more generous with your time or your patience?
2. Do you feel grateful when you receive from others? What can you learn from the ways others give to you?