For so many living and following yoga in the west Ashtanga can mean so many things. It can be a name of a restaurant, a line of clothing or beauty product, a record label or a yoga style made famous by Madonna. Not sure if Madonna would want to steal Shri Patanjali’s thunder, but it is in fact our most famous sacred Father of Indian Classical Yoga who penned the list. The eight-fold path or Ashtanga encompasses the entire evolutionary process for this spiritual path. At the base of these guidelines are the Yama and Niyama, (listed in the two previous posts). Yama and Niyama comprise the basic, timeless, universal code for behavior and some important guidelines for daily living. The Yama and Niyama may lead one towards a balanced regimen for individual discipline. The first six practices are merely preparatory for the first goal of spiritual quest- Meditation. Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi are purely mental and spiritual practices concerned with transformation.
Ashtanga, the eight-fold path, is a practical, workable system of self development that helps to control body and mind, and to live a balanced lifestyle: mentally, physically and emotionally. Through understanding the intricate connection between body and mind, what causes distractions and obstacles in life, comes a willingness to use these guidelines to achieve the balance of body and mind, eventually leading to self-realization. Success is measured by practicing each step orderly and do know the Isha Kriya will allow you embody 4-8, when completing 108 mandalas. We can use consciousness and awareness as terms in alignment with self-realization. Without further ado here are the infamous 8:
1. Yama– ethical practices
2. Niyama – conscious observances
3. Asana – physical postures designed to release mental tensions and stresses lodged in the physical body
4. Pranayama – the science of breath control to balance prana (life force) in the body, mind and emotions
5. Pratyhara – sensory practices, aims for the withdrawal of the mind from the senses.
6. Dharana – concentration practices
7. Dhyana – meditation
8. Samadhi – liberation
omlinkblog 
Before reading this article a couple days ago, the last time I’ve heard about the eight-fold path was high school. I didn’t truly understand what it meant at first. After letting the idea sink in and doing research about the concept, I began to realize why people live their lives by the eight-fold path. The different steps of the eightfold path works with different parts of your body and mind to enable full body peacefulness. I think more people should become aware of this path and live by it. Knowing that the Isha Kriya is impacted by each of these steps, I have noticed that going into the Isha Kriya I am able to focus more on each step. With the steps of the eightfold path in my head while doing the Isha Kriya and in my everyday life, I feel that I can start developing my mind and soul into something of a peaceful state.
Sources:
https://tricycle.org/magazine/noble-eightfold-path/
Namaste
Ellie Cohen
I’ve always heard of the term, ‘the eight-fold path’, but I honestly never knew what it truly meant. It’s easy to see how western culture, though they may have adapted and loved yoga, can slightly change something from a different culture and place sort of speaking in terms of geography.
I think that this path is something I myself and many others can use in the daily way of our lives and how we take on the day. I think that because of this fact, yoga is so successful and nurturing not only to ones soul but to their mind, body, and spirit. I really like how the eight-fold path asks you to think of physical aspects of yourself as well as conscience behavior and emotional reactions. It shows the importance of being well rounded and making sure that every aspect of yourself, internally and outwardly, is being listened to and taken care of.
Although I have heard of the eight-fold path and many other things that come with the teachings of yoga, I honestly really don’t have any real information to say I know anything about yoga itself. I am eager to learn more about this practice and all the things yoga can do in order to better myself and use these tools in my life and to become more enlightened as an individual.
Please do invest more time in your writing and include comparative information that may aid in your understanding of the subject.
The eight fold practice is relatively new to me but I do relate to the Pranayama. Classical musicians, being wind players or string players or percussion players, have to be extremely conscious of the breath and how to control and incorporate it unto our practice and performance. This is very interesting to me and I very much look forward to learning more about breath control. Keeping my mind and my body in balance also seems like a very useful tool for me even outside of my craft and into my social and love life. Pratyhara is a bit hard for me to grasp at the moment and I look forward to a deeper understanding of what it means to withdraw my mind from my senses.
Please invest more time in your yoga journal essay for satisfactory credit.
Matthew Peralta (Wed. 8:30)
This is the first I am reading about the 8 limbs-Ashtanga. I am eager to explore in depth these 8 limbs. They all are essential in being mindful and aware of your body and mind. I want to learn how to control my body and my mind with learning each of the 8 limbs. I find them very fascinating in the sense that each can help with self-realization. I am also eager to correlate this now with my Isha Kriya practice. I’m sure the Ashtanga can also help with anxiety and stress by motivating the body to concentrate, mediate, breath, and relax. Being self aware is very essential for the mind and body. I find the limb Pranayama the most interesting because it has to do with breathing, and being a musician, specifically a woodwind player, breathing is an essential part of what I do. And I feel this will be the most beneficial for me personally.
Alexis Porcaro (wed. 8:30)
Glad you are eager to learn more on your Yogic Path. Do invest more time in writing your essays look to the assignment sent for components to build your writing.
I found the eight fold path helpful in unpacking the goals of yoga. I wasn’t aware of Ashtanga yoga at all before reading this, so the post itself and further investigation into the limbs was very educational. Through my external research, I actually found that the word yoga can both mean to connect and disentangle, which gave me some frame from which to look at the Ashtanga. The Ashtanga can be broken down into the Yama, vows to ourself, Niyama, positive duties, Asana, posture, Pranayama, breathing, Pratyhara, sense withdrawal, Dharana, concentration, Dhyana, meditation, and Samadhi, liberation or enlightenment.
The fact of the focus on the inner world was fascinating to me, and one I realized I had more connection with than I previously thought. The first few Ashtanga were very intriguing to me, the fact that physical choices in the external world are interpreted and can be used to find inner peace. Positive duties especially struck me, as it has been something that I only recently discovered can bring balance to myself. The last limb, Samadhi, also being related to realization in the article I found was also really inspiring. Rather than Samadhi being a removed state of nirvana, the article related it back fully realizing the life around us, and a state of “isticheit” or “is-ness,” seeing the world un-judgmentally as it is, and taking your inner life at face value and existing fully within yourself.
I realized the middle steps are things I’ve practiced in acting before as well! This is undoubtedly due to Stanislavski’s affinity for yoga in his acting training, which has now influenced most modern American training. But the skills of breath control, sense withdrawal, concentration and posture are all essential in existing on the stage, which I think in some sense has to be within a state of Samadhi, being completely present and within yourself while experiencing the world around you in real time as well. I’m looking forward to continue building these connections to both improve my practice of yoga and acting work.
https://www.ekhartyoga.com/articles/the-8-limbs-of-yoga-explained
Well stated OM
This reading had to do with the Ashtanga Path, which is a system of thinking connecting the physical and mental side of yoga to the emotional and spiritual side. It is a list of eight sort of steps to ultimate spiritual evolution, founded by sacred yoga Father Shri Patanjali. The first set of steps are more basic connecting body to mind, becoming aware of ethical practices and observing and becoming aware of your self and what is around you, and how you are connected to it. The last few steps seem to be very more involved, take time and practice and lots of reflection and deep contemplation to master.
I was really excited to read this. Since ever becoming interested in the practice of yoga, and especially since beginning this class, I often wonder how much of yoga is a physical and mental practice, and how much of it is spiritual and connected to inner emotions. I have gathered that that seems to depend on where you go to practice yoga, how you do it, who your teacher is, what you are looking to get out of it, etc. You draw from yoga whatever you put into it. However, it is impossible to completely ever separate the practice from its spiritual roots, which I look very forward to understanding more and reading and learning more about.
https://www.ekhartyoga.com/articles/the-yamas-and-niyamas#
This posting above was helpful in understanding the first of the eight steps in a bit more detail for me.
Michaela Lunden Wednesday 8:30am class
Namaste
Based on the bit of information that is displayed in this post about Ashtanga Yoga, I felt that while it is similar to Hatha Yoga, which we do in class, it is also utilizing more physical posture as opposed to mental and spiritual relaxation. Because different types of yoga are obviously combining these benefits, it is interesting to see a form of yoga that has possibly more physical attributes than mental/spiritual attributes. In Hatha Yoga, which is benefiting more mentally-based aspects of life like anxiety, stress, and busy/cluttered thoughts, Ashtanga Yoga seems to be benefitting the body physically more than emotionally.
From my research, I also found that there is less of a focus on breathing technique in Ashtanga Yoga than in Hatha. This is because in Hatha Yoga, you are holding your positions for much longer than you would in Ashtanga; furthermore, Ashtanga is much more quickly-paced than Hatha, causing it to be a bit more physically demanding. Power Yoga, which became popular in the 90s, is so physically demanding as well due to the fact that it is largely based on the techniques within Ashtanga Yoga.
I am interested in eventually learning more about Ashtanga Yoga and its practices, but perhaps not until I more fully get a hold of my Hatha Yoga techniques and am able to do them with more ease due to Ashtanga having a more physically demanding set of techniques.
-Daniel J. Tavares Zlock
Source: https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-difference-between-Ashtanga-Yoga-Hatha-Yoga-Which-one-is-more-beneficial
The source that you referenced here is about an American version of yoga that is mostly aerobic and has little or nothing to do with your Assignment. Ashtanga Yoga is comprised of 8 steps that are integral to full yogic development.
I thought that the post titled 8 Limbs – The Real Ashtanga highlighted some really important points about western adaptation of eastern spirituality, as well as explaining thoroughly the eight-fold path. It is clear from this post that the Ashtanga, created by Shri Patanjali (the most famous sacred father of Indian classical yoga), is an important aspect of the spirituality of yoga.
In recent years, yoga has become completely and undoubtedly westernized. Not only has it strayed from its original form, but it has become a product for the western economy to sell. This is something that has bothered me because I wanted to learn not only yoga but the culture and sacredness that went with it. Im happy because I feel like I definitely get that in our 8:30 yoga class; we don’t just DO yoga, we LEARN yoga and the isha kriya is essential to this. The commodification of eastern spirituality can be seen a lot with meditation as well, because mindfulness has been largely used now for capital gain instead of self improvement.
I think following the eight fold path can help pull away from the westernized version of spirituality for monetary gain, and move towards its sacred eastern origins. Following the eight fold path is something that I think more people need to do. Especially in todays political and economic environmental, there needs to be a bigger focus on the breath, concentration and ethical purity.
-Rebecca Hartigan
Well stated and I can concur with your views, great to share yoga with you this semester, Namaste
Ashtanga, the eight-fold path, is a practical, workable system of self-development that helps to control body and mind, and to live a balanced lifestyle: mentally, physically and emotionally. Through understanding the intricate connection between body and mind, what causes distractions and obstacles in life, comes a willingness to use these guidelines to achieve the balance of body and mind, eventually leading to self-realization. Success is measured by practicing each step orderly and do know the Isha Kriya will allow you embody 4-8, when completing 108 mandalas. We can use consciousness and awareness as terms in alignment with self-realization.
Doing the Isha Kryia can help decrease pressure and nervousness I may get amid the week because of work, family and school duties. My encounters doing the Isha Kryia was unwinding in light of the fact that the I feel like everybody particularly undergrads are accustomed to being in this quick pace and not pausing for a moment to bring a breath and moderate down. Along these lines, it’s extraordinary to do this reflection since it demonstrates that it’s great to make a stride back, breath and welcome the things we have throughout everyday life.
I read in a research paper that practicing the Ashtanga has psychological benefits. For example, it is a preferred alternative exercise to help people with mental health issues. There is evidence that shows yoga to be a reduction of insulin resistance related risk factors for any cardiovascular disease. Overall, it shows that yoga is a physical fitness stimulus that reduces stress, possibly protects the heart from diseases and provide a long-term health and wellness.
Resource:
https://dspace.sunyconnect.suny.edu/bitstream/handle/1951/51413/Gruber,%20Kimberly.pdf?sequence=1
Well stated OM
I have never heard about the 8 Limbs, meanwhile I have been doing yoga for quite some time now. I can say that I do know a lot more about the Yamas, and all of the other qualities of the 8 limbs but I never knew that in unity there was a final system for it all. The eight fold path, or Ashtanga.
The system of the 8 limbs is so important to everyone in life, and I am so grateful I am learning about this at such an early age!
I found a video that also explains the eight limbs, (1. Yama– ethical practices
2. Niyama – conscious observances 3. Asana – physical postures designed to release mental tensions and stresses lodged in the physical body 4. Pranayama – the science of breath control to balance prana (life force) in the body, mind and emotions 5. Pratyhara – sensory practices, aims for the withdrawal of the mind from the senses. 6. Dharana – concentration practices 7. Dhyana – meditation 8. Samadhi – liberation.) Thevideo explains how if you practice yoga and don’t know about this, we should most definiltey learn being that it has such a huge roll in the practice.
For example, she says don’t create violent to yourself, be truthful to yourself and others, work towards not being arrogant in life, don’t steal, & collect more than you need in life.
After she went through the phases of the eight limbs so started to discuss a bit about her take on the whole experience. She explain that staying clean with your body and words is so important the most important is staying content. Contentment leads to happiness with what you have in life.
Ive had this problem of always needing more. If I see something else I like I need to have it. I have grown a lot since aways acting this way and have recently gotten rid of a lot of mistelanious items and asked myself what was most important in my life that I truly need in life. With the said, not finding this in life it would be very hard to follow the 8 limbs.
The video also goes along with something I had to realize in life. We are not in control of this life and what is in it. No matter what in life we will always have consequences with what we do, but we do. Now, what we do have is control with the outcome of our actions. In other words, we can control whether or not we rob a bank, or don’t rob a bank. But what we don’t have control over is what happens after we do or don’t.
Once going over the 8 limbs, I have found that for me it is important to definitely study it over and find a easier, and fulfilling way of embracing the system and finding ways to live my day to day life always achieving the yamas and Niyamas before incorporating the rest. Once I have got there, I will finally feel the power of Samadhi or in other words, the state of oneness.
Well stated and your next assignment will give you ample time to explore the Yamas more so, Namaste
From this post, I understood Ashtanga as a series of 8 steps or path to enlightenment. These steps build onto one another in the efforts to reach a spiritual transformation and eventually lead to self-awareness or self-realization. I found the word “real” in the title of this post interesting. My initial reaction was whether there are “fake” Ashtanga? I Googled “fake Ashtanga” and two articles caught my eye. The first is ”8 Things Everyone Gets Wrong About The Most ‘Intense’ Yoga Style Out There” – https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/what-everyone-gets-wrong-about-ashtanga
The author of this post is logically defending this Ashtanga style of yoga. The key takeaway from this article was quote:
Yoga is about finding balance between opposite extremes in order to settle the mind in a state of equipoise. Approached with sensitivity and wisdom, Ashtanga yoga is such an incredibly powerful tool to help calm the mind and tune the body. But like anything, if we take things too literally or use too much force, there is a risk of becoming dogmatic and losing the essence of the teaching.
I think the last sentence of that quote sums up my feeling towards yoga. As I explore this new idea and philosophy, I tread with careful steps. I compare it to my journey of exploring the Christian faith. Ultimately, is there only one ‘real’ set of ways to have faith? Would it be possible that it is real as long as it is real to the person pursuing and discovering it as truth?
You have raised good questions here. I hope you may understand my issue involves folks taking the sacred name of the basis for the foundation of Yoga to brand a line of yoga products or name a yoga studio that offers athletic style yoga that has little to do with Shri Patanjali ideas about sharing the foundation for Classical Hatha Yoga. Anyone has the right to make their own brand but why try to profit off of something sacred when you do not intend to embrace it? Namaste
Seeing the Ashtanga written out like this helps me to fill in the gaps and articulate what the benefits of practicing Yoga are. Before learning this I thought it was a general guideline for discipline, wellness and a way to practice meditation. Reading about how the Isha Kriya embodies 4-8 makes me very happy knowing that I’m getting these benefits every time I do mine. The Yama (ethical practices) can help with my day to day interactions and outlook on life, the Niyama can provide a deeper understanding of what it means to be alive and assist with my self reflection. The Asanas will help my body become more disciplined and connected to my consciousness. I recently quit smoking cigarettes and I’ve already seen the benefits of how that combined with the Pranayama has had a positive effect on my prana physiology. After doing my IK, I can feel myself being able to concentrate better, my meditations are becoming more fulfilling and I’m one step closer to Samadhi (liberation).
This video complements the information provided nicely
Namaste
2
I’m having a hard time posting my essay on this post – I’m not sure why.
I am just getting to the eight-fold paths in my Buddhism book. I still do not know much about it but this was a great post. I do understand that following the eightfold path will lead you to the path of enlightenment. I think this is where the self-discipline comes in and your willingness to reach this level of peace within yourself. It will help balance your body and mind. I had to do some research to better understand and in one of the articles that I read states that this will help you reach the state of nirvana. The path will also help you with ethical and mental growth and development.
1 – the right view means to see things in the right perspective
2- the right intention – we are what we are because of what we think
3 – the right speech – always speak the truth
4 – the right action – behave peacefully
5 – the right livelihood – work for everything you have and do not resort to illegal activities
6 – the right effort – train your mind to think positive and not ill thoughts
7 – the right mindfulness – stay away from daily distractions and focus on meditating
8 – the right concentration – finding the proper meditation or state of mind
That is what I got from doing my research for each path.
Namaste
Georgia Cummings
Monday Yoga 6:30-9:50
2/25/19
Ashtanga, or the eightfold path, is a system used to live a balanced lifestyle and control the mind and body. All together, these eight steps allow for physical, mental, and emotional health and balance. A major focus of these steps is the relationship between the body and mind.
In my own experiences outside of yoga I have practiced Dhyana (meditation) and Pranayama (breath control) to help alleviate anxiety. I have found that these practices sometimes help during panic attacks and can even help me sleep better at night when practiced before bed, similarly to Isha Kriya for me. I am not familiar with Pratyahara, however, and would like to learn more about that sensory practice.
The connection between the mind and the body is something that has been on my mind for several months now as the weather grew colder and it became easier to fall into a funk. In an effort to try and make myself happier, I did some research and found an article on harvard Health Publishing called “Exercise is an all-natural treatment to fight depression”. It discusses the ties between exercise and mental health, which reminds me of Ashtanga because of the connection between physical, mental, and emotional well-being and living a balanced lifestyle.
Source: https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/exercise-is-an-all-natural-treatment-to-fight-depression
Very well written OM
Kaitlyn Fikaris (Mon. 6:30)
The beginning of this post raised a good point, what is yoga in the Western world and how different it is in our American world compared to other places in the world. When I was 16, I was eager to learn about Buddhism and meditation. I searched many videos of monks meditating and speaking about the eight-fold path, which is why I just had nostalgia reading this. At the time I was in catholic school and remember thinking the eight-fold path reminded me of the ten commandments but the eight-fold path was more useful for our souls and well-being. I don’t want to talk too much about catholism in this comment or refute it but in my opinion, the eight-fold path was a lot more useful to me and I did become a lot happier when I was a teenager after getting a taste of the eight-fold path.
This reading also speaks about the Isha Kriya, and how the IK helps us with five practices of the eight-fold path. True success in these practices, however can only happen if you are practicing the eight-fold path everyday and keeping it in mind daily. The eight-fold path is a path to spiritual stability and happiness. I was surprised to find out that the first six is to prepare you for correct meditation, that opened my mind to realize I have made some mistakes jumping right into meditation, but now I know better.
Well stated OM
Monday 6:30
This reading was talking about the eight-fold path, which is the guidelines and behavior that people live their lives by. Another name for it, being Ashtanga, helps to keep the body and mind at an equilibrium and “eventually leading to self-realization”. The eight steps are yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyhara, dharana, dhyana, and samadhi. The Isha Kryia helps to complete the second half of the steps because it makes the mind and body aware of itself.
It’s interesting to read about the eightfold path in a way that isn’t necessarily buddhism. While both help to liberate someone from the body, the take that this passage has on it broadened what I think of when I head the words eightfold path. Both are a way of life, but Ashtanga seems like it breaks down the path in a way Buddhism does not by saying exactly what each step is while with Buddhism it general steps that could be difficult to interpret.
In the article “Get to KNow the Eight Limbs of Yoga” written by Mara Carrico, she breaks down each of the eight limbs and what they mean a little more in depth then the given article did. It helped me to understand each step a little easier and will further my own practice in my life.
Well stated, Buddhist philosophy developed in India centuries after Indian Classical Hatha Yoga. Namaste
The book says that these sorts of things can have an opposite effect if they’re not really used well enough, but the only thing that I have trouble with is being strict and close-minded call me which is what I’m not at all like. I want my mind to be more open to new possibilities, and I don’t want to feel constricted to the point of where I have to give up everything just to have this morality In my lifestyle, but I am willing to try it.
I have heard of the Eightfold Path back when I was in 10th grade in history class, it went around the lines of something about the different ways you can be reincarnated and I didn’t know that this could ever have to do with the yoga of all things. I still don’t know much about yoga and what it can do, but I want to try to use those sorts of tools in my everyday life that way I could learn to be more open and having a flow through my body as a person, positive flows and such.
Mackenzie Depietro, Spring 2019, Wednesday Class
Namaste
This is my first experience reading and learning about the practice of the eight-fold path. I am excited to move forward into this practice, and see how Isha Kriya will allow me to embody 4-8 of the path. The practice of yoga and yoga culture most certainly has been westernized, and it is palpable in day to day life. For me, this westernization is seen the most of celebrity social media, or even merchandise such as mugs or shirts. In the west, yoga has even become trendy in a disingenuous way. I feel some people west view yoga as something to do to make themselves look more spiritual or to fit into a certain trendy aesthetic without ever taking it seriously. This is sad to me because these people are missing out on all of the amazing benefits that yoga has to offer. In this class I have learned so much more about yoga than I ever have, because in addition to practicing yoga, we are also learning several other things such as Isha Kriya. Because I am practicing Isha Kriya due to this class, I have noticed that my breath on the mat has been improving, which is something I have not experienced in any other yoga class.
Wonderful that you have found the benefits of your IK practice blossoming already, Namaste
Kache’ Mumford
Yoga Class
Wednesday 8:30-11:50
2/26/19
“8 Limbs-The Real Ashtanga”
The Ashtanga ( also known as the eight -fold path) Is a system of self development that helps to live a balanced lifestyle. Ashtanga allows mental, physical and emotional control. The eight foulds are ethical practices, conscious observance, physical body,the science of breath, sensory,concentration, meditation and liberation. All of these practices allow balance and harmony to take place in the body and mind. The goal of this practice is to at some point to gain the power of Self- realization.
I found it interesting that Meditation and Liberation were the last things on the list. In my mind that showed that they were the most important things but also that they were the hardest things to master. I could be wrong but based on the list I assumed that you have to master one to be able to go onto the rest. Therefore you would have to master everything else before mediation and liberation. Personally I believe in our fast paced world most people want to skip to mediation and get inist liberation through that. However this list shows the importance and taking your time and experiencing and mastering other techniques before you even get to mediation.
I read an article called”Why I had to break up with Ashtanga yoga” through reading this article I discovered that my idea of using ashtanga to discover how fast place our life is was right. In this article it said that this form of yoga showed how everything was linked together. Every moment and every breath flows together slowly. Nothing can be mastered fast. Everything takes time and every reaction is caused by and action.
http://sarahezrinyoga.com/why-i-had-to-breakup-with-ashtanga/
Well written OM
This concise post took a further look at the Ashtanga, the eight-fold path. From this reading and external research, this system works to benefits the mind and body internally and externally. The goal is to create a balanced system mentally, physically, emotionally, and somewhat spiritually. It is important, to understand the need for this practice, and that is to expose our distractions and instabilities we have in our daily lives.
This system is integral and originates in Indian society and culture. Part of that article does not fail to include the importance of this practice and how it has become pulverized through a western lens. As someone who is embarking on this yogic, it is important for me to understand the eight-fold paths and its origins.
The eight-fold path includes Yama, that it said to also to mean “moral code”, or “moral discipline” that is not only meant to meditate on during class but to extend that practice into our lives. In the previous audio clip, it is to my understanding, that disciplinary attempt to our emotional and internal state should not be practiced in the yogic experience, however, the Yama itself states to be a moral code, which requires attained discipline.
-Emely-Ann Rodriguez
https://www.ekhartyoga.com/articles/philosophy/the-yamas-and-niyamas#
Well stated OM
In this article, it talks about the 8 limbs and it’s the real ashtanga. The eightfold path is a system that helps the self-development that helps to control the body and help the lifestyle mentally, physically and emotionally. With these elements and the 8 stages, you can have a successful yoga practice.
This is not an essay, for future assignments please do follow the guidelines to write an essay for proper credit.
All these listed are a process and guideline for us to follow for a spiritual path and self-transformation. These will help us transform ourselves spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. But these can only begin working when we remove all distractions and fears that we gain from living in the world. We must have a self-knowledge and love for ourselves and then we may love others afterwards. There must be a willingness to do it and not just imitate love. Ashtanga is our most famous sacred Father of Indian Classical Yoga who wrote the list. We follow Ashtanga practices in yoga. Yoga is not just doing physical moves to relax but it a journey of self-realization of your body and mind. By doing a practice in yoga such as the Isa Kriya you can gain self-realization by removing all distractions and fears. Then you can find a balance of your body and mind spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. We begin to find self-love for ourselves and hopefully we will tend to find and behave with love for others and the world.
This is a copy of your other entry, when you choose to write an original essay for this post you will get credit.
The eight limbs of the real ashtanga help us understand the different stages of yoga we are all approach; Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyhara, Dharana, Dhyana, Samadhi. I have heard of the eight fold path before, which is why I found this topic intriguing. “Success is measured by practicing each step orderly and do know the Isha Kriya will allow you embody 4-8, when completing 108 mandalas”. Our minds and awareness to self relization can be discplined thorugh this practice. I personally find this very interesting, I really like learning about different meditation approaches I can take in my everyday life, especially because I plan to continue to use yoga for my mental health after this class. This really helped me see how the basic and universal code for behavior have important guidelines for daily living. The 8 limbs have helped me reflect over my daily routines and schedules I follow in order to get everything I need to get done. I think it’s an essential factor to continue to practice, which will help my mental health stay in a sane and stable state. The fat of the focus on the inner world was interesting to learn about. The ability to learn the skills of breath contorl, sense withdrawal and focusing on the concentration and posture of our own being is why I want to continue to practice.
Kathy Mathews
Wednesday 8:30am Yoga Class
Namaste
This reading is about the eight limbs, the Ashtanga, is a system of practices meant to help balance the mind and body. If someone was to put effort into practicing these eight guidelines and consistently work to improve, they could effectively improve their lifestyle. Similarly to the Isha Kriya, it involves breath control and intense focus on the practice. It is meant to clear the mind to be able to see things from a better perspective, and essentially understand the complicated connection between the mind and body.
With any good change, or change you simply can’t control, comes a new world of struggle, adventure, and a sense of being overwhelmed. Normally when people are first involved in overwhelming circumstances they would overreact, and maybe even reach a point of destructive behavior. This happens when someone feels confused, frustrated, and pressured, which is why being in an open-minded perspective could make things easier when it comes to handling these situations.
That is why I believe that these eight rules are something everyone should attempt to practice. If everyone could try to be concerned about being open-minded and mentally collected, and then working on themselves this way, society and individual relationships would improve. Being aware of these aspects of influence on the mind and body, already changes the way I approach thoughts and situations. Going through my first year of college and becoming an adult I’m feeling a new level of overwhelmed, but these guidelines help me stay functional and control my life better.
Namaste
Before reading the passage above I thought ashtanga was probably the name of a city in India or Africa. even the title seemed a bit weird i was ready to say no i don’t this we have that many ares or legs! But it is actually the eight-fold path which is kind of liie guidelines used by those that follow yoga in the west. It embodies the ideas and rewards that come with mediation and liberation as well as 6 other benefits and practices. When I was younger I never meditated. I always thought it was just a way to be extra dramatic. It seemed a bit dumb to me. To just be still and close your eyes. I always thought it’d be better to just sleep. But now reading and understanding that ashtanga practice promotes self development that helps to control body and mind, and to live a balanced lifestyle : mentally , physically and emotionally it makes a lot of sense.
I’ve noticed during the Isha Kriya that there is a vibration that carries from your throat throughout your body. It makes you feel calm and at ease. You could start out thinking about tomorrow worries and end feeling todays presence. It makes subtle changes in the way you breath. It feels like controled and more free and loose.
Your honest thoughts are refreshing OM
Ashtanga, or the eight-fold path is a process that can help one create a balance and control between the mind and the body. Is consists of eight guidelines to follow in order to get the most out of the practice. The first is the yama, which are the basic ethical practices that one should follow. Niyama is the second, being conscious obervances, or more recommended habits. The third is asana, which are our poses that are designed to release physical and mental stresses. The fourth is pranayama, which is practiced to achieve control the life force in your body, mind and emotions. Pratyhara is the fifth, being the practice of removing your mind from the senses. The sixth is dharana, which is the practice of holding steady on a single focus. Dhyana is the seventh, being profound meditation. Finally, the eighth step is samadhi, which is a state of intense concentration achieved through meditating. This is the final stage, and is said that this is when union with the divine is achieved.
I had only heard of ashtanga when it is put before “yoga” as a type of yoga class. I never knew it’s true meaning, and mainstream media had told me that it was a type of yoga that synchronizes poses with deep breathing. Learning that ashtanga actually has a profoundly different meaning was interesting to me. Before reading this post, I had heard of the eightfold path concerning Buddhism, and the eightfold path being the path to nirvana or enlightenment. While this eightfold path and the Ashtanga are different entities, they are similar in some of the guidlines that both have. I believe the most important similarity is that both goals of each eight-fold path is liberation. This definitely has given me a new outlook on the type of yoga we are practicing in class, which is important in order to fully engage your mind.
Namaste
The ashtanga and this viewing in particular is a continued expansion upon our understanding of the 8 limbs and their significance. Ashtanga is the eight-fold path, different from the 8 limbs but related to them nonetheless. Ashtanga appears to be similar to the Hatha yoga we practice in class, and I think what stands out to me most is the “science of breath control”. By controlling the intake of oxygen and how one performs the task, you can balance the life-energy or prana within you and restrain the emotions or toxicity holding you back. It is similar to the idea that the breath or air is within us all and simultaneously around us, a pervasive and invisible force that unites all of life itself.
Change and obstacles are inevitable. What matters is whether or not one is prepared for their eventuality. Overwhelming events and circumstances surround us at all times, and I think it is important in those times out of all others to remember the tenets of Ashtanga yoga. The practices of Ashtanga yoga teach us to gradually overcome our limitations through deep concentration, meditation, and ultimate intention, and to eventually liberate oneself from their earthly tethers.
Glad you are working on catching up on your assignments, OM
The 8 Limbs of yoga were created by Shri Patanjali who is also known for Shri Patanjali. The 8 limbs are Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyhara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi. Each one of them stands for a different practice. The Yama is about ethical practices. The Niyama is about conscious observation. The Asana is about physical postures and how they are supposed to relieve stress and tension throughout the physical body. The Pranayama id about the science behind breath control and balance throughout the body, mind and emotions of a person. The Pratyhara is a sensory practice meaning that it aims to take the mind from the senses. Dharana is about concentration practices. Dhyana is about being able to meditate. The last one, Samadhi is about liberation.
For me personally I feel like I would like to focus on Dharana and Dhyana the most out of the eight because these two seem the most challenging for myself. My mind is always scattered, and I believe it would be helpful to practice both of these. Meditation for me had always been difficult because my mind is in so many different places at once. On the other hand, though I am good at concentrating on certain subjects at one time but, I feel that I never take the time to focus on myself which I’ve discovered recently to be essential. Over the semester I am looking forward to learning more about myself and about what these practices have to offer.
An article from The Conversation was written about how meditation can be helpful to all students of a wide variety of ages. It’s been proven over and over again that meditation can reduce stress, pain, anxiety, cardiovascular disease and insomnia. But for students who are in college stress and anxiety are probably the biggest two that can affect a college student. Mentioned in the article is how anyone can practice meditation at any point of the day and that it costs them nothing. It points out that you don’t need any special equipment or support system or money because it’s completely free to do and practice on your own.
I try to practice the Isha Kriya every night before I go to bed. I feel that it is important to relax your mind before you go to bed, so you get a full nights’ rest and are able to refresh over night before the next day comes around. When I practice, I just relax in my bed and go through the three parts of it. I’ve noticed that I have been getting better sleep by practicing before I go to bed for the night. Also, when I wake up, I feel more refreshed and ready for my day. I plan on continuing to practice the Isha Kriya because of all the benefits that I could experience through the practice.
Source: https://theconversation.com/the-many-benefits-of-meditation-in-the-classroom-94566
-Charlotte Johansen
Well stated OM
Majlinda Novaj
Yoga Journal #2
09/20/19
8 Limbs- The Real Ashtanga
Yoga is a great way to open up the mind, body and soul. It is also a great way of delving into our consciousness. In this short text, the 8 Limbs of Yoga are mentioned as tools that are necessary to being able to fully become a self-aware yogi/yogini. As the text points out, there are different types of Limbs. These limbs act as rules/guidelines. Each must be performed together to reach optimal focus. These different limbs have different focuses.
Personally, my first impression of these 8 Limbs was at first that I was shocked. I didn’t know there was more to Yoga at first. And in this case through these rules/guidelines. For example, when I think of Asana, I think of poses such as the flapping fish which is meant to release tension and such in our body. When I think of Pranayama, I think of the many other poses we use to tap into our heart and stomach breathing. Dharana and Dhyana to an extent reminds of my Isha Kriya practice because it has a focus on concentrating on the mind and meditation is involved as well when repeating the phrases “I am not this body”, “I am not even this mind”
In my Isha Kriya practice, I use a dim room that no-one else in my house uses. I do my Isha-Kriya in the morning for about 15 minutes. I do it in the morning because it seems to give me great benefits during the day. For example, I am much more focused on my school work. I also stay very productive during the whole day which is great for me. Isha-Kriya has also allowed for be to be more aware of myself and my surroundings. Isha-Kriya not only has helped my back from cramping but it also has allowed for me to feel better in my mind and in my emotions.
“But sometimes life happens and we become distracted, disconnected from the universal consciousness and sucked in by our modern day societal demands. Next thing you know, our ego develops into a noisy, needy, and greedy energy monster, identifying with these distractions and disconnecting us from our consciousness.
The practice of yoga, then, helps us to keep that divine connection, on the path of spiritual development.” As https://www.brettlarkin.com/eight-limbs-of-yoga-patanjali/ puts it in this message, sometimes in life we become distracted and yoga is one of the many ways to balance us back into the right state of mind. Balance is very important and we must maintain it.
Well stated and supported essay, wonderful about your own IK practice, OM
Sebastian Bass
Yoga
September 22nd, 2019
8 Limbs
Ashtanga, or the eightfold path, is a practical, workable system of self-development that helps control body and mind and to live a balanced lifestyle. Each of the eight limbs are different factions that cover a different entities of a person but then come together as one. I didn’t know that this was a thing before reading this blog post and doing some research on it. In order from one to eight, Yama is the first limb that deals with people’s ethical practices. Niyama is the second limb and is responsible for conscious observances. Asana is the third limb that deals with the physical postures designed to release mental tensions and stresses lodged in the physical body. Pranayama is the science of breath control to balance prana (life force) in the body, mind, and emotions. Pratyahara demonstrates sensory practices aiming for the withdrawal of the mind from the senses. Sixth is Dharana which focuses on concentration. Seventh is Dhyana which is the meditation aspect. Last but not least is Samadhi which is the stage of liberation.
I enjoy the breakdown of all components to the eightfold path. It gave me more insight into how a part of yoga works. Each practice covers a part of your mind, body, and soul that you need to continuously work on. Now that I know what each breakdown represents and what they contribute to, I can now start paving my way into using yoga to successfully heal myself.
I try to work on my yoga at least twice a week. I find that it is most effective when I’m stressed out. It is my time of peace and quiet and I try to be one with myself. I get to clear my head and take a step back from the world and whatever is going on in my life. I try to do my practice at night before i got to bed right after I take a shower. This is the time when I wind dow from my day.
https://www.yogajournal.com/practice/the-eight-limbs
Well stated, consider putting your IK practice into your daily schedule and then you will surely find your stressed out experiences diminish significantly. Namaste
The eight-fold plan is something that I’d never heard of before, but I am very interested in how it works and how these practices would benefit someone in real life. The practice of Pranayama would be especially helpful, I think. From what I understand from further research, that particular part of the practice is focused on breathing. Much of the yoga I’ve done in the past has elements on breathing, but has never focused so heavily on it. I think that this is incredibly important when it comes to both yoga and daily life. Sometimes, if I am struggling a lot with either a yoga pose or even just a homework assignment, it can be very difficult to concentrate and get it completed. Yet, yoga has taught me that sometimes, the answer is simply: remember to breathe and focus on that. Once I do, often the task at hand gets easier and more accomplishable.
My Isha Kriya practice has gotten easier (hooray!). I tend to practice it towards the end of the day, though when exactly that is depends on my class schedule. I find that it is easiest to do after I have completed my work for the day, or after class but before my homework. It allows me to leave stressful thoughts behind, focus on the work ahead of me, and avoid stress that may make it hard to sleep. I usually practice it in my room, because that is the only place where I can do it and be alone without too much chance of being disturbed. It has greatly helped my anxiety levels lessen, and it even helps me sleep, as I am relaxed afterwards. That, of course, makes me feel more rested the next day.
A well written essay and good news about your IK practice! OM
Jordan Reynolds
If my understanding of the reading is correct, there is a path that one can follow to evolve spiritually if they so choose. The eight-fold path, the Ashtanga, is a way for people to get closer to their spiritual path. The eight-fold path guides people to evolve and become their best self. It is a system that can be followed by almost anyone with the willpower to stick to it. Ashtanga is a lifestyle that one can integrate into their everyday lives. It essentially is a way for individuals to bring more balance to their existence.
I took a course on Buddhism two semesters ago and I tried to abide by the eight-fold path and I found it incredibly difficult. The hardest part was being mindful of how I was treating myself and others. Being a conscious observer goes against everything I’ve learned in New York City. The individuals here find a task and focus in on that one thing no matter the price. I feel like New York separates people and pushes them further away from an aware way of living.
When doing more research on the Ashtanga I grew fascinated with Pranayama. The site https://www.yogajournal.com/practice/the-eight-limbs has a great section where they meniton breath control being important for extending and rejuvenating the life force. Breath control connects the mind and body. Typically, we take for granted the ability to breathe automatically and we assume it is something that should just happen. In doing so we fall out of touch with our body and are less present in most situations. Breathing techniques are important because they allow you to be aware, but to also increase your life force.
Well stated OM
Majlinda Novaj
Honors Yoga Journal #3
09/28/19
Ashtanga is a great way of reaching a controlled mind and body. There are 8 different parts that you can follow. For example, Pranayama has a focus on breath control. Dharana is based on concentration, Asana is physical postures that are used to rid oneself of tension and stresses. And Dhyana is focused on meditation. All of these processes when performed together help one to feel balanced with in their minds, bodies and hearts. The whole focus of following these steps of Ashtanga is ideally on leading to Self-realization.
When I read this text, I agreed with the statement that “Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadi are purely mental and spiritual practices concerned with transformation”. The reason as to why I thought this is because Dharana is concentration, Dhyana is meditation and Samadi is liberation. All of these remind me of my Isha Kriya practice because these paths are utilized. I’ve noticed after my Isha Kriya I always feel light in my mind and my spirit. I am concentrating, meditating and feeling liberated when performing my Isha Kriya. The 8 fold path really does help one feel grounded in their mental, physical and emotional aspects.
https://ashtangayogagirl.com/ashtanga-yoga-benefits/ states “ Improve cardiovascular fitness: The constant vinyasas between each pose keep your heart rate up throughout the practice… Reduce body fat: What happens when you build more muscle and do cardio? You burn fat! Since committing to a daily Ashtanga practice I’ve noticed less fat on my arms and around my stomach area.. Reduce stress and anxiety: Some people think that doing the same sequence of postures every day is too repetitive and they lose interest. But when you learn the sequence off by heart, you no longer have to focus so much on where you’re placing your foot or your hand. Your awareness can start to shift to your breath instead” As pointed out in this text, Ashtanga also known as the Eight Fold-Path is very beneficial to many parts of our bodies. What I found most important in this paragraph is that your awareness can shift your breath instead. Awareness is very important and Ashtanga provides you with it. By having this awareness, it can also help lead you to the highest benefit which is Self-Realization.
Namaste
As stated in the post, The eight-fold path or Ashtanga is a practical system of self and spiritual development. It helps control body and mind, and to live a balanced lifestyle: mentally, physically and emotionally.The Yama and Niyama are the basic codes for behavior and guidelines for daily living. Yama is used for ethical practices. Niyama is used for conscious observances. However, there are other eight other steps that help to achieve a balance of body, mind, and self realization. The other six steps are Asana, the physical postures designed to release mental tensions and stresses in the body, Pranayama, breath control to keep the body, mind, and emotions balanced, Dharana, concentration practices, Dhyana, also known as meditation, and Samadhi also known as liberation.
Let me know if you have decided to continue with the Honors Yoga Journal
Jordan Reynolds
Ashtanga is an ancient system that was developed for self development. It was designed to unite the mind and body as one. The end goal is for one to find self realization. Life is about balance and the Ashtanga is one way to get there. Through following the Ashtanga one prepares themselves for meditation.
After reading this post I realized that this was not my first time dealing with the Ashtanga. The eightfold path is something that is quite common in buddhism. The only difference is that liberation is not something that is achieved easily. It takes a lifetime of practice and even then, it may take multiple life cycles to escape the path of suffering.
I often get confused when I look into the eightfold path on my own. When I went to https://tricycle.org/magazine/noble-eightfold-path/ the author labels the eight paths differently than what is labeled on the blog. On tricycle it states that each one of the paths are cultivated simultaneously. When one begins the path they have to cultivate discipline, wisdom and proper conduct. From my understanding, one beings the eightfold path when they become aware of more than just themselves and practice being present.
Namaste
Natalie Morrow
This article discussed Ashtanga – the eight limbs of yoga. As we move down the list we become more developed in our spiritual journey. The further we get into our journey, the more balanced our lifestyle is mentally and physically. The eight limbs are:
1. Yama – ethical practices
2. Niyama – conscious observances
3. Asana – postures to release tension
4. Pranyama – breath control
5. Pratyhara – withdrawal of mind from senses
6. Dharana – concentration practices
7. Dhyana – meditation
8. Samadhi – liberation
I think that in the next few days, as I practice Isha Kriya, I’d like to reflect on where I am in Ashtanga. I feel right now, especially in the last few months that my mind and body have become increasingly unbalanced. I’m hoping that through this class and my outside practice, I can help return to a balanced lifestyle.
This idea of life balance reminds me of a quote by Brian Tracy, a motivational speaker. “Just as your car runs more smoothly and requires less energy to go faster and farther when the wheels are in perfect alignment, you perform better when your thoughts, feelings, emotions, goals, and values are in balance.” Life will be more enjoyable and more peaceful, the more it is balanced.
I have been practicing Isha Kriya 3-4 times a week. Either before bed or when I wake up. I find that when I do it before bed that I sleep better, with a clearer mind. I find that when I do it when I wake up, I feel more energized and can concentrate better throughout the day. I notice its affects mostly in my head, a lot of the tension fades away – I really appreciate this.
Since you have practiced your IK both in morning and evening and realized the benefits, I hope you may sometimes practice both to complete the mandala and keep yourself balanced day and night. Well stated OM
Before I started reading there were several words that stood out to me before my eyes could even begin. The word Pranayama, which means the science of breath control to balance prana (life force) in the body, mind, and emotions stood out to me. I’ve just begun learning about breath control and yoga, which has helped me feel physical, mentally, and emotionally a better person. I have always heard about the eightfold path, but never really knew what it meant until this reading and it’s really interesting. I find it quite interesting when you successfully complete each limb we can reach full concentration and liberation.
The eightfold path is a system of practices meant to help balance the mind and body. As a productive student sometimes I find it hard to balance out my schedule or overwork myself sometimes, but since I’ve practiced the IK it was me and my life for the better. It is a very spiritual motivated sense of control. After reading this, I am eager to learn more about yoga from different techniques and practices as well as go further in-depth with the eightfold path.
When doing the Isha Kirya, I find my mind at ease from focusing on my breathing and making sure I am not focusing on everything else going on around me. I’ve been doing the Isha Kirya daily in my schedule for each week and plan to make more time for it as well. The effects of doing this each time; I get better sleep at night, my body feeling less tension, and having a better environment around me. It’s weird from before not thinking all of the effects would happen when starting to do the Isha Kirya every day, but from experience, it has helped me a lot. I plan to continue to do the Isha Kirya in theory to learn more, become more at ease, and just become better at the Isha Kirya. I currently do the Isha Kirya usually an hour or two before I go to bed in my dorm room to relax my id after most productive days. Overall, the Isha Kirya has been a great thing I’ve learned from this class and continue to practice it.
A well written essay and great news about your IK benefits! Namaste
These 8 limbs being the stepping stones to reach a balance of mind, body and spirit make the practice seem possible. Each practice is meant to help you isolate each part of yourself that you are working on, whether that be focusing on the breath, the thoughts, the senses or the posture of your body. Focusing solely on each of these parts may also help with your patience, which I feel is key when beginning these practices.
The practice of Dharana (concentration practices) really caught my eye. It reminded me of all the research I have been doing regarding mindfulness practices with young children. Research has shown the amazing benefits of focused breathing and listening on the concentration and attention span of elementary school children. These mindfulness practices are done on a daily basis and after just a year of observation, significantly positive results have been produced! Dharana sticks out a lot for me personally because I do struggle with my ADHD. I can never seem to concentrate for long periods and I do rely on the help of medication.
However, this practice makes me think about what could have happened if I knew about Dharana before asking for medication. After years I finally accepted that I would need help, but if I had done more research about yoga practices I may have been able to find another solution. As I continue my research I would love to find more things revolving around yoga practices that may be offered to young children because not only does this help with finding the balance throughout your body, this can further strengthen their cognitive abilities at such an early age!
I hope you discuss your yoga practice and progress with your medical team and perhaps in time find your yoga as a way to lessen the meds, best wishes OM
David White- Monday Night Class
The eightfold path originates from Buddhism. It is usually a practice that is associated with leading to the “end of suffering.” It derives from the fourth noble truth. K. Pattabhi Jois is the founder of Ashtanga Yoga. Ashtanga also revolves around similar attributes that allow for people who practice these guidelines to achieve self-realization. The practices are as follows: Yama, which are the ethical practices that ultimately shape an individual. Niyama, the steps that allow one to retain clarity when it comes to conscious observances. Asana, the practice of physical postures. Practicing these postures releases mental stress and tension within the physical body. Pranayama, the method of controlling how we breathe. By doing this our mind, body and emotions will become balanced. Pratyahara, withdrawal from the senses. The next three are concerned with transformation of both the mind and spirit so that one may find balance in life. They are Dharana, concentration practices. Dhyana, practice of meditation, and Samadhi which is liberation.
By following these guidelines in an orderly fashion as well as practicing the Isha Kriya, alignment of the self will become more of a tangible goal. As a result, success in life will become more of a reality. I have been familiarized with the eightfold path as I studied Buddhism in high school and continued to develop research on the fourth noble truth for a paper in my freshman year of college. I am not familiar with the practice of Ashtanga Yoga though. This is the first time I have been exposed to this particular sect of Yoga. It seems that the archetype used for this Yoga is derived from the original practice of the fourth noble truth, but altered to be more conducive for the practice of Yoga. One of the most fascinating elements I have learned from researching this practice is that external actions in the physical realm coincide with the internal balance we carry within our spirit and mind. This sheds light on the process, meaning that when these processes are truly followed, results will show.
I feel that if this is practiced chromatically and properly balanced with the art of Isha Kriya, results will feel more successful. Thus I will see results in other aspects of my life. I am musician and a lot of the time physical and mental strain becomes a problem as I am practicing for hours on end. With this practice, I believe I will find ease in my everyday situations. To find more perspective on this topic I found an article about a renowned Yogi named Anthony ‘Prem’ Carlisi. He is well-versed in the world of Ashtanga Yoga and his story is very intriguing. The link is attached below.
My Isha Kriya has unfortunately been sparse as I have been overexerting myself with work and my schedule does not allow for much free time. But when I do have time for meditation, my mind is set free. I do not feel the pressures of the world around me and I feel in line with myself afterwards. To not focus on external factors while meditating is difficult but I am finding it easier to control my thoughts. I find that I have deeper sleep, a motivational attitude, and an approach of a healthier diet when practicing the Isha Kriya as well as Yoga. Hopefully I will find a balance of time so that I may meditate more often.
http://www.stillpointyogalondon.com/interview-with-anthony-prem-carlisi/
I hope you truly are able to actively carve out time to daily practice your IK to be able to reap the benefits, well stated OM
Shamylle Estevez
The ideology of the eight-fold path is something that I actually have heard of before. I can’t exactly remember the circumstances I was in when this was first brought to my attention but I believe it was a time in my high school career when I was learning about Buddhism in my global history class. The eight-fold path known as Ashtanga, consists of 8 fundamental steps that allows one to process their own distinct spiritual path. These steps are built up on its system that works towards self improvement in all ways (mental, physical, emotional). It’s use is to ultimately bring a balance to your life and even to the lives around you. The steps in this process are ways to guide one’s understanding the mutual bond between the mind and the body. In order to execute these steps successfully, you must fulfill each step thoroughly while devote the time that is necessary to complete the Isha Kriya’s. From reading this posting, I conclude that if one, with the proper amount of effort, follows the steps and is consist with the Isha Kriya’s, they will benefit greatly from it in their life and as an individual. The steps of Niyama and Pranayama are the two that personally stand out to me. Niyama (conscious observances) stands out to me because I am constantly trying to be aware of myself, my words, and my actions, my emotions, my thoughts and ideas, etc. As well as trying to be aware of the people and world around me, and learning from the people and world around me. Pranayama (the science of breath control to balance prana (life force) in the body, mind and emotions), stands out to me because it centers around breathing and the control of your breath which is something that lately I myself have been trying to have more regulation over. My Isha Kriya practice has become a regular aspect of my weekly routine. I often do this practice on days when I know are going to be more stressful or on days that are longer for me. I do the Isha Kriya about an hour after I wake up, when I feel myself fully awake. I take notice of the way I feel the rest of my day when I do it. My mood is usually calmer and less anxious about school, work, and other things going on in my life. I’m less disordered in my emotions and my body matches the speed of my mind.
Good news about your IK practice OM
Marlon DuBois
Monday night class
I have learned a bit about the eightfold path in the past, as my mom is very involved in buddhism and yoga. At home, my family and I live right down the road from a buddhist monastery. My mom doesn’t necessarily consider herself a buddhist, but she does spend a lot of time there. Growing up in this environment brought a sense of peace and spiritualism. This reading gave me a little more insight on the topic.
The path (Ashtanga) seems very reliable, and would definitely be interesting to try out. It helps control the mind and body, and brings out self-realization and peace within. Followers of the eightfold path strive for enlightenment. This is one of the best ways to achieve it. It is a system of self-development that helps create a balanced lifestyle.
I find that most of the yoga practices we do have helped decrease my stress and worry, and increased my calmness. I have only done the IK practice at home a few times. I recognize that I need to be doing it more, because I do believe it will help be reach a better place both mentally and physically. I’m a pretty spiritual person so I’m confident that these practices will work, I just need to push myself to do it more often. IK is one of the most useful practices I’ve learned in the class.
I notice that when I perform the IK practice I feel calmer, less anxious and also a bit tired. It’s very helpful to do right before bed. It’s also nice right when you wake up. It leaves me refreshed and relaxed.
Well stated OM