“What if everything we did was an offering of love to ourselves and the world around us?”
At Yog Ved Shala, we chose to base the philosophy of our Institute as well as the structure of each class on the holistic involvement of the eight limbs of Yog. Stemming from the Sanskrit term ‘Ashtanga’ (‘Astha’ is the number eight, and ‘ang’ means limb), the eight pathways were initially described in 31 verses by Sage Patanjali in the Yog Sutras. Even though written 2000 years ago, we consider them a crucial compass on our spiritual journey in this modern day and age, helping us on our way towards enlightenment.
The eight limbs, according to Yog Ved Shala, are:
Limb 1: Yama – Moral Conduct
In the state of Yama, we focus first and foremost on our own ethical standards, our behaviour towards us and others, and our overall sense of integrity. In a nutshell, Yama asks us to question our actions that happen off the mat! Divided into sub-sections, Yama consist of five guiding ideas: non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, continence, and non-hoarding. At Yog Ved Shala, our aim is to allow the knowledge of Yama to transition from pure theory into a dedicated daily ritual, starting with the dedicated practice of Asanas.
Limb 2: Nimaya – Social Conduct
Nimaya is the enactment of self-discipline and spiritual habits, helping us to find balance in our daily life. This state is categorised into five sub-areas: Cleanliness, contentment, spiritual purification, the study of sacred texts, and the devotion to one’s higher power. Similar to the implementation of Yama, we at Yog Ved Shala encourage our students to translate the lessons of Nimaya into rituals of life, starting with the daily practise of Asanas.
Limb 3: Asana – Postures
What is commonly known as Yog, especially in the West, is actually only one part of the Yogic tradition. With the help of Asanas, or the state of physical movements, we improve mobility and flexibility of the body, which is considered the temple of our inner spirit, and therefore the crucial vessel on the road to enlightenment. We understand Yog as a legitimate form of science, and by understanding our own body and its functionalities through the alignment of Asanas, we learn to realise our potential in the world we live in. Yog Ved Shala’s expertise lies in catering to every body, no matter in what level of flexibility, and support in the gentle process of physical and thus spiritual alignment.
Limb 4: Pranayama – Breath Awareness
Only after mastering the movement of the Asanas, Pranayama, or breath awareness, can be attempted. There is a reason it follows the stage of physical movements, and is Yog’s fourth, and not third limb: Our bodies and minds have to be purified before we naturally shift our attention, without any force or control, to the experience of deep and regular breathing. At Yog Ved Shala, our goal is to appreciate the breath as a powerful, yet subtle force, also known as ‘prana shakti’, or the cosmic energy that governs all physical functions. Therefore, we believe in the preparation for Pranayama by creating space for it, instead of manipulating and forcing our breath to be a certain way. Our approach at Yog Ved Shala for Pranayama is based on care and caution, as attempting breath work without preparation and understanding can have negative physical and mental effects.
Limb 5: Pratyahara – Withdrawal of Senses
As our entire life experience is governed by the inputs we receive from our five senses (hearing, seeing, tasting, smelling, and touching), we consciously practice to remove their stimulation in the state of Pratyahara, and shift our attention to the worlds inside of us. Through dedicated practice, we reconnect to our inner voice, which only starts to speak once all movement stops, and silence emerges. At Yog Ved Shala, we experience Pratyahara through the practise of Dhyana, and the techniques and movements of the Asanas.
Limb 6: Dharana – Concentration
Dharana, or the state of concentration, challenges us to remove all distractions, in our outside environment, as well as inside our mind. Through dedicated practice, we learn to focus on one single point, a sound or a mantra, and, over time, prepare ourselves for reaching the level of stillness that is required to enter Dhyana. At Yog Ved Shala, we consider breath and sound as important tools to reach a state of deep concentration, as taught and practised during Asanas and chanting.
Limb 7: Dhyana – Meditation
During Dhyana, or the state of uninterrupted concentration, all elements of physical and mental separation are dissolved, and merge to one peaceful long moment, without any particular focus or idea. Dhyana requires absolute inner stillness and a quiet mind, but, when practiced thoroughly, builds the basis for Samadhi. In all our Yog Ved Shala classes and courses, we learn to immersive in a range of meditation techniques to support the process of reaching Dhyana.
Limb 8: Samadhi – Enlightenment
When we enter Samadhi, we connect with the Divine, transcending all time, form and space. Considered the completion of the Yogic path, Samadhi enters our existence with a supreme state of consciousness, a gift that can be neither owned or bought - only experienced. Samadhi is the foundational idea behind the work of Yog Ved Shala. We consider Yog is not a lifestyle, but a guided road to spiritual enlightenment and absolute bliss, and therefore decided to teach it in its most authentic, minimalist and inclusive form, helping our students to evolve, and eventually reach Samadhi – on and off the mat.
