Pranayama and Asana

The word “yoga” derived from the Sanskrit word "Yuj", which means to yoke, and is typically translated as union, integration, attach, join, or unite. Thus, it is the union and integration of every part of a human being, from the innermost to the external.

The yoga sutras are considered to be a collection of yogic thoughts that is largely raja yogic in nature. In yoga sutras, Patanjali suggests eight steps that are the basic principles of yoga practice to calm one's mind and unite with the infinite.

The yoga sutras are the physical activities that focus on the body, meditation and the mind. Yoga sutras combine the yoga practices to provide an overall sense of physical and mental health.

Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras - Ashtanga Yoga

Here are the eight yoga sutras to look at and learn a little about each one.

* Yama - abstentions

* Niyama - self-purification and study

* Asana - posture or pose

* Pranayama - breathe control

* Pratyahara - sense control

* Dharana - concentration

* Dhyana - contemplation

* Samadhi - veridical meditation

Yama and Niyama

The first two yoga sutras, yama and niyama, are ten good logical guidelines for bringing spiritual consciousness into a social perspective to lead a healthier, happier life. They both cope with moral and ethical issues.

They are the fundamental laws to direct the actions of humanity. These yoga sutras help us in respecting the principles of this life, in balancing our inner intensification with outer restraint. Following these principles of yoga sutras means leading a life in a better way, about making it possible to understand and connect with the divine. Thus they lead us to a conscious life.

Asana

Asana refers to the different postures that can be practiced to reinforce the body physically. It is treated as yoga postures in accord with one's inner consciousness. A Regular practice of this yoga sutra helps to keep our body fit, controls levels of cholesterol, normalizes blood pressure, reduces weight, and recovers heart performance.

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