Announcing…a new focus for community time following the Breath Practice / Chair Yoga!
Beginning on Monday, May 31, we will be exploring the Yamas and Niyamas, ancient yoga wisdom for daily living, spiritual growth and well-being.
The Yamas and Niyamas are the first two limbs of Patanjali’s eightfold path. Stephen Cope, author of The Wisdom of Yoga (Bantam Books 2006) describes them as “the most comprehensive exposition of the ancient wisdom tradition of yoga…. the two-thousand year old treatise called, the Yogasutra” (sutra translates as thread). Stephen further comments that,
- We will focus on one of the ten Yamas and Niyamas each month. transitioning to the next one on the 1st of each month.
- You get to listen, reflect and, if you like, share your questions, awareness and experiences.
- We will learn from each other…a community life-study as we each walk the path of awareness and self-observation.
The Yamas and Niyamas are the first two limbs of Patanjali’s eightfold path. Stephen Cope, author of The Wisdom of Yoga (Bantam Books 2006) describes them as “the most comprehensive exposition of the ancient wisdom tradition of yoga…. the two-thousand year old treatise called, the Yogasutra” (sutra translates as thread). Stephen further comments that,
…the eightfold path is considered one of the most effective approaches that enable us to “realize the full potential of being human.”
The Yamas are considered to be restraints – restraints of the animal instincts to keep us out of trouble and behave ethically.
- Non-violence
- Truthfulness
- Non-stealing
- Moderation
- Non-possessiveness
The Niyamas are considered to be observances. They are suggestions for how to approach personal practice and reduce our own suffering.
- Purity
- Contentment
- Discipline
- Self-study
- Surrender
These form the character-building foundation of yoga. The next two limbs are asana (posture) and pranayama (breathing practices). The last four limbs build on asana and pranayama and are all mental states. Pratyahara (inward focus), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation) and Samadhi (merging with all that is).
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8 Responses
This looks fabulous. I might not be able to participate but I will be a silent observer ☮️
Great wonderful idea….congratulations….I’m still feeling better days I jump in.
Bless you both…SuzanneSylvere
I’d like to jump in on the days I can.
What Yama or Nita a are you currently discussing?
We focused on Ahimsa/non-harming in June and just completed a month of focus on Satya/Truthfulness for July. Tomorrow starts Asteya/non-stealing. Jump in anytime.
Have you recorded any past discussions?
Can I listen to them?
If you join the Facebook group called Gentle Yogis Community, the recordings are currently stored there. Email joyce@gentle-yogis.com to give me a heads up that you are joining. I check it once a week or so for new requests. If you don’t use Facebook, there will soon be an alternative. We hope to have the videos housed on our website starting in mid-August or early September.