Yoga Philosophy
“Over two decades of teaching I have witnessed again and again the power that Yoga has to shift seemingly intransigent negative patterns and to awaken the body, mind, and heart to other possibilities. No matter who we are or how long we have been entrenched in self-defeating behaviours, through daily Yoga practice we can become present to our own fundamental goodness and the goodness of others. Rediscovering who we really are at our core opens the way to experiencing our most basic level of connection with others. This connectedness lies at the heart of the practice called Yoga.”
Donna Farhi, “Bringing Yoga to Life”,
Chapter 1, p. 4
Yoga Philosophy
At Embodied Yoga the underlying philosophy is aligned with the holistic approach of the classical schools of Yoga such as the Krishnamacharya, Iyengar, Yogendra, Ashtanga lineages. These institutions incorporate the teachings of Patanjali who compiled 195 Yoga Sutras or aphorisms which cover the entire philosophy of Yoga. Within the Sutras, Patanjali outlines the Eightfold Path which basically describes the steps one needs to follow to reduce suffering and become more enlightened.
The Eightfold Path includes an ethical code of restraints and observances (Yamas and Niyamas) for Yoga practitioners to follow and incorporate into their daily lives. This helps remove some of the obstacles which get in the way of achieving and maintaining a peaceful, undistracted state of mind.
Asanas are there to help improve one’s strength, flexibility and physical health but they need to be incorporated with breathing techniques (Pranayama) to bring about physical and mental relaxation. Pratyahara is the step which focuses on withdrawing the senses to internalise the mind from the distractions of the external world. By following these steps and quietening the mind one can experience greater concentration (Dhyana) which when prolonged becomes a state of meditation (Dharana). When this is mastered and the mind becomes completely free of any distractions with sustained focus over a prolonged period of time, it is possible to achieve the final stage of Samadhi or enlightenment.
The Aim of Yoga
The original aim of Yoga was to achieve a healthy, happy life by reducing ignorance and suffering. To achieve this one needs to gain control of the mind. Patanjali’s Sutra 1.2 states very succinctly that Yoga is the process of gaining control of the mind (Yogas chitta vrtti nirodha). All aspects of the body, mind and psyche must be taken into consideration. The physical postures are very important for improving one’s overall health - strength, mobility, flexibility, resistance to disease etc. But it is also important to incorporate breathing techniques to improve the health of the lungs and the nervous system and improve one’s physical and mental relaxation. Mental quietening techniques are prescribed to help focus on the present, improve concentration, increase mental awareness, increase confidence etc. By following Patanjali’s Eightfold Path one inevitably lives an ethical life which is conducive to a more tranquil existence.