The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali

More than a set of yoga poses
and breathing exercises.

The Yoga Sutras are far greater than the small system of Hatha Yoga, consisting of yoga postures and breathing exercises. Still greater than all the different styles of yoga practiced here in the West.

This is why they are also referred to as the teachings of Raja Yoga - Royal Yoga

These words may be a bit of a bold statement...

"If you have yet to even hear of the Yoga Sutras, and you practice yoga; you have missed a BIG piece of the picture."

...why do we say this? Because most of what we call yoga today, grew from different branches of the Yoga Sutras or Royal Tree of yoga.

Go to the History of Yoga for a broader look at yoga and it's beginnings.

Ok, what does this "Tree" look like?

Tracing the branches back to their roots.
Learning where the yoga of today came from.

Let's summarize the main aspects of the Yoga Sutras - The Eight Limbs of Yoga, aka, Ashtanga Yoga. Ashtanga meaning - eight limbs.

The following aspects of the Yoga Sutras are also commonly referred to as - The Eightfold Path of Yoga...

1. Yamas
2. Niyama
3. Asana
4. Pranayama
5. Pratyahara
6. Dharana
7. Dhyana
8. Samadhi

..."That's great, what do these words mean in English?" Don't worry, we're going to break them down, in English.

To jump to a more detailed look at the above mentioned aspects just click on the link below.

Eight Limbs or Eightfold Path of Yoga

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