Basic Principles

Philosophical Foundations:

The philosophy of yoga offers wisdom and guidelines that help lead a harmonious and conscious life. The Yamas and Niyamas are ethical and personal disciplines that create a foundation for a peaceful and fulfilling life. Through the practice of Asanas and Pranayama, the body is strengthened and the mind is calmed, whilst Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi promote deeper meditative states and spiritual growth.

The Role of Ethics in Yoga:

Ethics plays a central role in yoga. The Yamas and Niyamas serve as moral and ethical guidelines that govern interactions with others and oneself. These principles promote compassion, integrity and self-discipline, which are essential for harmonious coexistence and personal growth.

Yoga is more than just a physical practice – it is a holistic system that aims to bring body, mind and soul into harmony. The fundamental principles of yoga offer profound guidance for leading a fulfilling and balanced life.

The eight limbs of yoga according to Patanjali:

1. Yamas (ethical disciplines): These refer to moral behaviours towards others and include principles such as non-violence (Ahimsa), truthfulness (Satya), non-stealing (Asteya), continence (Brahmacharya) and non-possessiveness (Aparigraha).

2. Niyamas (personal disciplines): These refer to personal practice and attitude. These include purity (Saucha), contentment (Santosha), discipline (Tapas), self-study (Svadhyaya) and devotion to the Divine (Ishvara Pranidhana).

3. Asanas (physical postures): The physical exercises that strengthen and make the body flexible. Asanas are the most well-known part of yoga and help prepare the body for longer meditation sessions.

4. Pranayama (breath control): The conscious regulation of breath to control life energy (Prana) and calm the mind. Pranayama techniques are an essential component of yoga practice.

5. Pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses): The withdrawal of the senses from external distractions in order to direct attention inwards. This is an important step on the path to meditation.

6. Dharana (concentration): The practice of concentrating on a single object or thought in order to focus the mind and minimise distractions.

7. Dhyana (meditation): The uninterrupted concentration on the meditation object, which leads to a state of deep inner peace and insight.

8. Samadhi (enlightenment): The state of complete unity of body and mind, in which individual consciousness merges with universal consciousness. This is the ultimate goal of yoga.

Yoga is based on a profound philosophical foundation that has been developed over millennia. The fundamental principles of yoga are anchored in ancient scriptures such as the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, which were written around the 2nd century BCE. These principles offer comprehensive guidance for a fulfilling and balanced life.