Ashtanga Yoga, the ancient river of wisdom, flows from the heart of the Vedic tradition, a lineage as timeless as the stars above. Its essence, rooted in the teachings of Maharishi Patanjali, reveals itself through the Yoga Sutras, a guide to self-realization and unity with the divine.
“Yogas chitta vritti nirodhah“—“Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind.” This profound sutra unveils the purpose of Ashtanga: to still the restless waves of thought and awaken the soul to its eternal truth.
The term Ashtanga, meaning “eight limbs,” portrays a sacred path. Each limb, like a step upon the cosmic staircase, leads the seeker closer to liberation. Yama and Niyama, the first limbs, are the foundation, teaching moral discipline and inner purity. Asana, the physical postures, harmonizes body and spirit, while Pranayama, the control of breath, awakens the life force within.
Pratyahara, the withdrawal of the senses, invites stillness, while Dharana, concentration, trains the mind to focus like a steady flame in a windless place. Dhyana, meditation, deepens the connection to the infinite, culminating in Samadhi, the blissful union with the divine.
The roots of Ashtanga Yoga stretch deep into the soil of the Vedas, where the Upanishads whisper of unity: “Tat Tvam Asi”—“Thou art That.” It speaks of the interconnectedness of all existence, a truth reflected in every breath and every heartbeat.
Through Ashtanga, the body becomes a temple, the mind a serene lake, and the spirit a soaring bird, free from the snares of ego. It is not merely a practice but a way of life, a journey inward to discover the eternal light within.
“Sarve bhavantu sukhinah, sarve santu niramayah”—“May all beings be happy; may all be free from illness.” In this spirit, Ashtanga calls us to rise, transform, and embrace the infinite grace of existence.
Article Crafted by Yoga Home Bali Team
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