THE SEVEN MAJOR PRINCIPLES OF YOGA

The seven major principles of yoga provide a more focused approach to physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. While different traditions and teachers may emphasize various aspects, here is a commonly recognized set of seven key principles in yoga practice:

1. Physical postures, or asanas

The physical positions, or asanas, aid in promoting balance, flexibility, and bodily strength. They are necessary to keep the body in good condition and to get it ready for meditation.

2. Breath Control with Pranayama

The discipline of controlling the breath to control energy (prana) is known as pranayama. It aids with mental clarity, sharpness, and physical vitality.

3. Meditation, or Dhyana

The discipline of mindfulness and intense concentration is called meditation. It fosters the development of emotional equilibrium, cerebral clarity, and spiritual awareness.

4. Yamas: The Disciplines of Ethics

The Yamas are moral precepts that promote moral conduct and empathy for others. They include the following: moderation (Brahmacharya), non-violence (Ahimsa), truthfulness (Satya), non-stealing (Asteya), and non-possessiveness (Aparigraha).

5. Niyamas, or individual observances

The Niyamas are personal exercises in self-control and spiritual development. These are self-discipline (Tapas), self-study (Svadhyaya), cleanliness (Saucha), contentment (Santosha), and submission to a higher power (Ishvara Pranidhana).

6. Withdrawal of the Senses, or Pratyahara

Pratyahara is the discipline of turning within and removing oneself from outside distractions. It clears the mind and gets it ready for more in-depth thought and meditation.

7. Enlightenment or Union, or Samadhi

The highest state of yoga practice, known as samadhi, is a state of unity with the self and the universe. It is a transcendental, happy state of consciousness.

In the practice of yoga, these seven principles stand for an all-encompassing approach to mental clarity, bodily health, and spiritual development.

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