aligning with ashtanga

ashtanga yoga is a branch of yoga based on Patanjali's eight pillars. in fact, the word 'ashtanga' is a combination of 'asht' (eight) and 'anga'(limbs) as we all know, yoga is becoming increasingly popular nowadays, especially in the west.

while people are aware that yoga has to do with 'mind and body', my experience has been that it remains largely a physical exercise. While these exercises (asanas) are very much a part of ashtanga, they are in fact, only one of the eight limbs. whenever i have gone for an ashtanga class, there has been no mention of the other 7. i think these are equally important, if not crucial, to really understanding yoga. otherwise, it is reduced to a mere 'activity' rather than a 'practice', or 'living' yoga.

curious to know what the other 7 pillars were, i looked them up:
1. yama (restraints): himsa/killing lies/deceit stealing excess acceptance of gifts (??????)
2. niyama (obeservances): cleanliness contentment austerity study self-surrender to god
3. asana (posture)
4. pranayama (control of breathing)
5. pratyahara (restraint of the senses)
6. dharana (concentration)
7. dhyana (meditation)
8. samadhi (superconscious)

even if i can practice (as in really apply) the first 3 fully, i will be grateful! i can't even restrict myself to one chocolate, forget about other things. so now i have become more careful when i talk about my yoga classes. i no longer say 'i do yoga' (for that's a lie!!), but 'i do asanas and i try to practice yoga'.