What is Astanga Yoga (Raja Yoga)?
Astanga Yoga is a systematic branch of yoga consisting eight main parts to it. A sage named Patanjalli about 2000 years ago first wrote it down. Astanga Yoga is often called “Raja Yoga”, which means the “Royal” Yoga. This name was actually coined at the turn of the century by Swami Vivekannanda, who thought Westerners would have a hard time saying “Astanga”! The eight steps of Astanga Yoga are: Yama, or Controls or Restraints Ahmisa – living to love and serve No-violence, no-injury to others. Satya – Truthfullenss, eliminating falsehood from our lives. Asteya – Non-stealing, not taking that which is not ours. Bramacharya – No-indulgence, keeping the harmony and equilibrium of our lives in tact. Aparigraha – Non-possesiveness, yielding, letting go of unnecessary objects which obstruct our progress. Niyama, or Observances or Actions Shaucha – Purifying body, mind, and spirit Samtosha – Contentment, cultivating the inner joys generating with freedom from desire Tapas – Self-discipline, de
