Nov 05, 2024

Discover the 8 Pillars of Yoga for a transformative practice!

Yoga is not just about postures, far from it! The practice of yoga is a path to balance, mental calm and deep connection with oneself. For those who want to go beyond the physical aspect, Patanjali's Raja Yoga philosophy proposes eight "pillars" or "branches".

These eight steps form a journey to achieve total well-being, both physical and spiritual. Ready to dive into the fascinating world of the 8 pillars of yoga ? Let's go!

Yama – Ethical Principles Towards Others

The Yamas represent universal ethical rules, which help us live in harmony with others. They are guidelines for cultivating healthy and caring relationships.

Ahimsa (non-violence): Towards others and oneself. This can include avoiding negative thoughts and being kind in one's speech.
Satya (truth): Speaking and living one's truth, without hurting others.
Asteya (non-theft): Not appropriating what is not one's own, whether material or immaterial.
Brahmacharya (moderation): Channeling one's energies to avoid excesses, especially emotional ones.
Aparigraha (non-attachment): Learning to let go and not become attached to material possessions or expectations.

Practical advice: Every morning, take a moment to meditate on one of these principles and try to apply it to your day.

Niyama – Ethical Principles Towards Oneself

Niyamas are rules for treating oneself with respect and kindness. They cultivate inner peace and harmony with oneself.

Saucha (purity): Cultivating cleanliness of body and mind. For example, purifying one's thoughts with positive affirmations.
Santosha (contentment): Being satisfied with what one has and what one is.
Tapas (discipline): Engaging persistently in one's practices, even when it is difficult.
Svadhyaya (self-study): Learning to know oneself deeply, through meditation or introspection.
Ishvara Pranidhana (surrender): Letting go and trusting the universe, especially in times of stress.

Tip: Try incorporating a Niyama into your meditation or yoga routine every week to deepen the practice.

Asana – Physical postures

This is probably the most well-known pillar: asanas or physical postures. But here, they are seen as a step to prepare the body and mind.

Postures are a way to learn to master the body and calm the mind, while improving strength and flexibility. When practiced with intention, they become a meditation in motion and a way to find calm.

To try: Take the time to settle comfortably into each posture, paying attention to your sensations and your breathing.

Pranayama – Breath Control

Pranayama is the art of controlling the breath to regulate vital energy. This practice has many benefits for calming the mind and reducing stress.

Some popular techniques:

Kapalabhati : an energizing breath, ideal for starting the day.
Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing): perfect for balancing energies and refocusing.
Ujjayi (victorious breath): a deep breath that helps one find calm and focus.

Tip: Start or end every yoga session with a few minutes of Pranayama.

Pratyahara – Withdrawal of the senses

Pratyahara is the stage where one learns to disconnect from external stimuli in order to refocus. It is the pillar that prepares for meditation.

In practice, this might mean meditating with your eyes closed, avoiding distractions, or taking a silent break. The goal is to detach the mind from the noise of the world to explore one's inner peace.

Try: Practice a few minutes of silent meditation, focusing your attention on your breath to push away distracting thoughts.

Dharana – Concentration

Once the senses are removed from external distractions, Dharana aims to develop intense concentration. This stage involves focusing on a fixed point – this can be an object, a sound, or even the breath.

Dharana trains the mind to remain attentive, which improves mental clarity and prepares for meditation.

Tip: Focus on a point in front of you during your asana practice to develop this concentration.

Dhyana – Meditation

After concentration comes Dhyana , an effortless meditative state. It is no longer a matter of focus but of a continuous flow of consciousness without interruption.

Regular meditation brings a sense of calm, peace and helps to better manage emotions. It is the art of silent observation, where one witnesses one's thoughts without becoming attached to them.

Practice: try a guided meditation to gradually enter this state of full presence.

Samadhi – The state of bliss

Finally, Samadhi is the ultimate stage: the state of unity. Here, the ego and distractions fade away to give way to total inner peace.

This state is often described as a deep connection with the universe, or a feeling of wholeness. It represents a spiritual ideal, but each step on the yoga path can bring you a little closer to this bliss.