Burnaby Sports Club

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*** The word yoga is derived from India of the Sanskrit root yuj, meaning “to yoke,” or “to unite”. The practice aims to create union between body, mind and spirit, as well as between the individual self and universal consciousness. Yoga has been practiced for thousands of years, and whilst many different interpretations and styles have been developed, most tend to agree that the ultimate goal of yoga is to achieve liberation from suffering.  Modern yoga is most commonly associated with the physical practice of asana, a series of postures often weaved together in styles such as Vinyasa Flow or Ashtanga. Asana practice is generally intended to build strength and stamina, to improve flexibility, coordination and balance, and to relax the body. Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras provide the traditional foundation of yoga, in which he outlines an eightfold path of the practice. Known as the ‘Eight Limbs of Yoga’,

Each of the Eight Limbs offers a means of living with integrity self-discipline,

respect for nature and connection with the spiritual aspects of life.

These eight practices are intended to be carried out in a holistic and integrative manner

1. Yamas~Five universal, ethical and moral observances to live by nonviolence,

              truthfulness, non-stealing, continence and non-covetousness

2. Niyamas~Five spiritual and self-discipline observances cleanliness,

               contentment, spiritual austerities, study of scriptures surrender to god

3. Asana~Physical posture, originally intended only for seated meditation

              but more recently adapted to encompass all physical yoga practices

4. Pranayama~Breathing exercises to control the flow of prana vital life force

5. Pratyahara ~Withdrawal of the senses

6. Dharana~Single pointed concentration

7. Dhyana~Meditation

8. Samadhi~Liberation or blissful union with the Divine