Yogic philosophy is the central part of my personal practice, daily life, and approach to teaching yoga. I place emphasis on yogic philosophy at the beginning of class and throughout to keep the mind, body, and soul focused.
As a western yoga teacher, I feel deeply that it is my duty to preserve the fundamentals of yoga through educating my students about the why behind Asana, Pranayama, and Dhyana. Western culture has a strong tendency to commercialize sacred practices, often prioritizing branding and revenue over the powerful philosophical underpinnings it was birthed from and connected with. In this essay, I will explore the essence of yogic philosophy, the challenges posed by contemporary Western interpretations, and my commitment to inspiring deeper self-awareness and holistic growth in my students through the teachings of the Yoga Sutras, the Eight Limbs of Yoga, and the broader context of yoga philosophy.
The philosophy of yoga involves a holistic understanding and pursuit of self-realization, mindfulness, and spiritual growth with all combined have the potential for the attainment of enlightenment. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali articulate the journey of yoga as a means to attain liberation (kaivalya) through disciplined spiritual practice (sadhana) and self-study (svadhyaya). This framework shifts the focus from mere physical postures (asanas) to an exploration of the physical body, subtle body, and consciousness itself (Satchidananda, 2000).
The Eight Limbs of Yoga
The Eight Limbs of Yoga provide a roadmap for this journey towards self-realization: Yamas, Niyamas, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi. Samadhi can be described as self-realization and enlightenment (Jakubowicz 110 – 111). Most of the time, the introduction to yoga is lighthearted and framed as a relaxing exercise that helps people gain flexibility and reduce stress. This is why it is exceptionally important to me that I equip my students with the knowledge of the Eight Limbs and watch as this knowledge changes their lives and gives clear intention to their practice. In The Yoga Mind, Jakubowicz eloquently describes all Eight Limbs of Yoga, serving as my primary source of the following paragraphs in this section.
The first two limbs, the Yamas and Niyamas, form the ethical and moral foundation of yoga practice, which expands from the mat into daily life. The Yamas consist of five ethical guidelines that direct a loving and empathetic focus on our interactions with others and the world around us. These principles encourage practitioners to cultivate compassion, integrity, and respect in an all-encompassing way.
Ahimsa, or non-violence, is often seen as a cornerstone of the Yamas, calling for kindness in thoughts, words, and actions. In my teachings, I emphasize the importance of cultivating kindness towards oneself, as this self-compassion is critical for fostering a healthy relationship with one’s body and mind. A natural benefit to this self-love is how it integrates into the way we interact with our world. Satya, meaning truthfulness, focuses on honesty in communication or action and integrity in thought. This is fundamental for me as a yoga teach to build authentic connections with my students and for my students with others. Asteya, or non-stealing, extends beyond the literal sense to include not coveting what belongs to others, teaching students to cultivate gratitude for what they have. Brahmacharya, often interpreted as moderation, urges practitioners to seek balance, avoiding excess in relationships and consumption. Lastly, Aparigraha, or non-possessiveness, invites individuals to let go of attachment, finding freedom in simplicity. By integrating these principles into my classes, I help students navigate the complexities of modern life while cultivating a sense of inner peace and integrity.
The Niyamas, the second limb of the Eight Limbs of Yoga, consist of five personal observances that guide individual behavior and self-discipline. Yamas pave way with their empathetic practices and sensory reducing practices helping to clear the mind, allow for the yogi to harness clearer focus.
Saucha, or purity, emphasizes cleanliness of body, mind, and spirit, inspiring students to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This also promotes engagement in practices that improve mental clarity. Santosha, or contentment, teaches radical acceptance being in the present moment, like the overarching message spoken plainly in the title of the famously artistic book by Ram Das, “Be Here Now”. This practice helps students to find joy in the journey rather than just the destination. Tapas, representing self-discipline, signifies commitment to personal growth and the perseverance through challenges that bring out a great resilience and deep esoteric wisdom. Svadhyaya, or self-study, encourages introspection and the study of sacred texts, which help an individual gain understanding of themselves and the self. Lastly, Ishvara Pranidhana, or surrender to a higher power, emphasizes the importance of letting go of control. It requires us to trust in the process and flow of life. These ethical guidelines and personal observances provide a strong foundation upon which the other limbs can be built.
Asana and Pranayama are crucial components of the Eight Limbs and the primary focus in a yoga class. Asana, the practice of physical postures, helps practitioners to build strength and flexibility as well as cleanse and purify the body of toxins. Included with the postures and flows are Dharana, intention and concentration, and Dhyana, meditation and contemplation. When these are performed together, asana becomes easier as well as achieving a blissful state of mind(Freeman and Taylor).
Through asana, students can achieve Pratyahara, the withdrawal of the senses, by directing their attention inward and away from external distractions (Jakubowicz 101). This inward focus not only enhances physical practice but also paves the way for deeper meditative experiences.
Pranayama, or breath control, serves as a bridge between the physical and spiritual aspects of yoga. It is an exceptional focus in Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga as the Ujjayi breath creates a queue and a wave for which the postures flow from one to the other (Thron 21 – 24). By fostering awareness of breath, students harness their life force (prana) to deepen their meditation practices, ultimately preparing them further for the experience of Samadhi.
Chakras and the Subtle Body
Another vital aspect of yogic philosophy is the concept of chakras, represented by lotus (padmas) flowers, which play a crucial role in centering focus during practice. These wheels are a part of the subtle body or energetic body. Traditionally, there are seven primary chakras, each corresponding to different physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of our being. The chakras run along the spine, starting from the base and extending to the crown of the head, forming a subtle body network that influences our overall well-being. As practitioners engage in asana and pranayama, they not only work on the physical body but also enhance their awareness of these energetic centers (Freeman and Taylor 31). By focusing on specific chakras during practice, students can learn more about their internal landscape and access the tools for emotional balance and spiritual growth.
Jakubowicz describe the chakra system as the following: Muladhara (Root Chakra located at the base of the tailbone and genitals), Svadhisthana (Sacral Chakra located in the pelvis), Manipura (Solar Plexus Chakra, located at the navel), Anahata (Hearth Chakra located at the heart), Vishuddha (Throat Chakra located at the throat), Ajna (Third Eye Chakra located slightly above between the eyebrows), and Sahasrara (Crown Chakra located at the top of the head). Muladhara is associated with a sense of stability and grounding. Svadhisthana works with creativity, sensuality and the mobilization of stored emotions and trauma. Manipura is focused on confidence, vitality and resilience. Anahata is centered on compassion, emotions, and immeasurable love. Vishuddha is balancing truthful, concise and impactful communication. Ajna is the intuition or mind’s eye and finally, Sahasrara connects us to divinity and the higher state of consciousness.
I have a particular love for using the Chakras as a focus point for yoga lessons because they allow me to weave yogic philosophy into the entire length of class as I queue postures, breathwork, and meditation. For instance, I will inform my students to focus on their heart chakra (Anahata) during heart-opening poses. In the heart opening asana, I will guide them to image a release of emotional blockages and surrender to welcome in compassion and love. Similarly, activating the throat chakra, Vishuddha, through pranayama encourages self- expression, truth, and concise communication (Jakubowicz 47). This metaphysical exercise brings a growing awareness of the subtle body, guiding students toward a harmonious existence. The combination of physical and energetic aspects of yoga enriches the practice, creating a full spectrum of experiences that nurture both body and spirit.
Integrating Yogic Philosophy with a Counterculture
In the west, yoga often faces challenges related to its presentation and interpretation. The rise of yoga as a fitness trend has led to a perception of yoga primarily as an exercise regimen rather than a profound spiritual discipline. Terms like "mindfulness" have gained popularity, yet they often lack the depth and context that yogic philosophy provides. This superficial understanding dilutes the transformative potential yoga has for practitioners.
Raji Thron’s Mastering Vinyasa Yoga emphasizes the importance of understanding the fluidity of movement, breath, and inward focus as a means of achieving deeper insights into the self (Thron 23). However, in a fast-paced, technology-driven society, practitioners may find themselves caught in the cycle of consumption and distraction, making it imperative to reconnect with the essential principles of yoga. Yoga, in its wholeness, is important now more than ever.
As a yoga teacher, my approach is to inspire students to embark on a spiritual journey within, transcending their practice beyond breathing, posing, and closing the eyes in a comfortable seated position. The goal is to facilitate an environment where students feel safe to explore their inner selves, confront harmful ideologies, and dismantle limiting beliefs. Through a combination of asana, breath, meditation, and lifestyle adjustments, I guide them toward holistic well-being.
The Hatha Yoga Pradipika by Swami Muktibodhananda highlights the significance of balancing body and mind, emphasizing that true mastery of yoga is achieved through the harmonious integration of physical, mental, and spiritual practices (Muktibodhananda 47). My classes aim to embody this philosophy by encouraging students to approach each session with intention and mindfulness, fostering an awareness that extends beyond the hour spent in the studio.
By incorporating discussions on yogic philosophy, I hope to spark curiosity and invite students to question their beliefs, habits, and behaviors. This inquiry is essential for personal growth, as it allows individuals to align their actions with their true selves. The practice of Sadhana serves as a vehicle for this exploration, enabling students to develop discipline, focus, and resilience both on and off the mat (Jakubowicz).
The Mission
Yogic philosophy offers invaluable insights and methods for navigating the complexities of modern life, though it may also make one beg for a simpler existence. I am committed to inspiring people to find the decadence that is the journey towards self-realization and enlightenment through the magical, spiritual, metaphysical practice that is Yoga.
Works Cited
Freeman, Richard, and Mary Taylor. The Art of Vinyasa. Shambhala Publications, 2012.
Jakubowicz, Rina. The Yoga Mind: 52 Essential Principles of Yoga Philosophy to Deepen Your Practice. New Harbinger Publications, 2020.
Muktibodhananda, Swami. Hatha Yoga Pradipika. Bihar School of Yoga, 1990.
Patanjali. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Translated by Swami Satchidananda, Gita Society, 2014, https://www.gita-society.com/wp-content/uploads/PDF/Patanjali-yogasutra.IGS.pdf.
Thron, Raji. Mastering Vinyasa Yoga. Self-Published, 2015.
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