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Niyama. Sauca - purity - Sharath Jois

From Sharath Jois Astanga Yoga Anusthana:   Sauca means maintaining both internal and external purity ( antara sauca and bahir sauca , respectively) Thinking good positive thoughts will keep our mind pure. Likewise keeping our environment and person, clothes, body, belongings and surroundings clean and clear will also keep our vision clean and clear. With purity of speech and thought, the mind will also be purified. Once the mind is purified then the atma  (the soul) will be purified. This applies especially to the yoga practitioner, who should keep himself clean in respect to and in consideration for others, and also as an example to others. saucatsvangajugupsa parairasmsargah YS 2.40 From cleanliness, an aversion to one's own body and contact with the bodies of others develops.

NIYAMA

Niyama ; is the second limb of yoga and concentrates on self observances. Saucha : Cleanliness both internally and external Santosha : "Contentment" acceptance to life as it comes. Tapas :Austerity-disciplined practice Swadhaya : " self study" the study of spiritual text Ishwara pranaidhana : "surrender to a higher being"

Ashtanga Yoga

Ashtanga yoga is a flowing dynamic form of yoga, where each pose is linked and synchronised using a breathing system called ujjayi pranayama . Ashtanga yoga practises postures (asana), breath (ujjayi pranayama), focal/gazing point (driste). The discipline of this system allows us to develop a deeper understanding and awareness of ourselves. It is both empowering, and liberating and allows us to move through life with a calmness and steadiness of mind and body. The linking of breathing and movement creates an internal, purifying heat which detoxifies and purifies the muscles and internal organs. Internal locks (bandhas) are used throughout the yoga practice. The breath is the heart of Ashtanga yoga. Eight Limbs Ashtanga translates as “eight limbs”. Below are the eight limbs as described by the sage Patanjali: Yama (abstinences) Niyama(observances) Asana (postures) Pranayama (breath control) Pratyahara (sense withdrawal) Dharana (concentration) Dhyana (meditat

Ashtanga: The Eight Limbs of Yoga

Asha = Eight, Anga = Limb, Yoga = Union The Eight Limbs of yoga are: Yama - Ethical disciplines, morals Niyama – Self observation, purification. Asana - Poses, postures Pranayama - breath control, rythmic. Pratayahara - sense withdrawel Dharana - Concentration. Dhyana - meditation Samadhi - A state of joy and peace