Since being reintroduced to the eightfold path, I find that I have been practicing some of its elements without realizing it. This is the final of six columns devoted to exploring their value in today's world. Pratyahara Pratyahara is "removing the tentacles of consciousness from the world." We detach our attention from the world outside of us and let go of our thoughts about these externals. By concentrating on your breath to the exclusion of all else, you have already begun the practice of … [Read more...]

Since being reintroduced to the eightfold path, I find that I have been practicing some of its elements without realizing it. This is the fifth of six columns devoted to exploring their value in today's world. Isvara Pranidhana (surrender to God) - I've seen it translated "dedication to God" or dedicating one's actions to God. This is a big virtue in Christianity, too. A great line I found on beliefnet.com is: "By holding onto that which in any case is forever slipping through our fingers, we … [Read more...]

Since being reintroduced to the eightfold path, I find that I have been practicing some of its elements without realizing it. This is the fourth of six columns devoted to exploring their value in today's world. Santosa (contentment) - It's difficult for a person in the midst of stress and striving to be able to meditate or to have his or her mind become "one-pointed." This means that we need some level of contentment in order to practice meditation. B. K. S. Iyengar, one of the major … [Read more...]

Since being reintroduced to the eightfold path, I find that I have been practicing some of its elements without realizing it. This is the third of six columns devoted to exploring their value in today's world. Aparigraha ("You shall not hoard" or "You shall not covet"). Hoarding (or coveting what one doesn't need) shows poverty of spirit and indicates one does not have faith in God (Goddess or Great Spirit). The net result of practicing aparigraha is a life of simplicity with only those … [Read more...]

Part Two: Continuing with the Yamas Since being reintroduced to the eightfold path, I find that I have been practicing some of its elements without realizing it. This is the second of six columns devoted to exploring their value in today's world. • Satya ("You shall not lie"). Mahatma Gandhi said, "Truth is God and God is Truth." Lies take away bits and pieces of the self and leave you hollow and disconnected. They propel you into living a life of fantasy and take you away from authentic … [Read more...]

Part 1: Beginning the Journey For most of my association with yoga I found the eight limbs of the eightfold path from Patanjali's Yoga Sutra more confusing than useful. Since I've been reintroduced to them, I've discovered that I've been practicing some of them without realizing it. It seems to me now that if we peel away some of the cultural overlays, that the eightfold path has gifts to offer those of us in the West. This is the first of six columns devoted to exploring their value in … [Read more...]