Yoga Philosophy (Principles)

Following the Eight Limbs of Yoga is a life-long holistic practice that may improve longevity.  The limbs may be used as a processes for personal development.  The effect(s) may be noticed from any of the limbs at any time; practice by making Buddha Soup.

On the last page of the book, Don't Just Do Something. SIT THERE A Mindfulness Retreat with Sylvia Boorstein, the way to make Buddha Soup for character development, is to "apply equal amounts concentration, calm, equanimity, rapture, investigation, energy and mindfulness." This method of application is then applied to the ingredients of "morality, resolve, renunciation, effort, equanimity, truthfulness, patience, loving-kindness, generosity and wisdom".  Interestingly the 'Method of Preparation' along with the ethical and moral 'ingredients' make-up the Eight Limbs of Classical Astanga Yoga.

The Eight Limbs of Yoga include specific ethical and moral principles (yamas and niyamas).  The principles include purity, faith, resistance (sexual), discipline, non-possessiveness, honesty and contentment as well as non-harming, non-stealing, and studiousness.  These are the ingredients of Buddha Soup and the first two limbs of yoga.

Boorstein includes preparation characteristics, the other six limbs of yoga, for making Buddha Soup. First, prepare with concentration (dharna) a one pointed focus.  Also, calm/equanimity (pratyahara) using sensory withdrawl to be like a lotus flower in the mud and muck; flies and bugs swarming, crocodiles circling with relaxation in the midst of chaos.

The method for making Buddha Soup continues with rapture (samadhi) translated as "complete absorption" by Nicolai Bachman in his book The Language of Yoga.  Rapture can be a second wind, a runners high, a dancers bliss or a meditators transcendence.  In the context of yoga, investigation [pose (asana)] is practiced to learn about our strength, balance and flexibility in the moment, for the day, as we progress or digress, eb and flow through the seasons of our lives.  Energy [breath (pranayama)] is translated as life force taken from the root prana, a term for energy.  Finally, mindfulness [meditation (dhyana)], to put it simply, is conscious living - or sitting as the case may be.

The practice of Yoga is the practice of connecting our minds and bodies.  Apply the process and utilize the ingredients for making Buddha Soup.  Just as fresh from the Earth ingredients such as whole and sprouted grains, vegetables, fruit, beans, legumes, nuts, seeds, herbs and spices feeds our minds and bodies, Buddha Soup feeds our souls.  Enjoy the practice because yoga is mind/body medicine for creating physical, emotional and mental strength, balance, flexibility and relaxation. - Bliss Out!

For more information visit www.yogatrainingtouch.com