Yoga is the Sanskrit name describing a state of Union as well as a wide range of self-transformative disciplines originating in India some 5,000 years ago.

Here at the Kula, our practice is grounded and informed in what is known as Classical Yoga or Raja Yoga - the Royal Yoga which encapsulates the practice of Hatha Yoga.

Its principal Sanskrit text is the Yoga Sutra of Patanjali (c. 200 BC). This path consists of eight "limbs" or categories of practice meant to practice holistically rather than sequentially, hence the description of "limbs". The Sutras contain many other descriptions and practices for living a life of freedom.

Patanjali describes the path of Astanga (8-limbed) Yoga as follows: (interpreted by Katherine Banbury)

1. Yama- Harmonizing Universal Virtues

   1. ahimsa - nonviolence
   2. satya - truthfulness
   3. asteya - non stealing
   4. bramacharya - moderation
   5. aparigraha- non grasping , non greed, non hoarding

2. Niyama - Harmonizing Individual Virtues

   1. saucha- purity of mind and body, cleanliness
   2. samtosha - contentment, gratitude
   3. tapas - discipline ( In Latin=Self love), the willingness to practice what is necessary to reach a goal, steadfastness
   4. svadhyaya - life study and contemplation - including both the traditional Yogic texts and a mindful steadfastness to the study and welcoming of the self
   5. Isvara pranidhana - a surrendering, cultivating a willing suspension of disbelief, sincerity, dedication, faith.

3. Asana - The practice of grounding the spiritual virtues in the body. Mindful, somatic, posture practice (Hatha Yoga)

4. Pranayama - The science of breath - harmonizing the body/mind with Prana - the life force

5. Pratyahara - Drawing the senses inward with an innocent mind. Emphasis is on perceiving rather than engaging one's attention on the objects of perception. Acknowledging that we are always choosing.

6. Dharana - Cultivating the skill of focused attention on one's inner world, while recognizing but not engaging in the outer world. Concentration occurs from the entire body/mind

7. Dhyana - Relaxed, alert, sustained attention. The main practice of Yoga: meditation

8. Samadhi - Enstasy-"to stand inside the Self", bliss, AT-ONE- MENT.

The goal of Raja Yoga, as of all forms or branches of Yoga, is Self-realization. That is to say, it aims at a state of existence in which all misconceptions about Reality (including ourselves) are dissolved. We are who we truly are without pretense.

According to universal, revealed, Eternal Truth (Sanatana dharma), present not only in Yoga, but within the core of all major religions and philosophical or spiritual sects, all is One:

There is no separation with anything or anyone. Everything and everyone is interconnected and a distinct expression of the unqualified One.

Yoga is both the fruition of this state of Union and the application of specific, consistent disciplines to realize the Oneness of everything.

Yoga is timeless, it is as pertinent today as it was in ancient times. It is practiced and embodied through direct experience for the benefit of all living creatures.

The most direct connection with Yoga is the flow of the breath, which succeeds the power of stillness within, and informs and supports all movement in the body/mind.