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Understanding yoga philosophy is an essential aspect of yoga teacher training (YTT) that goes beyond the physical postures and alignment techniques. It provides the foundational framework for a holistic yoga practice that incorporates the mind, body, and spirit. Exploring the philosophical teachings of yoga helps you deepen your practice, develop a greater sense of self-awareness, and understand yoga’s deeper purpose beyond just exercise. Here’s why yoga philosophy is so important in teacher training and how it can enrich your journey as a practitioner and future teacher.
The Roots of Yoga Philosophy
Yoga philosophy originates from ancient Indian texts, with the most influential being the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, the Bhagavad Gita, and the Upanishads. These texts provide insights into the principles of yoga, addressing topics like ethics, meditation, consciousness, and the nature of existence. Understanding these texts in teacher training offers a profound understanding of yoga’s purpose: not just physical fitness, but a path to spiritual growth and enlightenment.
The Yoga Sutras are perhaps the most widely studied in yoga teacher training. They outline the eight limbs of yoga, also known as the Ashtanga Yoga, which serves as a guide for ethical living, mental discipline, and self-realization. The Bhagavad Gita, a conversation between Lord Krishna and the warrior Arjuna, explores the concepts of duty, devotion, and the connection between the self and the divine. Studying these texts helps you integrate the teachings of yoga into your life and teaching practice, fostering a deeper sense of purpose.
The Eight Limbs of Yoga
One of the core components of yoga philosophy is the Ashtanga Yoga system, or the Eight Limbs of Yoga, described by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras. These eight limbs provide a comprehensive framework for living a balanced and harmonious life. They include
In yoga teacher training, you’ll delve into each limb, learning how they relate to one another and how to incorporate them into your practice and teaching. This holistic approach teaches you that yoga is more than a physical exercise—it's a way of living.
Ethics and Values in Yoga
Yoga philosophy is deeply rooted in ethical teachings, both in the Yamas and Niyamas (the first two limbs of the eight-limb system). These guidelines teach practitioners how to live with integrity, compassion, and mindfulness. Learning and embodying these ethical principles are crucial in becoming a yoga teacher, as they shape your teaching style and interactions with students.