
Pantanjali and the 8 Rules of Yoga
Yama (Rules of Conduct)
Yama
These are ethical rules that help you treat others well. They cover things like not lying, not using violence, and being honest.
Niyama (Self-discipline)
Niyama
Niyama is about developing self-discipline and self-care. This includes things like self-purification, contentment, and awareness of your goals and intentions.
Asana (physical postures)
Asana
This is what we often mean by "yoga." Asanas are the postures we do to make our bodies strong and flexible.
Pranayama (breathing technique)
Pranayama
Pranayama is the art of breathing. It helps control the energy in your body and calm your mind through controlled breathing.
Pratyahara (sense withdrawal)
Pratyahara
This is the process of focusing your senses inward and not being distracted by the world around you. It helps you gain focus and find inner peace.
Dharana (concentration
Dharana
Dharana is about developing concentration. It helps you focus your attention on a single thing, whether that's a thought, your breath, or an object.
Dhyana (meditation)
Dhyana
Dhyana is the state of meditation in which you experience deep silence and inner peace. It helps to relax your mind and allow your thoughts to rest.
Samadhi (enlightenment)
Samadhi
Samadhi is the highest goal of yoga: achieving complete union with yourself and the universe. It is a state of deep peace and clarity.
How do I apply the 8 rules of Yoga in Saiyaara Yoga?
How do I apply the 8 Rules of Yoga in Saiyaara Yoga?
At Saiyaara Yoga, we believe it's important to not only teach the physical poses but also to apply other aspects of yoga in daily life. Here's how we integrate Patanjali's 8 rules into our children's yoga classes:
Yama and Niyama : We teach children respect for themselves and others. They learn to be kind, cooperative, patient, and honest, both on the yoga mat and in their daily lives.
Asana : Naturally, we pay close attention to physical postures. We choose exercises that promote strength, flexibility, and balance, and that help children become aware of their bodies and how they move.
Pranayama : We teach simple breathing exercises that can help children calm down, concentrate and better manage emotions such as anger or fear.
Pratyahara : During our classes, we encourage children to briefly forget the hustle and bustle of the outside world. We do this by creating quiet moments during the class where they can turn their senses inward and focus on their breathing or the silence around them.
Dharana and Dhyana : We use simple concentration and meditation exercises, such as following a breath or visualizing a peaceful landscape. This helps children develop focus and navigate the world with a calm mind.
Samadhi : While samadhi is often the ultimate goal for adults, children can experience moments of deep tranquility during the class, feeling at one with the space around them. This can help them live more in the moment and find inner peace, even at a young age.
Conclusion
Patanjali's Eight Rules of Yoga offer a valuable guide for both children and adults. By integrating these principles into our classes at Saiyaara Yoga, we help children not only become stronger and more flexible but also develop important life skills such as self-discipline, respect, and concentration. For us, yoga is a holistic journey that embraces the child's entire being, and we hope to have a positive impact on their lives, both on and off the mat.


