Tree of Life

Tree of Life

The Tree of Life symbolizes the seven branches of yoga: Hatha, Raja, Karma, Bhakti, Jnana, Tantra, and Mantra. It is compared to the uncommon Banyan tree. This tree is huge and strong with curling exposed roots like huge branches gnarling into the earth. The trunk is so massive it would take at least 5 people to wrap around its circumference. It offers a solid foundation and provides a perfect metaphor to yoga.

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The Yoga Sutra of Patanjali

The Yoga Sutra of Patanjali
This eightfold path of yoga describes the Hatha yoga we practice today:

1. Yama- non-violence, truth, non-stealing, non-lust, non-possessiveness, honesty
2. Niyama- purity, contentment, austerity, study of sacred text, awareness of divine
3. Asana- postures, exercise positions
4. Pranayama- life force or energy
5. Pratyahara- withdrawal of the senses
6. Dharana- concentration
7. Dhyana- uninterrupted meditation
8. Samadhi- absolute bliss, enlightenment

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