The foundation principles of Yoga form the philosophical and practical basis for living a balanced, disciplined, and harmonious life. These principles come primarily from Patañjali’s Yoga Sūtras, which outline the Aṣṭāṅga Yoga — the Eight Limbs of Yoga — as well as from traditional yogic philosophy found in the Upaniṣads, Bhagavad Gītā, and other texts.
Here’s a summary of the core foundational principles:
🕉️ 1. Yamas (Ethical Restraints)
These are moral guidelines governing our behavior toward others — the foundation of social harmony.
Ahimsa — Non-violence (kindness and compassion in thought, word, and deed)
Satya — Truthfulness
Asteya — Non-stealing
Brahmacharya — Moderation or control of the senses
Aparigraha — Non-possessiveness or non-greed
🧘 2. Niyamas (Personal Observances)
These are personal disciplines that cultivate inner strength and purity.
Śaucha — Purity or cleanliness (of body and mind)
Santoṣa — Contentment
Tapas — Self-discipline and austerity
Svādhyāya — Self-study and study of sacred texts
Īśvara Praṇidhāna — Surrender to a higher power or the divine
🌬️ 3. Āsana (Physical Posture)
The practice of stable and comfortable postures that prepare the body for meditation and self-awareness.
→ Purpose: To maintain health, stability, and ease for deeper spiritual practice.
🌫️ 4. Prāṇāyāma (Breath Control)
Regulation of breath to control the flow of prāṇa (vital energy).
→ Purpose: To harmonize mind and body, increase vitality, and prepare for meditation.
👁️ 5. Pratyāhāra (Withdrawal of the Senses)
Turning the senses inward, away from external distractions.
→ Purpose: To develop inner focus and detachment.
🎯 6. Dhāraṇā (Concentration)
Focusing the mind on a single point or object.
→ Purpose: To train the mind to become steady and one-pointed.
🕯️ 7. Dhyāna (Meditation)
Continuous flow of concentration — a deep state of awareness.
→ Purpose: To transcend the restless mind and experience inner peace.
✨ 8. Samādhi (Absorption or Enlightenment)
The ultimate state of union — merging the individual self (jīvātman) with the universal consciousness (paramātman).
→ Purpose: Liberation (moksha) and realization of oneness.
In summary:
Yoga is not only physical exercise, but a comprehensive system for ethical living, mental discipline, and spiritual realization.
The foundation principles — Yama, Niyama, and the Eight Limbs — guide one toward harmony of body, mind, and spirit.