This special method of yoga has been described in the ancient book of philosophy by the great sage Patanjali. This stream of yoga is also popularly known as Power yoga.
The history of yoga says that it was originated in India and gradually the extreme effectiveness of these techniques got acclaimed in all parts of the world. This is one of the easiest but fastest modes of reducing excessive body weight as well as keeping fit forever.
The two constituents of ashtanga yoga called Yama and Niyamas can keep you perfectly fit from both mentally and physically.
Yama in Ashtanga yoga
These are the five guidelines described in the book of Patanjali that we should follow while interacting with the outer world. These five Yama are "Ahimsa", "Satya", "Asteya", "Brahmacharya" and "Aparigraha". These five sutras are also used in other Indian shastras.
"Ahimsa" stands for non-violence. This is the way of loving others and removing action and selfishness from life. This says that non-violence should be depicted in your speech and behavior with others.
Satya is the truthfulness and honesty. According to the Patanjali shastras, people who are honest by nature and heart can create an impact which is long lasting on others. Asteya is all about cultivating self-support in life and defeating all the desires that we have.
Brahmacharya or celibacy is the way of keeping away from all material pleasure and thus getting closer to spiritualism. Aparigraha, the last Yama stands for non-accumulation of earthly substances which are the reason of acquisitiveness and sense of attachment.
Niyamas in ashtanga yoga
The other constituent of ashtanga yoga are the Niyamas. They are the restrictions that are designed to regulate the inner self of human beings which will surely bring positive energy and divinity within a man. There are five Niyamas stated by Patanjali which are "Shaucha", "Santosha", "Tapa", "Swadhyaya" and "Ishwar-Pranidhan".
Shaucha is the method of purifying not only the body but also the soul. And this is possible only when you are pure by heart and all your gestures and words are pure. Santosha means complete contentment. This states that you should be absolutely happy and satisfied with whatever you have and do not long for something that you cannot acquire.
Tapa is the Austerity. This is the capacity of bearing all adverse conditions like hunger, thirst, cold etc easily. Tapa makes any man perfect and extremely powerful. Swadhyaya is the study of spiritualism without any aid and only with the help of yourself. Ishwar-Pranidhan is all about dedications yourself and all your actions to the divine Lord.
Keywords: ashtanga, yoga