Yoga is a holistic way of living, including dietary habits, disciplined practice, and introspection. It is a path guiding us towards enlightenment. Along this journey, we experience improvements in our physical well-being, emotional contentment, and overall sense of fulfillment.

Yoga offers various pathways, Raja, Bakti, Karma, Jnana, and Hatha. 

1. Raja-Yoga is the path of meditation

2. Jnana-Yoga is the path of knowledge and discernment

3. Karma-Yoga is the path of selfless service

4. Bhakti-Yoga is the path of devotion

5. Hatha-Yoga, the path of purification

Hatha-Yoga is the most familiar and widely practiced in Western countries. It is a path of cleansing of the mind by purifying the body. This practice includes postures, breath control, and meditation. Practitioners aim to remove physical discomfort and mental tension, thereby facilitating a deeper connection with their inner selves.

Hatha-Yoga offers various "types," each representing an evolution and adaptation of traditional Hatha-Yoga teachings. Both women and men have contributed their unique perspectives and interpretations, updating classical practices to align with their beliefs and the evolving world. Notable examples include Mr. BKS Iyengar and his distinctive style. Swami Sivananda introduced the moment of relaxation between each pose. Pattabhi Jois introduced Ashtanga Yoga, Bikram Choudhury founded Bikram Yoga, and Yogi Bhajan pioneered Kundalini Yoga. These are just a few examples of the diverse types existing.

Nevertheless, despite their diverse approaches, all these forms of yoga ultimately converge towards a shared objective: liberation and enlightenment. They are rooted in the same foundational principles of Patanjali’s Ashtanga, often referred to as the "Eight limbs of yoga."

The Eight Limbs of Yoga are the core principles outlined by the sage Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras. They serve as a guide for ethical and spiritual growth. Despite their ancient origins, more than 2500 years old, these teachings remain profoundly relevant in our contemporary era. Here they are:

1. Yama: These are moral disciplines or restraints that guide our behavior towards others and the world around us. There are five Yamas:

• Ahimsa (non-violence)

• Satya (truthfulness)

• Asteya (non-stealing)

• Brahmacharya (moderation)

• Aparigraha (non-possessiveness)

2. Niyama: These are personal observances or practices that promote self-discipline and inner peace. There are five Niyamas:

• Saucha (cleanliness)

• Santosha (contentment)

• Tapas (austerity)

• Svadhyaya (self-study)

• Ishvara Pranidhana (surrender to a higher power)

3. Asana: These are physical postures practiced in yoga. While modern yoga often focuses on this limb, it's just one part of the whole system.

4. Pranayama: This refers to breath control techniques that help regulate the flow of prana (life force energy) in the body.

5. Pratyahara: This is the withdrawal of the senses from external objects, directing one's attention inward. It's about detaching from external distractions.

6. Dharana: This is concentration or single-pointed focus. It's the practice of fixing the mind on a single point, such as a mantra, image, or the breath.

7. Dhyana: This is meditation, the uninterrupted flow of concentration. It's a state of sustained focus, where the mind is calm and undisturbed.

8. Samadhi: This is the ultimate goal of yoga, a state of blissful absorption, where the practitioner experiences union with the object of meditation or the divine. It's a state of complete integration and realization.

Together, these limbs provide a comprehensive framework for spiritual growth and self-realization in yoga practice.

The Eight Limbs of yoga offer flexibility in their practice, allowing individuals to approach them sequentially or simultaneously based on personal inclination. From my perspective, these principles refine our view on life, like a roadmap to uncover our authentic selves.

On the yoga mat, honesty and self-respect guide our practice as we cultivate a deeper understanding of our physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions, purifying ourselves in the process.

Off the mat, the yamas and nyamas can be integrated into every facet of our lives, including work, relationships, and healing, cultivating harmony within and with our environment.

These principles transcend physical condition and personal beliefs, offering guidance accessible to all. They do not substitute for religious beliefs; rather, they represent a philosophy that extends beyond the confines of the yoga mat.

Yoga is more than a physical practice; it's an art of living, with Hatha-Yoga serving as one path toward a fulfilling and joyful existence.