Beyond the Pose

Cultivate personal development with the yamas and niyamas of yoga. Yoga in the Western world often takes a pose-based approach, meaning that practitioners miss out on the philosophical elements of yoga meant to help you and your yoga practice evolve and grow. Beyond the Pose: Lessons From the Yamas and Niyamas for Mindful, Authentic Living brings yoga philosophy to life, with special emphasis on the yamas and niyamas. The yamas and niyamas are two of the eight limbs of yoga. The yamas lay out a social code of ethics, or how we interact with others, while the niyamas offer guidance on a personal code of ethics—or how we treat ourselves. You will discover how to incorporate both of these in your yoga practice and in your daily life, cultivating a fulfilling yoga practice that doesn't end when you leave the mat. Chapters explore the following:The Five YamasAhimsa (nonviolence)Satya (truth)Asteya (nonstealing)Brahmacharya (moderation)Aparigraha (noncoveting)The Five NiyamasSaucha (purity)Santosha (contentment)Tapas (discipline)Svadvaya (self-study)Isvara pranidhana (surrender)Throughout the book, the author describes the importance of each of these and why they are a vital part of a well-rounded yoga practice. Personal examples of how the yamas and niyamas have manifested in her own life shed light on these often-overlooked aspects of yoga philosophy. Reflections and journal prompts in each chapter also provide opportunities for you to look inward and consider how the yamas and niyamas play a role in your life. The practice of yoga dates back 6,000 years and serves as a beautiful way to cultivate personal growth and develop a true sense of love for the self—which is reflected in the way we connect with others. Yoga often finds you when you need it most, and Beyond the Pose will be there, ready to help you navigate these essential elements of your yoga practice. Earn continuing education credits/units! A continuing education exam that uses this book is also available. It may be purchased separately or as part of a package that includes both the book and exam.