Ahimsa, non-violence, is the highest rule. The teacher explains the yamas and niyamas from Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. These are the first two limbs of Ashtanga Yoga. The limbs are not sequential steps; they must be practiced together simultaneously. Many practitioners skip to asanas and neglect this ethical foundation. These principles help stop creating negative karma. In Western countries, stress has become a lifestyle; economic pressure forces multiple jobs and commercialized yoga. The oversaturation of certified yoga teachers harms the field. Yet selfless service organizations bring yoga to those in need. Ahimsa means no cruelty, love and respect for all living beings. This is expressed in the vow of vegetarianism, taken for love, not health. The yamas are what to avoid: ahimsa, satya, asteya, brahmacharya, aparigraha. Satya is truthfulness; asteya is non-stealing; brahmacharya directs energy; aparigraha is non-greed. The niyamas are positive observances: saucha, santosha, tapas, svadhyaya, Ishvara pranidhana. Saucha is purity; santosha, contentment, is the root of supreme happiness. Tapas, self-discipline, purifies body and senses; svadhyaya, self-study through mantra, reveals the ishtadeva, the chosen deity. Ishvara pranidhana, perfect devotion and surrender, leads directly to samadhi, self-realization. This is a shortcut, bypassing the other limbs. Bhakti, devotion, is the direct path to the goal. In the spiritual game of Lila, bhakti is the only field that reaches the goal immediately. Thus, bhakti yoga is a shortcut within the classical yoga system.
"Do not hurt, do not kill, do not be cruel; respect each and every living being."
"As a result of Īśvara Praṇidhāna, devotion to God, one achieves samādhi."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic