Rooted in Practice

Around 400 CE, the sage Patanjali compiled the Yoga Sutras — 196 aphorisms that form the philosophical backbone of classical yoga. Most of us know yoga through asana, the physical postures. But in Patanjali's system, asana is just the third of eight limbs. The first limb is the Yamas: five ethical principles that guide how we move through the world in relationship to others. They are not commandments, but invitations — a framework for living with greater integrity, compassion, and awareness. Over the coming weeks, we'll explore each one.