A Workplace Practice Guide to the Eight Limbs of Yoga from the Yoga Sutras
The "Eight Limbs of Yoga" (Ashtanga Yoga), proposed by the ancient Indian philosopher Patanjali—revered as the father of yoga—in the Yoga Sutras《瑜伽經》, forms the core framework of classical yoga practice. It aims to guide practitioners step-by-step towards the state of unity between body and mind, and spiritual awakening.
1. Yama (Restraints):
Ethical guidelines towards the external world: kindness to all beings; truthful speech and action; non-stealing; moderation and energy conservation; contentment and non-possessiveness.
2. Niyama (Observances):
Internal disciplines: purity; contentment; self-discipline; self-study; surrender to a higher consciousness.
3. Asana (Posture):
Steady posture: Physical practice through yoga poses, preparing the body for seated meditation. The focus is not on difficulty but on being "steady and comfortable"。
4. Pranayama (Breath Control):
Regulation of life energy (Prana). Breath practices purify the body and mind, connecting the physical and mental.
5. Pratyahara (Sense Withdrawal):
Withdrawal of the senses: Drawing awareness inward from external stimuli. Like a turtle retracting its limbs into its shell, it cultivates stability undisturbed by the external environment.
6. Dharana (Concentration):
Focused attention: Concentrating the mind on a single object (e.g., breath, candle flame, mantra), training mental stability.
7. Dhyana (Meditation):
Uninterrupted awareness: Concentration deepens into a continuous flow of consciousness, dissolving the distinction between subject and object, leading to deep stillness.
8. Samadhi (Absorption/Bliss):
State of oneness: Transcending the separation between self and the external world; consciousness merges with the universal source, experiencing absolute peace and awakening.
How can we apply this ancient Indian philosophy to resolve workplace stress and anxiety? How should we handle moments when anger arises?
Practical Handbook for the Eight Limbs in the Workplace:
(1) Yama | Nonviolent Communication
"Truthful speech is the greatest conservation of energy."
- When a colleague takes credit for your work, instead of suppressing anger or retaliating, practice "Satya" (Truthfulness):
- Silently affirm: "Their behavior reflects their own fear, not my worth."
- Apply Onsen Dream Hand & Body Cream to your temples and the back of your hands in the morning to help maintain a pleasant mood and promote harmonious relationships.
(2) Niyama (Tapas) | Focus Management
Peak Energy Strategy:
- Schedule critical tasks for the start of your day. Research shows fatigue tends to set in after 3 PM, increasing the chance of errors. Channel your focus into the morning hours!
(3) Pratyahara | Muting Unnecessary Notifications
- Achieving the highest level of discipline amidst the flood of information.
- Reset Focus with Deep Breaths: Take a deep breath each time you get distracted.
- Five Senses Noise Reduction: Focus your gaze on the ripples in your teacup to bring attention back to the present moment.
ARURA Workplace Energy First-Aid Kit
After showering, massage with Onsen Dream Hand & Body Cream (Reishi Mushroom extract calms the skin),
Reflect amidst the scent of Vetiver:
✓ What value did I contribute today?
✓ When did I act against my inner truth?
✓ Which Yama can I refine tomorrow?
Maintain gentle inner awareness, allowing yourself to excel in the workplace. May you find peace, ease, and joy wherever you are.