Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.



So you've decided to start a yoga practice! Great! Or you're just getting back to it after a break. Again, great!

Let's think about the Eight Limbs of Yoga:

Yama
Ni-yama
Asana
Prana-yama
Pratyahara
Dharana
Dhyana
Sam-Adhi

Well, you think, I've got to start somewhere, and Yama is first on the list.

What is it?

Quite often this is where a teacher could start to go on and on about vegetarianism, non-violence, grooming, etc. Hogwash! All taboos are temporary choices based on desired outcomes, ie) staying alive by not eating tainted pork, promoting tranquility by settling disputes gracefully, wearing comfortable clothes while engaged in personal work, blah, blah, blah.

Yama is control. It's that simple.

For example:

Want to quiet the twitches, aches, and various complaints of the body? Sit until you no longer consider such small concerns relevant.


How about this as a start:


Find a steady and easy Asana (posture) to sit in such as the God (straight-backed chair, do not touch the back, upper and lower legs should be perpendicular to each other or find a pillow, etc. to correct, hands resting mid-thigh) and just sit. Make it easy and set an alarm for 3 to 5 minutes (you can increase the time by a minute per day or something, no need to proceed quickly). Simply note the various body signals such as twitches, itching, tingling, etc., as they arise by vocalizing them quietly. You can even record the session if you'd like. Regardless, keep a journal of your efforts.

Do this for a week. For week two, lie on the floor (the Mummy) and do the same thing. When you're finished, sit in the Asana used above. Instead of noting the various body signals, simply let your thoughts come and go as they please.

Each of these methods should be practiced for at least a month once they are started. Taking longer than a month is no sign of failure by any means! Other practices can be added as the become relevant. Study of various source materials on yoga, meditation, ceremonial magick, etc., should begin at this time. A little work every day really adds up!

By the way, The One Year Manual by Israel Regardie is a great place to start!



Love is the law, love under will.


Frater LA'AL