Understanding the eightfold path of yoga techniques is a process. It requires applying yoga philosophy in daily life. It is a journey of developing and integrating the mind, body, and spirit. Come and see how these tools can enhance your spiritual walk. In spiritual circles, the path refers to the inward journey. Spirituality uses analogies and symbols to convey concepts. These are important tools used to facilitate learning. Astronomy and nature provide a bounty of objects for this subject. The Sun, stars, and moon, along with circles and spheres, are found in almost every culture. Flowers and trees are also excellent teaching metaphors in nature. In Buddhism, Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, used the eightfold path in his talk on enlightenment. We also find this same pattern in several other Eastern traditions. We can also identify one or more of these eight components in indigenous cultures around the world. (1) Tree Wisdom Allegory — Yoga Means Union Many cultures use trees as symbols of spirituality. For example, the legendary figure of Buddha attained enlightenment under a Bodhi tree. In Norse mythology, the Yggdrasil, the world tree, connects different realms. In Hinduism, the banyan tree represents immortality and wisdom. Yoga is like a tree connecting everything through a common trunk and rooted in the wisdom of the Earth. Yoga means union in Sanskrit. Union involves the integration of mind, body, and spirit. We'll discuss some dominant themes here. If you find one or more that resonates, that is a clue to starting your journey. The tree wisdom allegory and the eightfold path of Yoga (2) describe a comprehensive approach to spiritual exploration. Joseph Campbell called this pattern the Hero's Journey (3). We use this same strategic pattern in our blended learning process. Applying Yoga Philosophy in Daily Life The Hero's Journey groups these eight elements into three: awakening, transforming, and inspiring. This grouping contains elements of the paths from Buddhism and Hinduism. The tree of knowledge expresses itself in various approaches, but all have the goal of self-development. "If you find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere." ― Frank A. Clark "If you're walking down the right path and you're willing to keep walking, eventually you'll make progress." ― Barack Obama Eightfold Path of Yoga Techniques in Buddhism In brief, the eight elements of the path are: 1.
Read the full article