Yoga
The Science of Integration
In the modern world, "yoga" usually means physical postures practiced in a studio. This is a dramatic reduction of a complete system of psycho-spiritual development that addresses every aspect of human existence.
The word yoga comes from the root yuj - to yoke, to join, to unite. It is the science of integration: uniting body, breath, and mind; uniting the individual self with its source.
Start Here
New to classical yoga? Begin with What Is Yoga for an introduction to yoga beyond the postures - its goals, methods, and place in the larger tradition. Then explore The Eight Limbs to understand the complete path.
Foundations
Understanding the philosophical framework of classical yoga.
- What Is Yoga - Beyond the poses
- The Yoga Sutras - Patanjali's foundational text
- Yoga and Samkhya - The philosophical framework
- The Four Purusharthas - Life's aims
- The Vedic Worldview - Context and cosmology
The Eight Limbs
Patanjali's systematic path - from ethics to absorption.
- The Eight Limbs Overview - The complete framework
- Yamas and Niyamas - Ethical restraints and observances
- Asana Principles - Working with the body wisely
- Pranayama Foundations - The science of breath
- Pratyahara and Dharana - Turning inward
- Meditation Approaches - Different methods
The Mind and Its Patterns
Understanding what binds us and how to work with it.
- The Kleshas - Afflictions that bind us
- Vairagya and Abhyasa - Detachment and practice
- The Gunas in Practice - Working with mental qualities
- Managing Energy - Prana and its flow
Daily Practice
Building a sustainable sadhana.
- Daily Practice - Building consistent sadhana
- Imperfect Practice - Progress over perfection
- Building Slowly - Sustainable growth
- Prana and the Subtle Body - Energy awareness
Integration
Connecting yoga with the sister sciences.
- Yoga and Ayurveda - Practicing according to constitution
- Yoga and Jyotish - Timing and practice
- Work and Dharma - Karma yoga in daily life
- How They Connect - The three sciences together
Suggested Learning Path
For a systematic understanding, read in this order:
- What Is Yoga - The big picture
- The Eight Limbs - The framework
- Yamas and Niyamas - Ethical foundation
- The Yoga Sutras - Core teachings
- The Kleshas - Understanding suffering
- Daily Practice - Implementation
Practice for Your Constitution
How you practice yoga should be adapted to your nature. Vata types need grounding; pitta types need cooling; kapha types need stimulation. Take the free Prakriti Quiz to understand your constitution.
For personalized guidance on practice, see written consultations. For mats, props, and supplies, see our resources page.
Approach to Practice
These articles emphasize:
Classical grounding. Understanding what the tradition actually teaches, not just modern adaptations.
Integration with Ayurveda. Practice should be appropriate for your constitution, current state, and circumstances. A vata-deranged person needs different practices than someone with kapha excess.
Safety and sustainability. Yoga is powerful. Practiced wrongly, it can harm. The goal is a practice you can maintain for life, not impressive performances that burn you out.
Purpose beyond the physical. Asana is valuable, but it is preparation for subtler practices. The goal of Yoga is freedom from suffering, not a flexible body.
Go Deeper
Satyora Foundations is a self-paced course integrating Yoga with Ayurveda and Jyotish. Learn how to adapt your practice to your constitution, understand timing, and build sustainable daily routines. Learn more →