Patanjali first theorized Yoga exercise into a book by the name of The Yoga Sutra of Patanjali. The learned sage made a list of about 200 Yoga sutras or mudra, and sought to guide individuals in the development of their spirituality and personality. He was one of the greatest yogis and lived during the period between 200 B.C. and 200 A.D. In fact, he is regarded as the father of Yoga Therapy.
His core contribution to Yoga and meditation is the eight-fold path or Ashtanga (meaning eight limbs). These are not dogmatic principles to the right way of life. On the contrary, these are open to introspection and criticism. Of the eight paths, five Yamas in asana exclusively deal with social behavior and are five in number:
- Satya or the path of Truth: Never tell a lie as it weighs on your soul and mental health. The practice helps you bring open-heartedness.
- Ahimsa or Non-violence: All beings are divine creations of the divine being. Hence, you do not have a right to harm any creature in thought, deed or kind.
- The Brahmacharya or renouncing all kinds of lust: The sexual desire demeans a man. No, he does not ask to quit sex altogether but to practice safe and healthy sex and abstain from meaningless sexual encounters.
- Asteya or not stealing: Yoga also demands to restrain from theft of any kind. It could be material or immaterial, that is to rob somebody of the opportunity to succeed in life.
- Aparigraha or non- possessiveness: Selfishness is the cause of much humane unhappiness. Therefore, always avoid hoarding and greed.
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