> [!infobox] <s class="aside-in"><em>mentioned in 1 topic, 5 evergreens, 3 sources</em></s> #### [[Yoga is a wholistic philosophy of self-improvement]] [[Yoga]] involves the [[mind]], [[body]], and [[soul]] in the process of [[self-improvement]] and [[self-actualization]]. It does this by helping us understand and connect the different parts of our being. [[Yoga]] is a tradition that combines the mental, physical, and metaphysical parts of the [[human experience]] through [[meditation]], [[asanas]], and [[Brahman]]. In [[Yoga|Yogic]] tradition [[Consciousness is the fundamental unit of existence]], and when we meditate we are tapping into the manifestation of the energy of the [[universe]]. Because [[Consciousness is our capacity to introspect]], [[meditation]] is not only [[Meditation is a practice to gain control over your thoughts|a practice to gain control over your thoughts]] it [[Meditation increases our ability to influence the world|increases our ability to influence the world]]. [[The history of meditation is a mixture of science and spirituality]] because it is the product of the [[Yogi|Yogis]] intense study of the human [[mind]] and [[body]]. This is not to say that [[Yoga]] promises to make us all sorcerers. ^[In fact, we have already done that: [[Business people are sorcerers]]] [[Karma is an open ended system of belief]], and [[Yoga]] is little more than a way to increase our [[karma]]. [[Yogi|Yogis]] acknowledge that [[You can't control what happens]], but their practice is culmination of [[Right kinds of thoughts lead to right kinds of actions]]. [[Raja Yoga]] focuses on helping you make those right thoughts and actions into a reality with practices that will improve your life and view of the world. ^[[[notes - History of Meditation]]] - Actions for improving your interaction with the world 1. [[Yama]] pure standards; how we observe the world 2. [[Niyama]] good morals; how we make our way through the world - Practices for improving your [[mind-body complex]] 1. [[asanas]] [[Yoga]] postures 4. [[Pranayama]] breath practices 5. [[Pratyahara]] restrain impulses - Goals for improving your [[consciousness]] 1. [[Dharana]] focusing 7. [[Dhyana]] state of [[meditation]] 8. [[Samadhi]] state of temporary [[enlightenment]] If you are intimidated by this, remember:: [[Worldviews should not make life seem easy and simple]]. - part of:: [[Meditation improves mental, physical, and emotional health]] - similarly:: [[Buddhism outlines a path and practice to end suffering, but does not promise it]] ### <hr class="footnote"/> **Status**:: #EVER/GREEN *edited January 23, 2022* **Topics**:: [[Yoga]], [[self-improvement]], [[mental health]], [[philosophy]], [[human behavior]], [[human behavior]]