Philosophy

Question 1

Name the 8 limbs of yoga.

Answer 1

1. Yama - ethical restraints
2. Niyama - observances
3. Asana - postures
4. Pranayama - extension of life force energy
5. Pratyahara - withdrawal of senses; focused inwardly
6. Dharana - concentration
7. Dhyana - meditation
8. Samadhi - enlightenment; union with Universal spirit

Question 2

Name the 5 Yamas, or restraints.

Answer 2

1. Ahimsa - non-violence
2. Satya - truth or truthfulness
3. Asteya - non-stealing
4. Brahmacharya - integrity in relationship to sexuality
5. Aparigraha - freedom from desire and greed

Question 3

Name the 5 Niyamas, or observances.

Answer 3

1. Saucha - purity or cleanliness
2. Santosa - contentment
3. Tapas - self-discipline; spiritual passion, practice
4. Svadhyaya - mindfulness; self-study
5. Ishvara-Pranidhana - surrender to God or the Absolute

Question 4

What are the 5 koshas, from gross to subtle?

Answer 4

1. Annamaya – physical, food layer
2. Pranamaya – life force, breath layer
3. Manomaya – thought layer
4. Vijnanamaya – wisdom layer
5. Anandamaya – bliss layer

Question 5

What is a maya?

Answer 5

An illusion

Question 6

What are nadis and how many are there in the human body?

Answer 6

Energy channels. 72,000 of ‘em.

Question 7

What is a chakra?

Answer 7

A whirling vortex of energy.

Question 8

What are the three major nadis in the human body?

Answer 8

1. Shushumna –central channel of pure state energy
2. Ida – left channel of feminine energy
3. Pingala –right channel of masculine energy

Question 9

The three major nadis cross _ times, making _ major chakras.

Answer 9

The three major nadis cross 7 times, making 7 major chakras.

Question 10

In yogic philosophy, what is shiva?

Answer 10

Pure potentiality at the crown of our being.

Question 11

What is shakti kundalini?

Answer 11

Dynamic creative energy said to be coiled dormant at the base of the human spine.

Question 12

What are the 7 chakras, their function and colour, from bottom to top?

Answer 12

1. Muladhara –root chakra; safety and trust
2. Svadisthana – sacral chakra; sensuality and creativity
3. Manipura –solar plexus chakra; power
4. Anahata –heart chakra; love
5. Vishuddha –throat chakra; truth and communication
6. Ajna –third-eye chakra; intuition
7. Sahasra –crown chakra; connection to the cosmos