*Believing the eight limb path of yoga is a formula that will build a productive and compassionate life that results in being an example of strength, peace, and contentment. This means being committed to a consistent regiment of fitness, asana, and mitahara.

*Dedicated to living the values of yamas and niyamas and committed to practicing asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana with the expressed intent of fully experiencing dhyana.

*School of the Rising Lotus Inc teaches the yoga poses as a part of the eight limb system to become physically strong and flexible with peak endurance. We have developed a therapeutic hatha yoga program for the individuals that are dedicated to fundamentally changing their body as part of the Eight Limb Path.

*Asana is required in the eight limb journey because a strong flexible body with above average lung capacity is needed to effectively practice pranayama, moving through the poses as a form of meditation and sitting with open hips and a strong spine in the meditative seat.

*Mastery of the yoga poses includes strength, flexibility, and endurance. We have prepared three series to give individuals the greatest opportunity to grow their hatha yoga practice.

The Svadhyaya series orients the student to yoga studio etiquette and how to navigate their movements on the mat.

The Tapas series will give the practitioner the endurance, balance and agility to begin practicing the traditional poses efficiently and safely.

The Dharana series introduces the student to detailed alignment of basic introductory poses and correct yoga breathing patterns.

The Dhyana series will allow the student to learn and experience advanced poses in a meditative state.

Vinyasa / Ashtanga yoga is a refined and sophisticated practice. If your goal is an aesthetically beautiful practice we offer a program to take your asana practice to an advanced level. You will be required to make a time commitment and a commitment to work through the discomfort. Structurally changing your body is very difficult and this program will be challenging mentally and physically.

Please plan ahead. Consistency is the cornerstone of any training program. If you suffer from any lifestyle diseases a doctor’s recommendation is recommended.

Yoga is based on the eight limb principles of Patanjali:

• Yama (Attitudes Toward Our Environment)
• Niyama (Attitudes Toward Ourselves)
• Asana (Physical Postures)
• Pranayama (Restraint or Expansion of the Breath)
• Pratyahara (Withdrawal of the Senses)
• Dharana (Concentration)
• Dhyana (Meditation)
• Samadhi (Complete Integration)

Each limb develops an aspect of our physical and metaphysical human existence. The limbs, yamas, and niyamas that Rising Lotus Inc emphasizes are Brahmacharya and Aparigraha, (yama), Tapas and Swadhyaya, (niyamas), Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahahra and Dharana.

*Brahmacharya means using one’s energy efficiently assuring that intentions, goals and desires are being addressed.

Aparigraha, non-attachment. Aparigraha is the art of controlling unnecessary desires and emotions.

Tapas, self discipline and willpower. Finding the fortitude to do what is hard and uncomfortable.

Swadhyaya, self study. Taking the time to understand your challenges and exploring ways to overcome those challenges.

Asana is the physical part of the eight limb path. This is when we work to master the poses. To master the poses, Brahmacharya is practiced to develop the efficient use of our energy. Aparigraha is used to reduce the urge to negatively judge ourselves or compare or practice to others.

When asana is practiced we will be physically challenged. We build strength and endurance and willpower, (Tapas) when those challenges are met and overcome. When asana is practiced, our physical challenges require us to concentrate and focus, (Dharana), and map out and understand, (Swadhyaya) the root of those challenges and how to address them.

When we practice asana feelings of stress and anxiety can present itself. Pranayama (control of, restraint or expansion of the breath) is used to address an overactive sympathetic nervous system. When practicing asana the practitioner will experience moments of distraction.

Pratyahara is the practice of not bringing attention to those distractions. There are tools the instructor will use to bring the practitioner back to focusing on their practice.

The yoga practice will alleviate stress and anxiety. The yoga practice will increase focus, mental acuity and production. The yoga practice will increase confidence and self esteem. The yoga practice will reduce pathology.

The yoga practice will increase strength, flexibility and agility. All these benefits translate into successful real world personal and work relationships and academic and career endeavors and spiritual attunement and harmony.

All series are exclusive to The School of The Rising Lotus Inc.