In ancient times, an Indian sage named Patanjali wrote a scripture known as the Yoga Sutras which is now considered a sort of Bible for this discipline.

Within it we can find quotes, precepts , instructions on the true meaning of yoga through a philosophical perspective that has, however, completely practical implications in guiding the individual towards a more harmonious life .

The main focus of his work is a representation of a way of life ( a bit like the 10 Christian  commandments) through the observance of the principles that cover eight main stages or limbs and constitute the nature of yoga itself :

1.Yama : Moral Conduct.

2.Nyama : Personal Observances.

3.Asana : Physical positions, physical activity.

4.Pranayama :Breathing exercises and control of prana (energy).

5.Pratyahara : Control of the senses.

6.Dharana : Concentration and Awareness.

7.Dhyana : Devotion , Meditation

8.Samadhi : Union with the Divine, Enlightment

Yama and Nyama are the fundamental ethical values ​​that are the basis of life itself.  They are in turn divided into other categories.

Yama :

1.Ahimsa – Compassion for all living beings , the concept of non-violence on any living being, even on ourselves.

2.Satya – Sincerity, no lying but honoring the truth .

3.Asteya – no Stealing .

4.Brahmacharya – Control of the senses and being responsible especially in intimacy .

5.Aparigraha – Neutralizing the desire for wealth and greed keeping only what is necessary to avoid accumulation and attachment.

Nyama :

1.Sauca – Purity and Cleanliness, both internal and external .

2.Santosa – Satisfaction and Contentment , being happy with what we have.

3.Tapas – Disciplined use of our own energy .

4.Svadhyaya- Self study, observing and cultivating self-awareness .

5.Isvarapranidhana – Celebration of spirituality, offering of actions and problems to a higher power .

This description clearly shows the complexity of the yoga path and it is quite evident how today, especially in the West, this message has been diminished or misinterpreted.

While nowadays , in most cases, emphasis is given to the practice of the asanas , we realize that, in ancient times, this physical approach was only one aspect which was especially created to give the practitioner the skills to prepare the body for the other activities ( meditative techniques, concentration, chanting , etc. . ) found in the eight limbs until reaching the final sense of bliss and fusion with the WHOLE .

Although it is difficult to spread this message in a fast-paced society like ours that is used to asserting itself only through perpetual motion (as opposed to the other extreme, laziness ), keeping in mind these values ​​and striving to aspire to them, even moderately , could be a huge tool in the pursuit of happiness.