Yoga Philosophy

Suggested Yoga readings that I have come across:
Light on Yoga - BKS Iyengar
the Heart of Yoga - TKV Desikachar
Bhagavad Gita
the Yoga Sutras - Patanjali
Anatomy of the Spirit
The Yoga Book - Stephen Sturgess
The Yoga of Kirtan

1.Yama - moral behavior towards others
--ahimsa - non-violence, compassion
--satya - truthfulness
--asteya - not stealing
--brahmacharya - responsible behavior, moving toward the truth
--aparigraha - not hoarding, non materialism

2. Niyama - moral behavior towards self
--saucha - purity
--santosha - contentment
--tapas - disciplined use of our energy, dedication
--svadhyaya - self-study
--isvarapranidhana - surrending to spiritual greatness, or the Great Wonder
 
3. Asana - body postures
4. Pranayama - breathing exercises, controlling the flow of prana
5. Pratyahara - control of the senses
6. Dharana - concentration
7. Dhyana - meditation
8. Samadhi - Bliss, enlightenment

Below is a short list of the many BENEFITS OF YOGA:

Mind: 

• Increases Self-Acceptance
• Improves Concentration and Memory
• Increases Social Skills
• Decreases Anxiety, Stress, and Depression
• Quiets the Mind Improves Focus

 Body:

• Increases Flexibility
• Stimulates all organs of the body
• Detoxifies the body
• Tones Muscles
• Improves Posture and Alignment
• Improves Cardiovascular function
• Lowers Blood Pressure
• Lowers Pulse rate 
• Increases Range of Motion 
• Increases Endurance/Stamina
• Aids in Weight-loss
• Increases Respiratory function
• Increases Dexterity & Grip-strength
• Increases Hand-eye Coordination
• Improves Balance
• Improves Depth-perception
• Increases Pain prevention
• Boosts the Immune system
• Improves Circulation
• Rehabilitates injuries
• Increases Pain tolerance and Pain management
• Increases Lubrication of the joints
• Increased Body Awareness
  

 Spirit:

• Builds awareness of your emotions, the world around you, and the needs of others
• Fosters an interdependence between mind, body, and spirit.
• Helps you develop and live the idea of “oneness,” that which is Yoga