A deep dive into yoga philosophy : Study of classic yogic texts.

Elodie Abadie • 26 janvier 2024
Today, we're going on an exciting journey through the world of yoga philosophy by exploring classic yogic texts. Set your yoga mat aside, make yourself comfortable, and let me guide you through the profound essence of yoga philosophy as taught in these ancient texts.

1/ Understanding yoga philosophy

Before immersing yourself in the classical texts of yoga, you need to understand what yoga philosophy really is. 


Yoga is not just a series of physical poses, it's a whole system that engages body, mind and soul.

Yoga philosophy explores the nature of existence, the relationship between the individual and the universe, and how we can achieve self-realization and harmony with the universe. 


 It is based on fundamental principles guiding the practice of yoga and the spiritual path.


2/ Classical yogic texts: the foundations of yogic philosophy



Now let's take a look at some of the classic texts that are the pillars of yoga philosophy.


1. **Patanjali's Yoga Sutras**: This text, attributed to the sage Patanjali, is one of the most important. It consists of four chapters describing the teachings of yoga. The Yoga Sutras cover everything from self-discipline (Yamas and Niyamas) to meditation (Dhyana) and self-realization (Samadhi). It also explores the obstacles (the Kleshas) that stand in the way of our spiritual growth.


2. **Bhagavad Gita**: One of India's other sacred texts, the Bhagavad Gita, is a dialogue between Prince Arjuna and the god Krishna. It explores essential yoga themes, including duty, devotion, knowledge and selfless action. The Bhagavad Gita is a profound and practical spiritual guide.


3. **Upanishads**: The Upanishads are a group of ancient texts exploring the nature of ultimate reality, Brahman, and the connection between the individual soul (Atman) and Brahman. They explore concepts such as Soham (I Am He) and Adhyatma Vidya (spiritual knowledge).


4. **Hatha Yoga Pradipika**: This 15th-century text focuses primarily on Hatha Yoga, the yoga of strength and balance. It explains poses (asanas), purification techniques (shatkarma), breathing (pranayama) and meditation. It is a valuable resource for those seeking to explore physical yoga.



3/ The main principles of yoga philosophy



Now, let's look at the main principles underlying yoga philosophy, as revealed in these classic texts.


1. **The Eight Limbs of Yoga**: Patanjali's Yoga Sutras describe the eight limbs of yoga, also known as Ashtanga Yoga. They are : Yama (morality), Niyama (self-discipline), Asana (poses), Pranayama (breath control), Pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation), and Samadhi (self-realization).


2. **Dharma**: The Bhagavad Gita teaches the importance of following your dharma, your life mission. This means doing what is right, even if it means personal sacrifice.


3. **Karma**: The concept of karma is also explored in the Bhagavad Gita. It's the idea that our actions have consequences, and that we must live in accordance with the laws of cause and effect.


4. **The Atman and Brahman**: The Upanishads teach us that the individual soul (Atman) is a part of the universal divine (Brahman). The realization of this unity is the ultimate goal of yoga.


5. **Personal Discipline**: The Yamas and Niyamas of the Yoga Sutras define the moral and ethical principles that guide a yogi's daily life. They include ahimsa (non-violence), satya (truthfulness), asteya (honesty), and many others.


4/ Practice beyond the mat



Yoga philosophy is not limited to the yoga mat. It's designed to be integrated into your daily life. The principles of yoga, such as non-violence, truth and meditation, can be applied to your relationships, your work and your lifestyle.


5/ Spiritual awakening and self-realization


At the heart of yoga philosophy lies the idea of spiritual awakening and self-realization. Classical texts teach us that our true nature is pure consciousness, and that we can transcend the limitations of the ego to achieve unity with the universe.


This is achieved through deep meditation, contemplation and mastery of the mind. The ultimate goal is to reach a state of Samadhi, total, transcendent awareness.


6/ The importance of teaching


Yoga philosophy is often passed on by experienced teachers who guide their students in understanding the classical texts and how to practically apply them. 

It's highly valuable to find a teacher who can help you explore these ideas more deeply.


7/ Modern challenges



In today's hectic world, it can be difficult to find the time and space to study and practice yoga philosophy properly. 

However, even a small understanding of these concepts can have a profound impact on your daily life.


Integrating yoga philosophy into your life can help you manage stress, improve your relationships, find deeper meaning, and flourish as a human being. You don't have to retreat to the Himalayas to achieve these goals. You can achieve them right where you are, in your daily life.


**Conclusion: Endless Exploration


The philosophy of yoga is a never-ending quest for understanding, personal growth and spiritual awakening. Classical yogic texts open a window into this deep universe, guiding us towards a better understanding of ourselves and our role in the universe.


The philosophy of yoga is a path rich in wisdom and potential for all those willing to plunge into it. Namaste!

Dragon Dance: Balance and Transformation

par Elodie Abadie • 4 août 2025
What if you could merge Qi Gong, dynamic yoga, and the power of inner fire into a single, transformative practice?
Welcome to the Dragon Dance — an intense yet poetic sequence that awakens your vital energy while liberating both body and mind. In this article, discover: * What Dragon Dance really is * Its origins and connection to Qi Gong * The physical, energetic, and mental benefits * Who this practice is for and how to get started * Why more and more yogis and seekers are embracing it

Open Your Chakras and Restore Inner Balance

par Elodie Abadie • 28 juillet 2025
Chakras lie at the heart of many spiritual traditions, especially in yoga and Ayurvedic medicine.
These invisible energy centers influence our physical health, emotional well-being, and mental clarity.
When our chakras are open and aligned, the vital energy (prana) flows freely, allowing body, heart, and mind to live in harmony. In this article, discover: * What chakras truly are * Where they are located in the body * How to recognize imbalances * Which yoga poses, breathing techniques, meditations, and foods help restore balance to each chakra

Yoga Dance Is for You!

par Elodie Abadie • 21 juillet 2025
What if you could combine the power of yoga, the grace of dance, and the energy of mindfulness into one single practice?
That’s exactly what Yoga Dance offers — a complete, accessible, and deeply liberating experience. In this article, discover why Yoga Dance is attracting more and more people , who it’s for, how a typical class works, and what unique benefits it brings to your body and mind.

Bandhas: The Secret of the Yogis

par Elodie Abadie • 14 juillet 2025
Introduction: Why Engage the Bandhas in Yoga? Have you ever heard your yoga teacher say, “engage your abs,” “squeeze your pelvic floor,” or “draw your belly in”?
These cues are not just about posture—they refer to precise internal actions known as Bandhas, or energetic locks in yoga.
Activating the Bandhas helps you protect your body , especially your spine, while also stimulating the flow of vital energy, or Prana . They play an essential role in asana practice, pranayama, and even meditation.

Yoga Warm-Ups

par Elodie Abadie • 7 juillet 2025
What if you chose your warm-up based on the element that suits you today?
 Earth, Water, Fire, or Air — discover how each energy can transform the start of your yoga practice. The warm-up, that key moment at the beginning of a yoga session, is much more than just a physical preparation. It’s a ritual of reconnection — a way to return to the body, get the circulation going, calm the mind, and settle into the present moment. Each day, our needs change. So why not choose your warm-up based on the natural elements that live within you? In yogic and Ayurvedic traditions, the elements — Earth, Water, Fire, and Air — can guide us toward a practice that aligns with how we feel, here and now.

Positive Psychology: Living Better by Focusing on What Works

par Elodie Abadie • 30 juin 2025
What if, instead of constantly trying to fix what’s wrong, we started nurturing what’s already working well within us? 
That’s the essence of positive psychology , a modern scientific discipline based on decades of research. It seeks to understand how to make life more satisfying, more meaningful, and more aligned with our values.

Yoga Dance: Where Fluidity, Inner Strength and Freedom of the Body Unite

par Elodie Abadie • 23 juin 2025
Yoga Dance is much more than a physical discipline. It is a philosophy of movement , a way of being in the world, of inhabiting one’s body, of flowing through one’s emotions. 
Born from the fusion of yoga, contemporary dance, and traditional Indian practices (notably Natya Yoga), this choreographic approach to yoga is not about performance, but about authentic self-expression through movement. Each session becomes a sacred space for reconnection — to your breath, your sensations, your creativity, and your joy of being alive.
Here are the core principles of this practice, far beyond the postures.

Sacred Breathing: The Key to Living Yoga

par Elodie Abadie • 9 juin 2025
In yoga practice, breath is far more than a simple physiological function — it is a true bridge between body, mind, and spirit. Breath, or prāṇa , is considered the vital force that flows within us. Yoga invites us to become aware of this subtle energy and use it as a tool for inner harmony. In fact, breath is the link between the visible and the invisible, between movement and meditation, between outer turbulence and inner stillness. In foundational texts such as the Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali , breath control is described as an essential pillar of practice. Prāṇāyāma, the expansion of vital breath, is one of the eight limbs of yoga (Ashtanga Yoga), placed after postures (āsana) and before concentration (dhāraṇā). This highlights how breath is seen as a path to inner transformation , leading toward meditative states.

💫 Tone, Strengthen, Align: The Promise of the Pilates Reformer

par Elodie Abadie • 2 juin 2025
Something new is coming to life in our universe.
 A project we’re crafting with care, blending technique, precision, and a deep love for the moving body. 
At the heart of this evolution lies a practice that transforms the way we connect to our body: the Pilates Reformer. But the Reformer isn’t just a machine.
 It’s a full-body experience. 
A way of moving that’s more fluid, more grounded, and more conscious. In this article, we invite you to explore this unique tool, its benefits, and how it redefines the Pilates practice from the inside out.

🍃 Breathing is Practicing

par Elodie Abadie • 26 mai 2025
In a world that’s always rushing forward, the simple act of conscious breathing becomes revolutionary. Before we speak of aligned postures or dynamic flows, there is the breath.
Always there. Quiet. Often ignored — yet essential. In the yogic tradition, Pranayama is one of the foundational pillars, along with asanas (postures) and meditation. But what exactly is Pranayama?
Why is it so powerful? 
And how can we truly integrate it into our practice and teaching? In this article, let’s explore the art of breath , its benefits, techniques, and its central role in the yoga path.