Rewind: Yoga Principles and Martin Luther King, Jr.

Each year on this holiday, I have written about ahimsa, the yoga principle of non-violence and how it relates to Dr. King. The tradition continues here.

I've seen writings all over the internet that Martin Luther King, Jr. was a yogi. Well it's the internet and people will publish anything they want! Right?!?!?

When I read about his life, I see some evidence that he followed many of the yogic principles in conducting his life. One part of yoga he did not do were the yoga postures. The postures (asana, the third branch) are just a small fraction of what defines yoga. I won't get into the deep detail here, but instead refer you to a few of my earlier articles. First a discussion of the eight branches of yoga and then first and second branches.

Eight Branches of Yoga

First Branch: Yamas

Ahimsa - non- violence

Satya - truthfulness

Asteya - non-stealing & gratitude

Brahmacharya - non-excess

Aparigraha - non-attachment

Second Branch - Niyamas

Saucha - Purity

Santosha - Contentment

Tapas - Self-discipline

Svadhyaya - Self-Study, Inner Exploration

Ishvara Pranidhana - Surrender to Immutable Energy

If you have questions or concerns on any of these concepts don't hesitate to reach out to me.