The first two limbs of Patanjali’s Eightfold Path, the yamas and niyamas, help us with character development, a critical step in our journey toward enlightenment.

Most of us have old habits that we’ve developed over time that are unhealthy and take us away from higher consciousness. One of the goals of yoga is to become open to transforming these old habits into healthy ones that take us forward spiritually.

Sincerity is one of the most important qualities we need to progress in yoga. When we sincerely meditate, chant or do other yoga practices, we move forward quickly toward experiences of higher consciousness.

Shakti (spiritual energy) is a dynamic force that powers all creation and gives us life. When awakened through meditation and other yoga practices, shakti moves up from the base of our spine to the top of our head, taking us to deep, powerful spiritual experiences.

We are considered to have self-realization when we experience our inner self, know who we truly are, and live every day in this state of consciousness.

Scriptures are scared writings that inspire us to move forward toward awakening and enlightenment. The Bible, Bhagavad Gita, Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna, Kathopanishad, Yoga Sutras of Patanjali are examples of scriptures.

A pioneer of yoga in the west, a yogi and guru, Paramahansa Yogananda, founded the Self-Realization Fellowship and introduced millions of people to meditation and kriya yoga.

One of the main higher yogas, karma yoga is doing actions that benefit others with no expectation of reward — selfless service.

As we do higher yogas practices to open our heart center, we experience an expansive, ever-new inner joy.