Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom.

Lao Tzu

Yoga & Business Ethics

Melissa Platner, Yuko Ueki, Michael Farrell, Biao Lu October 9, 2012
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What is yoga?

Sanskrit word meaning Yoke or Union o Method of achieving spiritual union
System of mental, physical, and spiritual exercises to bring about perfect awareness o Moksa: Liberation Goal of yoga is to prepare the body for meditation which in turn leads to enlightenment
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Yoga Origins

Originated in India o Orally passed down from prehistoric times Patanjalis Yoga Sutras o Eight-fold Path

Introduced to the US in the late 1800s o Hatha yoga is the most commonly practiced form in the US
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Eightfold Path: Principles of Yoga

Building the foundation:

Five Yamas of Yoga

Niyama Asana Pranayama Pratyahara

Reconditioning the mind:

Dharana
Dhyana Samadhi
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Yoga as a Framework for Business Ethics

Workplace spirituality and business ethics Yoga as a way of life Yamas and Business Ethics Ahisma non-violence Satya non-changeability Asteya non-stealing Aparigraha non-possessiveness Brahmacharya non-lust
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Generating Spiritual and Ethical Workplace Behavior

Human Consciousness Behavior Spiritual Outcomes Connectednes s with others Ethical Outcomes
Understanding Ethical Problems Creativity in Ethical Decision Making

Yamas
Unconscious

Sub-conscious
C*

Workplace Behavior

Self Awareness
Ability to envision outcomes beyond self

*C signifies consciousness that can expand as ego-driven patterns and beliefs surface from the subconscious into the conscious
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Practicing Asana

Series of physical postures, breathing exercises, and mantra Sequence: Builds upon itself to create space and alignment

Styles

o Hatha o Kundalini o Bikram o Laughter, Forrest, Kripalu.the list is growing

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Asana & Chakra Balancing: Detox

Muladhara: Survival, Stability, Security
Svadisthana: Pleasure, Emotions, Sexuality, Addictions Manipura: Power, Fear, Anxiety, Introversion, Will

Anahata: Love, Relationship, Healing

Visuddha: Communication, Self-Expression, Creativity Ajna: Intuition, Imagination, Vision

Sahasrara: Consciousness, Transcendence, Meditation

Asana: The Physical Benefits of Yoga

Improves:
o o o o o
Flexibility

Strength
Posture Concentration and Mood Lean Muscle Mass

Reduces risk of:

o o o o
Heart Disease Stroke High Cholesterol

High Blood Pressure

Stress Relief
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Before you YOGA

Tips to help you reduce your risk of injury: If you are pregnant or have a pre-existing health
condition, consult your doctor Don't try learning yoga on your own Know your limits and stay within them Warm up properly before every session Wear proper clothing Ask questions Stay hydrated Pay attention to what your body is telling you
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Reference

Prabhavananda and Isherwood. How to Know God: The Yoga Aphorisms of Patanjali, Vedanta Press. 1953 Anodea Judith. Wheels of Life, Llewelyn Publications. 1987 benefits-of-yoga

http://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/the-health http://www.yogabasics.com/learn/philosophy-of-yoga/

http://www.yogamovement.com/resources/patanjali.html

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