The breath must be enticed or cajoled, like catching a horse in a field, not by chasing after it, but by standing still with an apple in one’s hand.

Death is unimportant to a yogi; he does not mind when he is going to die. What happens after death is immaterial to him. He is only concerned with life-with how he can use his life for the betterment of humanity. Having undergone various types of pain in his life and having acquired a certain mastery over pain, he develops compassion to help society and maintains himself in purity and holiness. The yogi has no interest beyond that.

In whatever you are doing, be one: body, soul, mind. Do it beautifully and with purity.

Extension brings space, space brings freedom, freedom brings precision. Precision is truth.

Love begets courage, moderation creates abundance and humility generates power. Courage without love is brutish. Abundance without moderation leads to over-indulgence and decay. Power without humility breeds arrogance and tyranny.

The body is my temple, asanas are my prayers.

The decision to relax rather than to grip, even in the face of impatience or fear, is a conscious and brave choice.