Triangle of Life

The triangle is a metaphor to show the different stages the body undergoes in an average lifetime: birth, growth, change, decay, death and in yogic believe, the life after. This is called in yoga the ‘triangle of life.’

In general the body undergoes a growth period until reaching the age of about 28 years. From birth to about 20 years the cell rejuvenation exceeds the rate of cell decay. This is called the anabolic stage. Then, from about 20 years to about 35 the cell decay and cell rejuvenation stay in equilibrium. After about 35 years the cell decay is higher than the rejuvenation, which is called the catabolic stage. This results in old age and possible illness which causes suffering.

Yogis state that in order to follow our greatest purpose in life, which is to attain lasting happiness and peace or self-realisation, one needs a keen and clear intellect and a healthy and strong body. Illness and inflexibility are counter-productive on that journey. For this reason the system of yoga was developed. The yoga postures (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayamas), meditation and inquiry into the working of the mind keep the physical and mental faculties strong and healthy all the way into old age.

5 Points of Yoga

If we use the analogy of our body as a vehicle we use to 'drive' through life then similar to a car our body needs maintenance and a good driving style to last as long as possible and give us an enjoyable and good ride.

Proper Exercise / Asana:
Serves as lubrication for joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons. The yoga postures increase blood circulation and flexibility.

Proper Breathing / Pranayama:
Through proper breathing we can access the bodies’ energy storage which is located just below the navel area. This is like the battery of a car. Through breathing techniques the energy can be released and circulated around the body, which helps to energise and rejuvenate the body.

Proper Relaxation / Savasana:
Similar to the cooling system of the car, proper relaxation is ‘cooling down’ the body and mind. Relaxation is nature’s way of recharging the body, helping it to calm down from mental and physical overworking.

Proper Diet:
Like fuel moves the car, proper diet supplies the body with the optimum nutrition to function at its best. All building blocks of the body need nutrients to regenerate cells or to burn energy put the body in motion.

Positive Thinking & Meditation / Vedanta & Dhyana:
Like any vehicle needs an intelligent driver, so the body needs a balanced mind that can stay in control. Through meditation and positive thinking the mind can be stilled and focused. Dormant potential and resources are released which aid to make life occur easy and effortless.