the 8 Limbs of Yoga
The Yoga Sutras may have been written in loose form over 4,000 years ago probably compiled from an older oral tradition. The Indian sage Patanjali is said to have assembled them into one text around 2,000 years ago.
Here we find the 8 limbs of yoga (Ashtanga) (not to be confused with the modern ashtanga yoga style). These ancient aphorisms can still be used as a guide to the practice of yoga.
The first four limbs of yoga, Yama, Niyama, Asana and Pranayama help prepare to experience the last four, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi, which focus more on the higher self.
yama
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The 5 yamas – outer - abstentions - ethical standards and ways of behaving. |
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Ahimsa Satya Aparigraha Asteya Brahmacharya |
non-violence against one’s self or others, in actions or thoughts truthful with one’s self and others non-covetousness, non-grasping, taking only what is necessary non-stealing, thoughtful in what is yours, not betraying trust continence, abstinence, restraint, responsible behaviour |
niyama
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The 5 niyamas - inner - behaviour and observances |
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Saucha Santosha Tapas Svadhyaya Isvara Pranidhana |
cleanliness, purity of body and thoughts contentment and modesty balance between body and mind, spiritual austerity, physically fit self awareness study of sacred texts and oneself by reflection surrender, devotion, accepting what happens |
asana
The postures (the asanas of Hatha Yoga) and the movements between postures foster a strong fit and flexible physical body to prepare for deeper meditation.
pranayama
Controlling body and mind by control (yama) of breath and life force (prana). Pranayama increases strength, fitness, calm, lung capacity, decreases stress, helps us focus, and brings the inner self into balance with the world outside.
pratyahara
Pratyahara (withdrawing from the senses). Moves awareness away from sensations of the outer world and toward the inner self where we experience our selves more deeply and intimately and ultimately find our true self.
dharana
Dharana (concentration) brings a richer awareness of the mind. The previous limbs prepare for this by creating peace and balance so every thought or influence is met with a totally open mind, body and spirit without the influence of preconceptions, prejudice, conditioning, fear, anxiety, joy or sorrow. We meet every moment with our true selves.
dhyana
In Dhyana (meditation) moves beyond Dharana into a state of total awareness. Concentrating on a focus point, while remaining aware of everything else outside and within. The mind and body are quiet and open.
samadhi
Samadhi (enlightenment) is a state of ecstasy, bliss, transcendence of the self. Joining with all living things, with the universe, with the Divine. This is a state beyond knowledge, beyond worldly things, realising that everything is of the same substance and is connected. – This is yoga (union).