yoga
The 8 Limbs of Yoga
The Yoga Sutras were written in loose form over 4,000 years ago probably from an older oral tradition. The Indian sage Patanjali is said to have assembled them into one text around 2,000 years ago.
Within these 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 |
nonviolence against one’s self or others, in actions or thoughts truthful with one’s self and others noncovetousness, non-grasping, taking only what is necessary nonstealing, 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 taught in contemporary hatha yoga classes help prepare for deeper meditation by fostering a healthy and released physical body.
pranayama
We can control body and mind by control (yama) of breath and life force (prana) and become strong, healthy and peaceful. Pranayama increases lung capacity, decreases stress, helps us focus, and brings the inner self into balance with the world around us.
pratyahara
Pratyahara (withdrawing from the senses). We move awareness away from the 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. We use the previous limbs to bring us 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) we move beyond Dharana into a state of total awareness. We are able to concentrate on a focus point, while remaining aware of everything else around and within us. The mind and body are quiet and open.
samadhi
Samadhi is the state of enlightenment, a state of ecstasy, bliss, transcendence of the self. We join with all living things, with the universe, with the Divine. We are in a state beyond knowledge, beyond worldly things, realising that everything is of the same substance and is connected – this is yoga (union).
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copyright (C) John Brasted 2008
updated 06/11/118
