The subject of Yoga and the Eight Limbs of Yoga is vast and there are many books, both new and ancient, on the subject. The sage, Patanjali, codified the Eight Limbs of Yoga in the Yoga Sutras. The practice of Yoga does not only focus on physical postures to improve the body, but deals with all the aspects of our being and our lives. C.E., Patanjali who is considered the father of Modern Yoga compiled 195 aphorisms which are called the Yoga Sutra. In the Yoga Sutra, he described the eight aspects of a Yogic Lifestyle and called it the Eight Limbs of Yoga. The limbs are practical guides to a person’s personal development to achieve the harmony of the mind, the body, and the spirit which leads to Samadhi or enlightenment.
1. Yamas – universal guidelines for ethical standards and morals: Ahimsa – non-violence, Satya – truthfulness, Asteya – no stealing, Brahmacharya – moderation, Aparigraha – non-attachment.
2. Niyamas – personal observances and disciplines: Saucha – cleanliness, Santosha – contentment, Tapas – austerities/purifying practices, Svadhyaya – study of spiritual scriptures, Isvara Pranidhana – awareness of and surrender to the divine will of God.
3. Asana – physical postures.
4. Pranayama – breathing techniques for controlling and directing the energy, or life force, in the body.
5. Pratyahara – withdrawal of the senses in preparation for meditation.
6. Dharana – concentration and focus on an object to facilitate meditation.
7. Dhyana – meditation.
8. Samadhi – the ultimate goal of yoga, transcendence of self and merging with the Divine through meditation.
Do you practice yoga? If so which is your favorite pose? Send me a tweet @lorenridinger or drop me a comment below.
