The Eight Limbs Of Yoga

According to Patanjaliyog Sutra, Yoga is “the quieting of the mind” (Yogas Chitta – Vritti- Nirodha)

Yoga is a psycho-somatic-spiritual discipline for achieving union and harmony between our mind, body, and soul and the ultimate union of our individual consciousness with the universal consciousness.

Patanjaliyog Sutra describes adherence to eight limbs or steps (the sum of which constitute “Ashtanga Yoga”) to quiet one’s mind and reaches kaivalya (Solitariness or detachment), which is the ultimate goal of yoga.

Ashtanga Yoga

In Sanskrit “Ashta + Anga” is ashtanga. “Ashta” means eight and anga are limbs so it means eight limb paths and this is based on the yoga philosophy of Patanjali. Ashtanga Yoga describes the eight limbs that together constitute Raja yoga.

Yoga has its roots about 5000 years BC as described in Vedic philosophy and tantras. Patanjali, great sage composed this path into a darshan(philosophy) in his book Patanjali yoga sutra. In which he has formulated yoga as an Eight Limbs or Eight Fold Path.

The Eight Limbs of Yoga

Ashtanga Yoga consists of the following limbs:-

The first five are called external aids to Yoga (BahirangaSadhana):-

1. Yama (Refers To The Five Abstinences):

The first limb consists of a set of ethics, which ensures that the yogi interacts in a harmonious way with the surrounding community. It puts the spotlight on the moral and ethical construct of the individual.

The five abstinences are as follows:

• Ahimsa – A principle of non-violence.
• Satya – A principle of Truthfulness.
• Asteya – A principle of non -stealing.
• Brahmacharya– Abstinence, particularly in the case of sexual activity.
• Aparigah – A principle of non-hoarding or non-possessiveness.

2. Niyama (Refers To The Five Observances):

The second limb consists of observances, which ensure that body and mind are not polluted once they have been purified. Purification in yoga has nothing to do with puritanism. Rather it refers to the propensity of the body/mind.

• Shaucha: Cleanliness of body and mind.
• Santosha: Satisfaction.
• Tapas: Austerity and associated observances for body discipline and thereby mental control.
• Svadhyaya: Study of the Vedic scriptures to know about God and Soul, which leads to introspection on a greater awakening to the soul and God within.
• Ishvara Pranidhana: Surrender to God, or worship of God/ dedication

3. Asana (Yogic Postures)

A stable and comfortable posture which helps attain mental equilibrium. Asanas are rules and postures to keep it disease-free and for preserving vital energy. Correct postures are a physical aid to meditation, for they control the limbs and nervous system and prevent them from producing disturbances.

4. Pranayama(Yogic Breathing)

Pranayama is derived from two Sanskrit words, namely, prana, which means vital force or life energy, Ayama means to prolong. The effect of pranayama is the extension and control of breath. Control of breath beneficial to health steadies the body and is highly conducive to the concentration of the mind.

5. Pratyahara (Withdrawal of Senses)

This step represents the transition from perfecting our external body and world to the inner realm of mindfulness and self-awareness sense withdrawal is practiced through drishti- the focal point.

6. Dharana(Concentration on Object)

Once we have developed a sense of control on our body the next step is the practice of concentration. The concentration of the mind upon a physical object, such as a flame, the midpoint of the eyebrows, aka focused attention is the first step in practicing higher states of meditation.

7. Dhyana (Meditation)

The seventh and the most important step is meditation or reflection on whatever is the object of your attention. Meditation means to rest, uninfluenced, between the extremes of the mind and suddenly just be instead of becoming. The difference between this and the previous limb is that in concentration, there is a conscious effort to exclude all thoughts that are not relevant to our choose object.

8. Samadhi (Salvation)

Samadhi is the highest form of yoga. State of super bliss, joy, and merging individual consciousness in to universal consciousness. The union between Jivatma and Paramatma. Union of shiva and shakti in sahasrar chakra. The realization of God is the ultimate achievement of human birth.