Eight Limbs of Yoga

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali is the first documented text of yoga (200 BC).  The Sanskrit word sutra means “thread.”  The text is written in a series of threads, which ultimately weave together to create the vast fabric of the yoga practice. Patanjali, a scientist of yoga, outlined and detailed the eight-limbed practice of yoga:

 

1.  Yamas, which are the restraints or control of our behavior.  There are five yamas: 

· Ahimsa (non-violence) The practice of compassion, love, understanding, and patience.

· Satya (truthfulness) The practice of honesty, owning feelings and actions, non-judgment, and forgiveness.

· Asteya (non-stealing) The practice of cultivating sense of wholeness and self-sufficiency. 

· Brahmacharya (moderation) The practice of managing and balancing sensual cravings.

· Aparigraha (non-possessiveness) The practice of non-attachment to possessions/relationships.

 

2.  Niyamas, which are personal observances and the way we relate to ourselves.  There are also five niyamas: 

· Saucha (cleanliness) The practice of purifying the mind, thoughts, speech, and actions.

· Santosha (contentment) The practice of gratitude, joyfulness, and evenness.

· Tapas (austerity) The practice of determination and discipline of daily practices.

· Svadhyaya (study of sacred texts and oneself) The practice of expanding knowledge of the true Self.

· Ishvara-pranidhana (surrender to God or universal consciousness) The practice of faith and sincerity in the transcendence of ego.

 

3.  Asanas, which are poses or physical postures. Asanas are used align the body, free the mind and body from energy blockages, tension, and stress, and to provide a sense of stability and comfort, preparing one for more subtle yoga practices. 

 

4.  Pranayama, which is the restraint or control of life force or breath. Pranayama is another practice to free mind and body from tension and stress, but also establishes a deeper and more subtle connection between mind and body, physical body and subtle body, individual and cosmic consciousness. Breath carries an external source of prana, or life force, into our bodies.  Breath and prana increase oxygenation, tone the nervous system, and replenish our life force reserves, increasing potentiality.

 

5.  Pratyahara, which is the withdrawal of the senses. Pratyahara is the practice of tuning the senses and awareness inwardly, beginning the process of removing the mind from distractions.

 

6.  Dharana, which is concentration. Dharana is a practice of one-pointed concentration (i.e. mantra or energy center within the body). It is separate of pratyahara and a preparation for meditation. It is the anchor for the mind, where it rests after centering and before being freed for meditation.

 

7.  Dhyana, which is meditation. Dhyana is concentration without focus; a slowing down of thought process or freedom of the mind into a flow of uninterrupted concentration. It is a practice to heighten one’s self-awareness and connection to the universe. 

 

8.  Samadhi, which is enlightenment. Samadhi is the place where one unites individual consciousness with universal consciousness, recognizing to the fullest extent the connection with all beings, everywhere; when one experiences peace in non-judgmental compassionate awareness.

Light through the trees.

Home

Eight Limbs of Yoga

Yoga Teacher Training

Small Group Classes

Children's & Prenatal Yoga

Private & Corporate Yoga

Kelly Carver, E-RYT

The Studio

Contact Info