The 8 Limbs of Yoga
As Referenced in
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
The eight limbs of yoga originated from an ancient text called 'The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali' by Sri Swami Satchidananda. In this text, there is reference to a philisophical framework on how to live a balanced and ethical life. The ultimate goal is to attain liberation from suffering. Below I will describe the 8 limbs of yoga and provide additional sources for more information about each limb.
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Yama
Self-regulating behaviours
This limb is all about how we interact with ourselves and others. There are a total of five Yamas. Brahama-charya (self control), Ahimsa (benevolence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (even exchange) and Aparigraha (detachment).
Learn more about the 5 Yamas -
Niyama
Personal observances
This limb is the second limb of yoga. Niyamas help us to begin to look at ourselves more deeply. The five observances are Saucha (cleanliness), Santosha (contentment), Tapas (self-discipline), Svadhyaya (self-study) and Ishvara Pranidhana (surrender)
Learn more about the 5 Niyamas -
Asana
Yoga Postures
The third limb is Asanas, also known as the postures in practiced yoga. This is what most people would describe as yoga, in our Western society. In the yogic view, the body is a temple of spirit. Through the practice of asanas, we develop the habit of discipline and the ability to concentrate. Traditionally, asanas were used to prime the body to sit comfortably in meditation.
Try some of these Yoga postures -
Pranayama
The regulation of life force energy through breath
'Prana' refers to the vital energy or 'life force' flowing through everything in the universe. By way of breath, we move energy through or energy channels (nadis) to energise our chakras. Inhalation of breath brings prana into the body to energise it. This fourth limb is all about breathing techniques we can use to calm the mind and body, energise our chakras and assist in meditation to quiet the mind.
4 Breathing exercises you should try -
Pratyahara
Sensory withrawal
The fifth limb of yoga is all about withdrawing your senses from the outer world and bringing your attention inward. The initial four limbs allow us to gain control of the body and mind and cultivate energetic awareness of ourselves. Pratyahara is about isolating that conciousness from distraction to become mindful of what caputures our attention.
The benefits of Pratyahara -
Dharana
Concentration and focus
Dharana, the 6th limb, is the first stage to the inner journey toward freedom from suffering. During this type of meditation, practitioners concentrate all of their attention on a single point of focus, sucha as the navel or an image in their minds. It is a tool to still the mind and work towards deep concentrative meditation.
Ways to practice Dharana -
Dhyana
Meditation practice
The practice of the sixith limb, Dharana, eventually leads to Dhyana. During deep meditation, our spirit/soul takes over and we are able to just be in the moment. We can attempt to clear our mind in meditation, but based on what is described in Patanjali, that is not a requirement. Watch the thoughts and feelings as if you are an outsider looking in. Do not attach to anything, just let it be.
Check out this 'Tapping' method used to help with meditation! -
Samadhi
Union with the true Self
The eigth and final limbe is traditionally considered the proverbial mountaintop of conciousness. Samadhi can be defined as the union of the true self and transcendence of the lower self and personality. It is a place where one has attained a hyperconcious state of no-thought and no-mind that leads to true spritual freedom. This true spirtual freedom is what liberates us from all suffering.
