The 8 Limbs of Yoga
- A Guide to Enlightenment -
You probably know yoga as physical exercises that help to relax and
unwind. But did you know that the original yoga practices contained much
more than that and can help you to live a more purposeful and meaningful
live?
I would like to introduce you to the eight-limbed path of yoga, which was first mentioned around 400 B.C. in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali . By following the path you embark on a journey to yourself, away from distractions and suffering. Each of the limbs consists of concrete procedures and behaviors. As shown in the picture, the parts are interdependent and build on each other. However, it is not crucial for you to follow the exact order.
I would like to introduce you to the eight-limbed path of yoga, which was first mentioned around 400 B.C. in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali . By following the path you embark on a journey to yourself, away from distractions and suffering. Each of the limbs consists of concrete procedures and behaviors. As shown in the picture, the parts are interdependent and build on each other. However, it is not crucial for you to follow the exact order.
What are the eight limbs?
The first five limbs are part of the Kriya Yoga and can be influenced by you through practice.
- 1 | Yama: Five ethical and moral rules (nonviolence, truthfulness, non-stealing, purity and modestly)
- 2 | Niyamas: Five spiritual and self-discipline rules (cleanliness, contentment, spiritual austerity, self-reflection and surrender)
- 3 | Asana: Physical yoga exercises, which are designed to both strengthen and relax the body
- 4 | Pranayama: Breathing exercises to calm the mind and direct life energy (Prana) into the body
- 5 | Pratyahara: Practice of directing the attention to the inner being by creating a detachment from the outside world and the senses
The last three limbs are called Raja Yoga and happen to you when you are ready.
- 6 | Dharana: Practice of concentrating on a single mental object such as a energetic center, an image or a sound
- 7 | Dhyana: State of meditation in which one is completely aware and in silence, without focusing on thoughts
- 8 | Samadhi: The ultimate state of “peace that passeth all understanding” - a experience of bliss and being at one with the universe
Are you ready to start your journey to enlightenment? 💫
Coded by Sarah Nawrocki 👩🏽💻