Astanga Yoga
Astanga Yoga: The Eight-Limbed Path
500-200 BCE
In the second chapter of the book, Patanjali describes ashtanga yoga. The Sanskrit word ashtanga means “eight limbed.” The limbs are tools to purify the mind and body, ultimately leading the yogi to samadhi. There is no specific order. You can use any or all of the tools as needed. Typically though, you aren’t ready to experience samadhi until after you have learned the postures and can regulate your mind, breath, senses, and emotions.
The first five limbs- yama (restraints), niyama (observances), asana (postures), pranayama (breath control) and pratyahara (sensory withdrawal) prepare us for the more subtle practice of the last three limbs- dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation) and samadhi, (complete absorption). When the last three limbs are practiced together in relation to the same object, they are referred to as samyama. The three-fold practice of samyama leads one to complete understanding of the true nature of the object of focus.
The Eight Limbs
Sutras 2.29 – 2.45 describe the components that make up the eight limbs of yoga.
The first two limbs, yama and niyama, contain ten ethical principles that allow us to be at peace with ourselves, others and our environment. They help us lead a conscious life.
- Yama “restraints”
- ahimsa: nonviolence
- satya: truthfulness
- asteya: non-coveting
- brahmacharya: controlling the senses, harmonizing your desires
- aparigraha: non-greed, simplicity
- Niyama “observances”
- shaucha: purity, cleanliness
- santosha: contentment
- tapas: self-discipline or purification
- swadhyaya: self-study
- ishvara-pranidhana: surrender to the Divine within us
- Asana “postures”
We practice asana to keep the body healthy, develop internal awareness and prepare us for meditation. - Pranayama “breath control”
Controlled movement of prana (life force). - Pratyahara “withdrawal of the senses”
Turning attention inward, away from things and external distractions. - Dharana “concentration”
Training the mind to become single-pointed and focused. - Dhyana “meditation”
The state of profound stillness and clarity reached by focusing on the inner self. - Samadhi “complete absorption”
Our highest true nature-we are fully present, rid of our ego and deeply aware of our Oneness with the universe.