The 8 Limbs of Yoga – in Yoga

Sutras of Patanjali
 ‘Yoga’ is derived from the Sanskrit root ‘Yuj’, which means  to
join, yoke, unite or connect.  Yoga is more than the practice
of asana, or physical postures. In Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, the eight
limbs are referred to as  ‘Ashtanga Yog’ (ashta meaning eight
and anga meaning limb in Sanskrit).

The 8 Limbs of Yoga

 YAMA – Restraints, moral disciplines or moral

vows
 NIYAMA – Positive duties or observances
 ASANA – Posture
 PRANAYAMA – Breathing techniques
 PRATYAHARA – Sense withdrawal
 DHARANA – Focused concentration
 DHYANA – Meditative absorption 
 SAMADHI – Bliss or enlightenment
1. YAMAS

Yamas are ethical considerations to help guide interactions with

others. There are five yamas:

 Nonviolence (Ahimsa)
 Truthfulness (Satya)
 Non-stealing (Asteya)
 Chastity and fidelity (Brahmacharya)
 Non-coveting (Aparigraha)
2. Niyamas
The Niyamas are practices that inform self-discipline and
worldview. The maxims below generally reflect the essence of each
Niyama:

 Saucha: “Leave a place cleaner than you found it”

(cleanliness)
 Santosha: “Don’t worry, be happy” (contentment)
 Tapas: “When the going gets tough, the tough gets
going” (willpower and self-discipline)
 Svadhyaya: “Learn from your mistakes” (study of
self and sacred scriptures)
 Ishvara Pranidhana: “Have faith” (surrender to the
divine)

3. Asana –

Asana refers to the physical postures practiced in yoga. As Asana is

derived from the Sanskrit root, which means seat, asana is designed
to prepare the body and mind for seated meditation.
4. Pranayama
Breathing is the only bodily function that you perform consciously
and unconsciously; it can be voluntary or involuntary. However,
breathing patterns, such as a tendency to hold your breath, are
indicators of mind and body health. Pranayama is the practice of
consciously controlling the breath, of taking your breath back into
your own lungs. In Sanskrit, prana is our vital life force, so
pranayama is the cultivation and mindful use of life force.
Pranayama leads to improved concentration, health, focus, clarity,
creativity, purpose and compassion.

5. Pratyahara

Pratyahara is the practice of withdrawing from external stimuli to

enhance internal awareness. Mindfully return to quiet through
meditation and removal of distractions. Set aside 5-10 minutes each
day to sit or lay quietly with your eyes closed. As your practice
grows, your heightened sense of awareness leads to an ability to see
things are they are, not as you are. Draw inward, not to silence your
senses, but to quiet them enough to see beyond yourself.

6. Dharana

Dharana is the practice of intense concentration, usually focusing

on one object, such as the flame of a candle or a picture of a deity.
This practice trains the mind in stillness and focus. Start with just a
few minutes each day and expand your practice as it serves you. If
other thoughts or distractions flicker through your
experience, recognize them then let them go.

7. Dhyana

Dhyana is the state of being keenly aware, yet without focus. It is

awareness without judgment or attachment; it is peaceful,
meditative and precedes complete bliss. It is otherwise known to
artists and athletes as the flow state. Consider moments in your life
where you were so engrossed in the present that you lost track of
time or desire (even for food). The practice of yoga offers a return
to this state.

8. Samadhi

Samadhi is a state of ecstasy. This is the final step of the journey of

Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. It is transcendence, connectivity with the
divine, a coupling with the universe, and a mind-body integration of
the concept that “all things are one.”