The Eight Limbs of Yoga
1. Universal laws of Nature (Yama) - non violence, truthfulness, integrity, divine conduct, and non attachment - “When we are established in non attachment, the nature & purpose of existence is understood."
2. How to Live in Harmony (Niyama) - simplicity, contentment, purification, refinement, and surrender to the Divine - "From contentment, unsurpassed happiness is gained."
3. Postures (Asana) - "The physical postures should be steady and comfortable."
4. Breathing Exercises (Pranayama) - "Next come the breathing exercises, which increase the life energy."
5. Mastery of the Senses (Pratyahara) - "Once senses naturally withdraw inwards, mastery follows."
6. Concentration (Dharana) - "Dharana is when the attention is held focused on an object."
7. Meditation (Dhyana) - "Dhyana is when awareness flows evenly toward the point of attention." See more on the mind.
8. Enlightenment (Samadhi) - "Here, unbounded awareness flows toward the object, & the light of supreme knowledge dawns."
These eight stages described in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras are referred to as "limbs" rather than steps, as although we can see them as naturally progressing in the above order, they must be combined for the yoga practice to be a complete experience.
2. How to Live in Harmony (Niyama) - simplicity, contentment, purification, refinement, and surrender to the Divine - "From contentment, unsurpassed happiness is gained."
3. Postures (Asana) - "The physical postures should be steady and comfortable."
4. Breathing Exercises (Pranayama) - "Next come the breathing exercises, which increase the life energy."
5. Mastery of the Senses (Pratyahara) - "Once senses naturally withdraw inwards, mastery follows."
6. Concentration (Dharana) - "Dharana is when the attention is held focused on an object."
7. Meditation (Dhyana) - "Dhyana is when awareness flows evenly toward the point of attention." See more on the mind.
8. Enlightenment (Samadhi) - "Here, unbounded awareness flows toward the object, & the light of supreme knowledge dawns."
These eight stages described in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras are referred to as "limbs" rather than steps, as although we can see them as naturally progressing in the above order, they must be combined for the yoga practice to be a complete experience.
