What are the 8 Limbs of Yoga
The birth of yoga originally comes from the Vedas (ancient Hindu scriptures), which dates back between 4,000 to 5,000 years. Vedic knowledge was passed down from teacher to student through perfect memorization in the way of verses and poems. But it wasn’t until the second century B.C. that a sage named Patanjali outlined what is known today as the Eight Limbs of Yoga.
The Sutras of Patanjali
The word sutra means “to thread or weave” just as the English word suture means “to stitch together.” The Sutras (or writings) of Patanjali are divided into four sections or padas.
The practice of yoga comes from section two called the Sadhana Pada.Ashtanga means “eight” and refers to Patanjali’s eight limbs or branches of yoga.
Each branch, when practiced, is designed to help the practitioner live a more disciplined life with the goal of alleviating suffering.
Patanjali’s goal for us is that through these practices, we can still the mind and merge into oneness with the divine. When we awaken to divine essence, we are able to live fully from a place of authenticity.
We are able to discern who we really are and what our purpose is. We don’t have to look to the exterior to determine right from wrong, all the answers are found within.
The practice of the Eight Limbs of Yoga is referred to as practicing raja yoga, or the Royal Path, named to distinguish the practice from hatha yoga, which came later. Raja yoga creates stillness and contemplation as the path unfolds throughout the eight limbs which then folds back to the first couple of verses in the sutras, from prakruti back to purusha:
Yogas chitta vritti nirodhah: Yoga is stilling the fluctuations/changing states of the mind.
Tada drastuh svarupe vasthanam. Then, the Seer abides in Its own true nature.
The Eight Limbs of Yoga, as outlined in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, are a foundational framework for the practice of yoga. They are:
Yamas: These are moral disciplines or restraints that guide one's behavior towards others. They include Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy or moderation in all things), and Aparigraha (non-possessiveness).
Niyamas: These are personal observances or disciplines aimed at self-improvement. They include Saucha (cleanliness), Santosha (contentment), Tapas (discipline or austerity), Svadhyaya (self-study or introspection), and Ishvara Pranidhana (devotion to a higher power or surrender to the divine).
Asana: This limb refers to the practice of physical postures or poses. Through practicing asanas, practitioners aim to develop physical strength, flexibility, balance, and overall health.
Pranayama: Pranayama involves breath control techniques. By regulating the breath, practitioners aim to cultivate prana, or life force energy, and achieve greater control over the mind and body.
Pratyahara: This limb concerns withdrawal or sensory transcendence. It involves turning one's awareness inward and withdrawing it from external stimuli, thus preparing the mind for deeper concentration.
Dharana: Dharana refers to concentration or single-pointed focus. Practitioners aim to focus the mind on a single object, such as a mantra, image, or breath, to achieve mental steadiness and clarity.
Dhyana: Dhyana is meditation or sustained concentration. It involves prolonged awareness and absorption in the object of meditation, leading to a state of profound tranquility and insight.
Samadhi: Samadhi is the ultimate goal of yoga, often described as a state of complete absorption or union with the object of meditation. In this state, the practitioner experiences a profound sense of oneness, bliss, and merging with the divine.
These eight limbs collectively form a comprehensive path for spiritual growth, self-discovery, and realization.