29/03/2022
The Eight Limbs of Ashtanga Yoga explained
The writings of Patanjali are called the Yoga Sutras. They are divided into four sections or 'padas'. The practice of yoga comes from section 2 called the Sadhana Pada. Ashtanga means "eight" and refers to Patanjali's eight limbs of yoga. These limbs act as guidelines on how to live your best life.
1............. Yamas - external disciplines
2............. Niyamas - internal disciplines
3............. Asanas - physical poses
4............. Pranayama - breath control
5............. Pratyahara - withdrawal of senses
6............. Dharana - concentration
7............. Dhyana - meditation
8............. Samadhi - enlightenment
YAMAS
There are 5 external (or ethical) disciplines:
- Ahimsa: non-violence
- Satya: truthfulness
- Asteya: not stealing
- Brahmacharya: moderation
- Aparigraha: non-possessiveness
NIYAMAS
There are 5 internal disciplines:
- Shaucha: cleanliness
- Santosha: contentment
- Tapas: discipline
- Svadhyaya: self-study
- Ishvara Pranidhana: devotion
ASANAS
Asanas are physical poses. As we move our body into shapes it settles our thoughts. Asanas help us to become strong and flexible as well as helping us to develop control over the mind.
PRANAYAMA
Pranayama is breath control. Through focusing on our breath we can reduce restlessness and quieten the mind. Ashtanga vinyasa (breathing movement) links this limb with the previous limb and creating an aerobic flowing meditation.
PRATYAHARA
This limb is the withdrawal of senses, reflecting inwards on ones conditioning; not reacting to the external world but noticing our reaction to it. By practising detachment and focusing inwards we can seek self-knowledge from our inner world, free from ego.
DHARANA
Dharana means concentration. It is fixing the mind on a mantra, or the breath, an object, concept or idea with one-pointed focus, without drifting, without judgement or comparison, and without jumping from one topic to another.
DHYANA
Through concentration the mind becomes focused, the subject melts away and meditation is possible. Dhyana is a zen state of mind that is still, beyond words, one just is and the conditioned thoughts are at rest.
SAMADHI
Samadhi is where the mind and the body become one, connecting you to the universe and all living things. This is where peace and enlightenment lies.
