Ashtanga Yoga: The Eight Limbs of
Yoga
When most people think of yoga, it is the asanas or physical postures that
come to mind first. And yes, they are an important part of yoga, but in
fact, the asanas are just one part of a very old and vast system called
yoga.
First put into words over 2000 years ago by a great Indian sage, Patanjali
in his yoga sutras (a sacred text), yoga had until then been selectively
passed down through the centuries from the teacher by words to the eager
mind and promising memory of the student.
Yoga means to bind, yoke or join together the body, mind and spirit,
through the use of the breath. The ultimate goal of yoga is to conquer
the mind, removing pain and sorrow and leaving only the experience of
love and bliss.
Ashtanga yoga refers to the eight limbs of yoga as explained by Patanjali
in his sutras. They are explained briefly and simply below so they can
be understood by anyone, whether practicing yoga or not. The Sanskrit
name is given for each limb and where appropriate.
- Yama = the ethical disciplines of life, and is divided
into five key points:
Ahimsa - Non-violence
Satya - Truthfulfulness
Asteya - Non-stealing
Brahmacharya - Discretion and control of sex
Aparigraha - Non-coveting (not hoarding excessive
material possessions)
- Niyama = the rules of individual discipline are again
divided into five areas:
Saucha - Purity (such as body, food, thoughts)
Samtosha - Contentment (tranquil mind)
Tapah - Conscious self-discipline (acceptance and
not causing pain)
Svadhyaya - Study or education to achieve personal
growth
Isvarapranidhanani - Faith (in God, a Higher-Power,
the Universe etc.)
- Asana = physical postures which often occur as a
series of poses, designed to exercise every muscle, nerve and gland
in the body. Through which we remove toxins and negative emotions. Therefore
we remove disease and gain a healthy and strong body and mind.
- Pranayama = the extension of breath or respiration
which involves various breathing practices designed to cleanse the body,
strengthen the respiratory system, soothe the nervous system and reduce
cravings. Ultimately, it will also bring us to a higher awareness and
closer to God.
- Pratyahara = balancing and controlling the mind so
to achieve equanimity where the mind is still, calm and aware. In fact
this is a big step towards establishing real awareness.
- Dharana = concentration which can be done using various
techniques that develop better focus. This can be done through: a mantra
or sound such as: om, aum "amen", love; a light or flame; or even just
focusing on one particular task, sport, activity. All these things will
help develop someone‘¦s concentration.
- Dhyarna = meditation is the state that arises when
the flow of concentration is uninterrupted for a period of time general
for more than a more a minute or two (this sounds easy but once you
try it you realise it is difficult).
- Samadhi = Otherwise known as Nirvana, Divinity or
Enlightment. This is a state which in fact cannot be explained. It usually
takes place after many years of meditation when one goes beyond consciousness
into a completely blissful state, loses all sense of ego, and then beyond
into one with the universe.
For more information on Patanjali's Yoga Sutras see the following books:
"Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali" by B.K.S. Iyengar
"The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali" by Sri Swami Satchidandanda
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