Although yoga is most commonly thought of as downward facing dog and tree pose, yoga is an entire system of practices designed to connect or “Yoke” the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of ourselves. Yoga originated in India and parts of the Far East as a philosophical and meditation practice for sages and monks. There were no written texts, rather, it was past down orally from teacher to student. In 400 CE, the Sage Patanjali wrote 195 Sutras (directives) to simplify and systematize the yoga teachings. Yoga Sutra 1.2 “yogas chitta vritti nirodha” is commonly translated as “yoga is the stilling or controlling of the modifications or fluctuations of the mind.”

The Eight Limbs of Yoga is the most well known aspect of The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, and is a guide toward Liberation and Enlightenment. The Eight Limbs includes: Ethics (Yamas), Restraints (Niyamas), Postures (Asanas), Breathing techniques (Pranayama), Withdrawal techniques (Pratyahara), Concentration (Dharana), Mediation (Dhyana) & Enlightenment (Samadhi).

The Eight Limbs of Yoga

Yama

(Ethical principles)

These are moral and ethical guidelines for interacting with the external world.

Ahimsa (non-violence), means one should not physically, mentally, or emotionally harm ourselves, others, or nature. Living with ahimsa means loving all creatures and it is considered a foundational principle in yoga practice.. Snakes: Predator rodents & Prey for birds.

Satya (truthfulness) Our truth depends on our thoughts, feelings, & emotions. When we are kind to ourselves, it is easier to speak out truth with loving kindness. A daily practice of slowing down, with breath, mediation, and yoga can help us move closer towards a state of peace and stillness in the mind.

Asteya (non-stealing) The need to steal arises out of a feeling that “I am not good enough.” The moment we feel this sense of lacking, desire, want and greed arise. Asteya on the mat may mean not leaving during savasana or not pushing yourself beyond your capabilities.

Brahmacharya (moderation) involves voluntary periods of abstinence; juice cleansing, observing silence, no social media, or abstaining from liquor, sugar, or sex. These practices allow us to balances the senses and frees us from dependencies and cravings. Yogis tell us that when the mind is freed from domination by the senses, sensory pleasures are replaced by inner joy.

Aparigraha (non-hoarding). teaches us to to refrain from collecting things that we do not immediately need. It encourages us to lead a simple life and to be content with what we have. In this way, we do not feel “lack of anything” and we create s sense of abundance. (2020 toilet paper)

Niyama

(Personal Observances):

These are practices for self-discipline and inner development. They include

Saucha (cleanliness) While cleaning your body, your home, and your yoga mat are external cleansing practices, asana and pranayama cleanse us internally. The physical practice of yoga tones our bodies removes toxic waste, and releases negative emotions like hatred, greed, & anger. This concept of saucha can be applied to all of the things that we consume: social media, food, books, television, groups, and alcohol. Everything that we consume should be to promote “health, strength, energy, & life”. B.K.S. Iyengar.

Santosha (contentment). Is a state of mind that needs to be procured over time. This can be challenging while living in world so full of materialism. However, If a yogi is not content, they cannot focus and find peace. Only a yogi who practices santosha can know full joy and bliss.

Tapas (discipline) is about building strength in body, mind, and character through Commitment and Self -Discipline. There are 3 types of Tapas: Body: Moderation & Non-Violence; Speech: Using Words that do not offend, & Mind: A Mental Attitude of Peace & Calm

Svadhyaya (self-study) “Study thy self, discover the divine” II.44. The small self or ego judges, criticises, fears, conditions, doubts and is essentially the cause of the chitta vrittis, or ‘fluctuations of the mind’.

By paying attention to, or ‘studying’ our ‘self’(ego), we become more aware of the things we do that harm us, and also those which serve us and bring us closer to that process of ‘yoking’ or ‘uniting’ with the true Self. We can

Ishvara Pranidhana (surrender to a higher power) Isvara, which translates as ‘Supreme Being’, ‘God’, or ‘True Self’ and Pranidhana, which means ‘fixing’. Isvara Pranidhana’ means offering our actions up to ‘the divine’ and surrendering to what is. In yoga, this might mean taking a child’s pose when everyone else is practicing chaturanga because we need to rest. “Knowing when we need to rest shows a huge amount of understanding of ourselves, respect for our bodies, and allows our practice to support us for a lifetime.”

Asana

(Physical Postures):

This limb focuses on the practice of physical postures that promote strength, flexibility, balance, detoxification, energy, and relaxation. Ultimately, asanas prepare the body for meditation and spiritual practices.

Pranayama

(Breath Control):

Pranayama involves breath control techniques that help regulate the flow of prana (life force energy) in the body. These techniques enhance emotional, physical, and mental clarity. Breathe of fire creates energy, Low Belly Breathe creates relaxation, & Alternate Nostril Breathe creates balance.

PrATYAHARA

(Withdrawal of Senses):

Pratyahara is the practice of turning inward by withdrawing the senses from external stimuli. being so concentrated and present to the moment at hand, that things like sensations and sounds don’t easily distract the mind. This prepares the mind for deeper levels of meditation.

Dharana

(Concentration):

Dharana involves cultivating focused attention on a single point, object, or mantra. Tratak (candle gazing), visualisation, and focusing on the breath are all practices of dharana. This concentration is a crucial step toward achieving meditative states.

Dhyana

(Meditation):

Dhyana is the uninterrupted flow of consciousness toward the chosen object of meditation. It involves sustained focus and awareness, when we become completely absorbed in the focus of our meditation,

Samadhi

(Union/Enlightenment):

Samadhi is the ultimate goal of yoga, representing a state of profound spiritual absorption, unity, and self-realization. It is a state of transcendence and liberation.

These Eight Limbs of Yoga provide a holistic framework for a well-rounded practice that encompasses physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of life. It's important to note that the practice of yoga is diverse and can take many forms, so different schools and traditions may emphasize various aspects of these limbs. For more articles like this, check out The 8 Limbs of Yoga Explained.