8 Limbs of Yoga

Philosophy of Yoga

Patanjali, a scholar who lived approximately 2500 years ago, is credited with having written the Yoga Sutras, 196 terse aphorisms that teach about Ashtanga (eight limbed) Yoga. The “eightfold path,” includes yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana, and samadhi, and is non-linear. In fact, all the limbs may be practiced and integrated into asana, the third limb of Ashtanga Yoga—this is one of the most innovative and distinguishing aspects of BKS Iyengar’s methodology.

For example, the complete attention and presence required of dharana (concentration) can be achieved through the self-awareness brought by focusing on the alignment, actions, and techniques of any given posture. Yama, universal moral values, are also to be observed within the practice of asana. By recognizing limits within asana practices, to avoid injury and self-harm, one adheres to Ahimsa (nonviolence), one of the yamas. These principles should be transferred to your daily life, words, thoughts, and deeds.

Ashtanga Yoga | Eight Limbs of Yoga

Yama | Universal moral values: Ahimsa (nonviolence), Satya (truth), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacarya (continence), Aparigraha (non-coveting)

Niyama | Self-purification by discipline: Sauca (cleanliness), Santosa (contentment), Tapas (burning desire), Svadhyaya (self-study), Isvara Pranidhana (dedication of one’s actions to the Divine)

Asana | Postures, sequenced together to achieve a state of integrated well-being

Pranayama | Regulation of the life force through channeling the breath

Pratayahara | Withdrawal of the mind from the domination of the senses

Dharana | Concentration, single-pointed attention

Dhyana | Meditation, attention focused internally and externally at the same time

Samadhi | State of absorption in which the aspirant is one with the object of meditation