The 8 Limbs of Yoga

Yoga beyond the asana...

According to Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, there is an eight-fold path leading to liberations. This is known commonly as the '8 Limbs of Yoga'.

This pathway acknowledges yoga beyond just a physical practice but encompasses the whole essence.

The 8 different Limbs are shown below...

1. Yama

Yama focuses on our behavior toward others and the world. It includes principles like non-violence (Ahimsa), truthfulness (Satya), and non-possessiveness (Aparigraha), encouraging us to live with kindness, integrity, and respect.

2. Niyama (Personal Disciplines)

Niyama is about cultivating personal growth through practices like self-reflection (Svadhyaya), contentment (Santosha), and mindfulness. These observances guide us to live harmoniously with ourselves.

3. Asana (Physical Postures)

Asana is the physical practice of yoga, the most common Limb that Yoga is often associated as or with. Asana can be translated as 'to sit', preparing us for meditation, fostering a strong mind-body connection.

4. Pranayama (Breath Control)

Pranayama focuses on controlling the breath. By regulating breath, we can reduce stress, increase energy, and promote mental clarity, helping to deepen into our practice.

5. Pratyahara (Withdrawal of the Senses)

Pratyahara encourages turning inward by withdrawing from external distractions. It’s the practice of calming the mind and focusing our energy internally, paving the way for deeper meditation.

6. Dharana (Concentration)

Dharana is focused concentration. By fixing our attention on a single point, whether it’s the breath or a mantra, we sharpen our mental clarity and prepare to deepen.

7. Dhyana (Meditation)

Dhyana is the practice of meditation. It’s the state where concentration deepens into pure awareness, offering profound peace and insight as we connect with our true selves.

8. Samadhi (Union or Enlightenment)

Samadhi is the ultimate state of bliss, unity, and enlightenment. It’s the culmination of the practice, where we experience oneness with ourselves and the universe.

The limbs provide a comprehensive path to self-realisation, inner peace, and enlightenment. These sutras go beyond physical postures, offering a framework for understanding the deeper aspects of Yoga.

They can be a guide on how to live a meaningful and purposeful life by following the eightfold path, emphasising mental and emotional balance, self-awareness, and connection with higher consciousness.

By studying and practicing these teachings, we can deepen our understanding of the philosophy of Yoga and what is is beyond the physical aspect.