8 Limbs of YOGA

The word Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit root "Yuj", meaning "to Join" or "to Yoke" or "to Unite". This points to the last limbs of yoga which enlightenment or unity of individual and universal consciousness can be experienced.

Also the art and science of practising yoga helps in controlling an individual's mind, body and soul. It brings together physical and mental discipline to achieve a peaceful and healthy body and mind.

It helps manage stress and anxiety and keeps the person relax, also on physical level helps in increasing flexibility, muscle strength and body tone.

The 8 limbs of Yoga or Ashtanga Yoga*(in Sanskrit) outlined in Patanjali’s sutras which written around 200 CE and considered to be the foundational text in modern yoga, explains how to cultivate Samadhi or Enlightenment which is a blissful state of unity with the Divine.

As outlines below, asanas or poses serve as only one part of the eight, therefore all limbs are equally important.

The first two limbs, provide a set of rules for dealing with others and ourselves; it is very important how we behave outwardly to others, also in order to move forward we must begin within.

The following three, focus on the body and its physical sensations. After the body has been prepared sufficiently with the first 5 limbs, it is ready for the final three which are related to meditation.

Therefore the last limb(Samadhi) is not something that is practiced but rather is the result of prior limbs.

Although some just practice the physical aspects of yoga and see it only as another fitness program which is fine and still beneficial, but that alone won’t lead anyone to Samadhi or the state in which individual and universal consciousness unite, YOGA.

1. YAMAS (Abstinence/Discipline, Ethics related to others)

2. NIYAMAS (Observance, Ethics related to ourselves)

3. ASANA (Physical Postures)

4. PRANAYAMA (Breathwork)

5. PRATYAHARA (Withdrawal of Senses)

6. DHARANA (Concentration)

7. DHYANA (Meditation)

8. SAMADHI (Enlightenment)

*this is different with vinyasa ashtanga which is another recent style of yoga focusing on physical poses.

P.s to know more about each of these limbs, please check United Prana's FB or IG pages.