Eight Limbs of Yoga
Yoga is a classical Indian science dealing with the search for the soul. Sage Patanjali in his work, “Yoga Sutras”, systemized it more than 2,000 years ago. Still considered the authoritative text on yoga today, the Yoga Sutras consist of succinct “life principles”. Patanjali includes these principles in the “8 Limbs of Yoga” and provides the yogi these tools for the quest for the soul.
Yoga is a classical Indian science dealing with the search for the soul. Sage Patanjali in his work, “Yoga Sutras”, systemized it more than 2,000 years ago. Still considered the authoritative text on yoga today, the Yoga Sutras consist of succinct “life principles”. Patanjali includes these principles in the “8 Limbs of Yoga” and provides the yogi these tools for the quest for the soul.
Yama – restraints
Ahimsa – non-violence
Satya – truth
Asteya – non-stealing
Bramacharya –self restraint, responsible behavior
Aparigraha – simplicity or non-coveting
Niyama – self-observance
Saucha – purity, cleanliness
Santosha – contentment
Tapas – passion/austerity
Svadyaya – study of self
Isvara pranidhana –surrender to higher power/God
Asana – physical poses
Pranayama – controlled breath
Pratyahara – control/withdrawal of the senses
Dharana – focused concentration
Dyana – meditation
Samadhi–union with the Divine upper consciousness, bliss
Ahimsa – non-violence
Satya – truth
Asteya – non-stealing
Bramacharya –self restraint, responsible behavior
Aparigraha – simplicity or non-coveting
Niyama – self-observance
Saucha – purity, cleanliness
Santosha – contentment
Tapas – passion/austerity
Svadyaya – study of self
Isvara pranidhana –surrender to higher power/God
Asana – physical poses
Pranayama – controlled breath
Pratyahara – control/withdrawal of the senses
Dharana – focused concentration
Dyana – meditation
Samadhi–union with the Divine upper consciousness, bliss