Learn about the traditional yogic lifestyle by exploring this summary of the eight limbs yoga. These eight limbs origins from the ancient Yoga Sutras by Sage Patanjali which are approximately 2000 years old. The eight limbs of yoga are not only applicable on Ashtanga yoga but also all other yoga forms. Note that all eight limbs are designed to be practiced in order.
1. Yamas: How we treat others.
There are five Yamas, moral codes regarding how we relate to, and should treat each other. The five Yamas are external ethics. These moral conducts should be observed, deeply understood and followed in every day life. If the yogi would break any Yama, the progress of Self-realization and karma would suffer consequences.
1. Ahimsa - Non-harming
Ahimsa translates to non-harming. The general meaning of Ahimsa is to never hurt yourself or others, including all living things such as animals. You should not have any violent thoughts or behaviours.
2. Satya - Truthfulness
Satya means truthfulness. You should always speak your truth and never lie - to yourself or others. In moral dilemmas when a lie can spare somebody from being hurt, white lies can be acceptable. The idea of Satya is to live a life of truth.
3. Asteya - Non-stealing
Asteya means you should never steal anything from another. This includes physical objects as well as abstract ideas. But also being responsible with your possessions.
4. Bramacharya - Spiritual Conduct
Bramacharya can also be translated to celibacy. Although, in relationship this Yama is more suggesting that you should be faithful to your partner, and if you are single, only be intimate with somebody you are serious with. The basic idea is to wisely use your spiritual energy.
5. Aparigraha - Non-greed
Aparigraha means that you should not be greedy. You shouldn't compare yourself with others and embrace simplicity in your lifestyle.
2. Niyamas: How We Treat Ourselves
There are five Niyamas, moral codes regarding how we relate to and treat ourselves. The five Niyamas are internal ethics. These moral conducts should be observed, deeply understood and followed in every day life. If the yogi would break any Niyama, the progress of Self-realization and karma would suffer consequences.
1. Shauca - Purity
Shauca means purity in all things, your body, mind, soul and surroundings. Applicable on your yoga practice by keeping your mat, and the space in which you are practicing clean and non-cluttered.
2. Santosa - Contentment & Gratitude
Santosa, being content with what you have. Be grateful for what you have and not to focus on what you don't have. The grass is not greener on the other side, and Santosa will teach you deep gratitude in the present.
3. Tapas - Spiritual effort & Discipline
Tapas means to take time for spiritual effort each day. This can translate into making time to practice asana, meditation, pranayama or other spiritual practices, each day.
4. Svadhyaya - Self-study
Taking the time to study yourself. In our practice this translates to listening to our bodies, experiencing and exploring our limits.
5. Ishvarapranidhanana - Surrendering to god / Dedication
By dedicating your practice and routine to something higher. Traditionally translating to god, yet this can be whatever you believe in such as nature or universe.
3. Asana (Physical practice)
The physical practice of yoga, postures and movement. Traditionally we practice asanas to be able to sit and meditate for longer periods of time. Asanas are a cleansing technique, by cleaning your body, your mind will be still. Also practiced to clean the Koshas, the 5 layers of your body.
4. Pranayama (Breathing techniques)
Pranayama techniques serves the purpose of cleansing the Ida Nadi and Pingala Nadi so that the Prana (life energy) in the Shushumna nadi can flow freely. By cleaning your mind and body your soul can shine.
5. Pratyahara (Detachment)
Pratyahara is the stage which occurs when you are starting to relax, detaching from the world, and becoming aware of your breath. This is where you start to draw the senses inwards. You are withdrawing your senses from external objects, sensations of your senses such as smell, hearing, tasting etc.
6. Dharana (Steadying the mind)
After Pratyahara, your awareness becomes more steady and where you start to focusing your mind. In Dharana you are emptying your mind from any thought, aiming to concentrate on the object of meditation. If any thoughts are coming, you are simply just letting these go.
7. Dhyana (Mindless attention)
In Dhyana you have a mindless attention, no thoughts longer bother you, you are deeply relaxed and succesfully focused your mind on the object of meditation. This can for example be the breath, god, or the idea of happiness.
8. Samadhi (Ecstasy or Union)
Samadhi is a state where you experience bliss which defies description. This is the state of one-ness, and union with universe or god.
