After building a foundation in breathwork and asana alignment, in our 10th session of Yoga Basics, I’d like to give you a glimpse into Yogic philosophy.
We explore the Eight Limbs of Yoga, outlined in the Yoga Sutras by Patanjali, who compiled this ancient wisdom into 195 aphorisms. These eight steps offer a complete path toward personal growth and inner freedom.
Who are you beyond your thoughts, emotions, and roles? Who are you without ego, identity, or distraction?
These are questions we can reflect on in Yoga Sūtra 1.3: “Then the Seer rests in its true nature.”
The Eight Limbs of the Yoga Sutras
- Yama = external discipline how we relate to others – non-violence, truthfulness
- Niyama = internal discipline, personal observances, self-care and cleanliness, contentment
- Asana = physical postures
- Pranayama = breathing techniques
- Pratyahara = sense withdrawal
- Dharana = concentration
- Dhyana = meditation
- Samadhi = enlightenment or bliss
Next, let’s take a slightly deeper look into the Eight Limbs of Yoga and explore their meaning.
1.The Yamas
consist of five ethical principles that serve as guidelines for our behavior towards others and the world around us.
Ahimsa, or non-harming, promotes kindness and compassion towards all beings.
Satya, truthfulness, encourages honesty and integrity in thought, speech, and action.
Asteya, or non-stealing, emphasizes respect for others’ belongings and integrity in one’s dealings.
Brahmacharya, often interpreted as celibacy, advocates for the right use of energy and moderation in all aspects of life.
Aparigraha, or non-greed, teaches detachment from material possessions and the practice of contentment with what you has.
2.The Niyamas
the second limb of yoga, teaches us how to cultivate personal discipline and self-awareness. It includes five important practices that help guide our inner growth and spiritual development.
Saucha, emphasizing cleanliness, fosters purification of body and mind.
Santosha, advocating contentment, encourages finding joy in the present moment.
Tapas, promoting discipline, fuels inner strength and determination.
Svadhyaya, the practice of self-study, deepens self-awareness and understanding.
Ishvara Pranidhana, surrendering to a higher power, cultivates humility and spiritual connection.
3. Asana
refers to the physical practice. These postures are designed to strengthen the body, increase flexibility, and improve overall health and well-being. Through the practice of asanas, practitioners develop greater awareness of their bodies and cultivate mindfulness in movement. These asanas are created to prepare the yogi’s body for sitting in meditation.
4.Pranayama,
the Breath is the heartbeat of yoga. It synchronizes with every movement, transforming practice into a meditative flow. By honing in on the breath, yogis cultivate mindfulness and unlock the body’s natural intelligence.
5.Pratyahara
means withdrawing your senses from the outside world and focusing inward. By tuning out distractions, you can better concentrate and become more aware of your inner self. This practice helps prepare the mind for deeper meditation techniques like Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi.
6.Dharana
involves the practice of focused concentration on a single point or object. By directing the mind’s attention to a specific point, practitioners develop mental discipline and clarity.
7.Dhyana
is the practice of meditation, where the mind becomes still and calm. Through the practice of meditation, practitioners cultivate a heightened state of awareness, inner peace, and connection to the present moment and spiritual awakening.
8.Samadhi
is the ultimate goal of yoga, representing a state of profound spiritual realization and union with the divine. In Samadhi, the individual self merges with the universal consciousness, leading to a transcendent experience of bliss, peace, and oneness.
The Eight Limbs of Yoga remind us that we are not only responsible for how we move, but also for how we think, speak, and live—because every thought shapes our words, every word guides our actions, and every action builds the path to our destiny.
Take care, enjoy your Yoga practice!
Andrea Stern