We were first introduced to the 8 limbs of yoga (or the yoga sutras) in 400 CE by Patanjali as a thoughtfully developed and documented system of the practice. Created as guidelines for living one’s life with purpose, the 8 limbs outline the path to Samadhi or enlightenment. Interestingly, these sutras influenced much of the yoga that’s practiced today.
The 8 Limbs Of Yoga
When most people think of yoga, they think of a form of exercise and an assortment of postures. But yoga is so much more than that, it is a spiritual discipline that seeks to unify the body, mind, and emotions. Yogic practices are an elegant combination of philosophy and body movements. A closer examination of the 8 limbs of yoga will reveal as much.
First Limb: Yama (Self-restraint)
The first limb (or Yama) focuses on ethical standards, moral conduct, and integrity. In all, there are five yamas in the first limb. Each yama helps the individual develop a better sense of awareness and a better understanding of their place in the world. If you look closely, you’ll find that the first limb of yoga is akin to what we all know as the Golden Rule, “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
Five Yamas
- Ahimsa: nonviolence
- Satya: truthfulness
- Asteya: non stealing
- Brahmacharya: continence
- Aparigraha: non-covetousness
Second Limb: Niyama (Self-purification through self-restraint and discipline)
The second limb of yoga prescribes self-restraint and spiritual observances as a means to a more orderly and productive life. The message of Niyama is: life is short, so make the best of it while you can.
Five Niyamas
- Saucha: purity of body and mind
- Samtosa: contentment
- Tapas: heat; self-discipline or desire to achieve one’s goals
- Svadhyaya: the study of the sacred scriptures and of one’s self
- Isvara pranidhana: surrender to God or a higher power
Third Limb: Asana (Seat or Posture)
The third limb of yoga (or Asanas) is the one that today’s yoga practitioners are most familiar with, as its the limb that encompasses all the postures and movements practiced in yoga. Asanas help yoga practitioners develop their self-discipline and concentration in preparation for meditation.
Fourth Limb: Pranayama (Breath Control)
The literal translation of pranayama is “life force extension” and the fourth limb of yoga is based on the yogic philosophy that the breath and mind are interconnected. Therefore, deep, rhythmic breathing calms the mind and also rejuvenates the body to help extend one’s life force.
Hence, pranayama consists of techniques to help you master your breathing so you too can find that connection to calm the mind and re-energize the body.
“Mastery of pranayama removes the veil covering the light of knowledge and heralds the dawn of wisdom” — B.K.S. Iyengar
Fifth Limb: Pratyahara (Sense Withdrawal)
Our perception of reality is heavily influenced by our sensory experience–what we see, hear, feel, touch, and taste. The more we pay attention to the “noise”, the less likely we are to focus and reach a meditative state.
The fifth limb of yoga (or pratyahara) helps us retreat (or withdraw) from the barrage of external stimuli and turn our focus inward. Pratyahara is a way to change our state of mind; it gives us the opportunity to take a beat from the world that never stops spinning around us.
Sixth Limb: Dharana (One-pointed Concentration)
In this Yoga limb, the focus is on clearing the mind and being present in the moment. The goal is to get away from scattered, random thoughts and move the mind to a single point of concentration. Candle gazing, focusing on the breath, visualization, counting, or reciting mantras are all part of dharana.
Seventh Limb: Dhyana (Meditation)
In the dhyana state, the mind is quiet and still with little to no thought. The result is pure awareness of the present moment.
Eighth Limb: Samadhi (Total Absorption)
Patanjali described the eighth and final limb of yoga (or samadhi) as a state of ecstasy. As the pinnacle of enlightenment, samadhi is a state of total absorption, a transcendence of dualistic thinking, and a feeling of oneness with all of creation.
Samadhi is a temporary state of mind, not the final goal of yoga, as many people mistakenly believe.
While feeling bliss, true inner peace, and like you’re one with the universe may seem like a lofty goal, it is attainable. Before you dive in, there are a few things you should know. First, the yogic path must be taken one limb at a time; each limb prepares you for the next. You must master the previous limb before moving on. Second, The eight limbs of yoga are not something to be plowed through, nor is it something where you can mark a date for completion on your calendar. Yoga is a process as much as it’s a practice.
To learn how Goomi Group’s onsite and virtual yoga classes can benefit your team in body, mind, and spirit, connect with us now to schedule a Yoga Anytime for All-Levels Package or yoga class or to find a wellness plan that works for your team!
