The Eight Limbs of Yoga

The great sage Patanjali wrote four chapters on how to find true freedom by freeing the mind. A core of his teachings is presented in the eight limbs. A brief summary is presented here.

Yamas

These are restraints, or social and universal moralities which serve as a basis for all ethical behavior. The Yamas indicate the attitude towards others and the surroundings, with one main message: Do no harm.

Ahimsa – non-violence

Living a life of peace. Caring for others so that we bring no harm onto them in thought, speech or action. Practicing kindness and compassion to all that surrounds us, from creatures to things. Extending this to our own body and self.

Satya – truthfulness

Living an honest life, from the way we think to our actions and speech. Being true with every action and thought without bending the truth to suit one’s needs. When we live in truth, there is no fear, and we are happy to be transparent with all we do and think.

Asteya – non-stealing

Acting with complete awareness as to what we take, ask for or demand. Respecting others and their belonging, whether physical, mental or emotional. The respect can extend to all levels, even other people’s time, the way we touch others, or ideas that we share.

Bramacharya – right use of energy

Traditionally used to describe abstinence. A protection from misuse of powerful energy such as the sexual energy. It is not about complete avoidance of anything, but rather finding a life of moderation, balance and action out of love. Practicing self-control. Within sexual relationship we make sure our actions are not selfish, and we take care of the other as much as we take care of our self.

Aparigraha – non-possessiveness

Living a life free from greed and obsessive accumulation. Learning to live simply and taking only what is necessary. Not hoarding or clinging, to things, people or ideas.

Niyamas

These are personal observances, the positive attitude, action and way we treat ourselves.

Saucha – purity & cleanliness

Living a life of purity, both in and out. For outer cleanliness, we maintain a clean body, home and surrounding. Inner cleanliness includes our inner organs as well as a clear mind, pure thoughts and actions; purifying the mind of emotions such as hatred, anger, jealousy, greed, delusion and pride.

Santosha – contentment

Living with humility, modesty and acceptance. Finding contentment with what we have and who we are. It is not about stagnation or laziness, but rather an acceptance of what is today, even while we strive to improve. Living with gratitude towards all we have, and finding the beauty in the details.

Tapas – austerity

Disciplined use of our energy. Keeping the body fit and in good condition. Literally it means to create heat in the body, and thus burn out the bad and clean the body. Tapas is practiced through disciplining the body, speech and mind to engage in life in a clear, healthy and enthusiastic way. We practice good eating habits, maintaining good posture, awareness of breath, etc.

Svadhyaya – study of the sacred texts and of one’s self

As we see our self clearly, learn about our nature in this body and beyond, we practice self-awareness in all we do. Through self-inquiry we learn to understand who we are and accept all aspect of this self, our strengths and our limitations. As we go deeper to search the true self, we learn to discover the greater self, and the connection with a broader energy.

Isvarapranidhama – living with an awareness of the Divine

Practicing surrender, allowing the false sense of control to drop and find connection to a greater power, a larger force that flows through the entire universe.

Asanas

These are body postures; practicing the presence of mind within the poses. Through the practice of different Asana we learn to move with ease, to find a clear state of mind in motion. We prepare our body to have ease in sitting meditation, and keep it healthy so we can bring our attention beyond it.

Pranayama

Control of life energy through the practice of breathing. We have a powerful source of energy living within us, we may be using some of it, but there is so much more we can tap into. Through breath work, we learn to bring our prana, from the Kundalini seat, up through the chakras into our system. We learn to find balance between our masculine and feminine through the practice of the breath.

Pratyahara

Withdrawal of the senses from external distractions. Our senses allow for external information to come into the mind. This information is part of reality and of what the world consists of. It is when the mind translates this information into words, and adds labels and emotions to it, that it becomes a hindrance. When we attach to a form of sense, and either want more or less of it, it leads to a distraction. We learn to operate without the control of the senses. We use them as needed, and withdraw from them when needed.

Dharana

Concentration on a single object (Ekagraha) to control the mind. As the mind tends to wander, we seek to find a way to train it to be still. It is the first step in mastering our minds. The mind can use the simple mantra of the breath to focus on, as a tool to steadiness. As we go about our life, we can practice being fully present with our actions and keeping them limited. While rolling the mat, we simply keep the mind completely aware of this simple action, without wandering. We can practice this while drinking tea or driving.

Dhyana

Meditation. Once the mind has learned to stay still, it allows for deeper states of consciousness to arrive. It is through allowing, not forcing, through acceptance with joy and ease that the minds “melts” away. As with our legs, when we need to walk, they are moving, when we go to sleep they rest. It is also so with the mind, when thinking is not needed, it finds rest and allows the consciousness to shift into a deeper state. A state beyond time and place, beyond the sense of self.

 Samadhi

Bliss, total freedom. Freedom from all the hindrances and sufferings of this life. We find Liberation from all levels of identities, from worry, attachments and all that holds us back. We realize our life beyond the realms of space and time, beyond the limitation of the body or mind. Samadhi is the state of total absorption, of exquisite balance, of melting the self into the universe. Samadhi – perfect meditation. Sama – complete Dhi (dhiyana) – meditation

Share the Limbs

Leave us a comment below, what are the easiest and hardest limbs for you? Share this article with some friends who love reading more on yogic philosophy, start a discussion among yourselves! 

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For a whole world of information and guidance on how to apply the philosophy of yoga to your daily life, have a look at the Doron Yoga Manual.

Blissful Living,

Doron