The eight limbs of yoga.

The word “yoga” comes from the Sanskrit word yuj, which can be translated into “yoking” or “union.” In yoga we are celebrating the union of our mind, body, soul, and spirit.

Before You Begin

The practice of the Eight Limbs of Yoga is referred to as practicing raja yoga, or the Royal Path. Raja yoga creates stillness and contemplation as the path unfolds throughout the eight limbs which then folds back to the first couple of verses in the sutras, from prakruti back to purusha:

Yogas chitta vritti nirodhah

Tada drastuh svarupe vasthanam.

“Yoga is stilling the fluctuations of the mind. Then one abides in their own true nature.”

1 — YAMAS

rules of moral code of the yoga practice.

• AHIMSA (non-violence/ non-harming)

• SATYA (truthfulness)

• ASTEYA (non-stealing)

• BRAMACHARYA (sexual restraint)

• APARIGRAHA (non-possessiveness)

2 — NIYAMAS

rules of personal behavior of the yoga practice.

• SANTOSHA (contentment)

• TAPAS (discipline)

• SVADHYAYA (spiritual studies)

• ISHVARA PRANIDHANA (constant devotion to God)

3 — ASANA

refers to yoga postures but in Patanjali’s initial practice, it referred to mastering the body to sit still for meditation.

4 — PRANAYAMA

are breathing techniques designed to control prana or vital life force.

5 — PRATYAHARA

the withdrawal of the senses.

6 — DHARANA

is concentration.

7 — DHYANA

the practice of meditation.

8 — SAMADHI

is merging with the divine.