In brief the eight limbs, or steps to yoga, are as follows:
1. Yama: The 5 Universal morals, ethics, and social guidelines for the practicing yogi. These guidelines are all expressed in the positive, and thus become emphatic descriptions of how a yogi behaves and relates to her world when truly immersed in the unified state of yoga. While we may not strive to reach such a pure state ourselves, the Yamas are still highly relevant and valued guides to lead a conscious, honest and ethical life.
- Ahimsa is the practice of non-violence
- Satya (truthfulness) live and speak our truth at all times. Living in your truth not only creates respect, honor and integrity but also provides the vision to clearly see the higher truths of the yogic path.
- Asteya (non-stealing) is best defined as not taking what is not freely given.
- Brahmacharya (self-restraint or moderation) states that when we have control over our physical impulses of excess, we attain knowledge, vigor, and increased energy.
- Aparigraha (non-attachement) urges us to let go of everything that we do not need, possessing only as much as necessary.
In a practical sense, the practicing the Yamas eliminates or reduces the accumulation of bad karma as well as prevents the draining of our energy when we lead a false and/or unconscious life. When we practice the Yamas we are striving towards living a healthier, more peaceful life and at the same time we strengthen our powers of awareness, will and discernment. Engaging in these practices is not an easy task, yet by doing so we fortify our character, improve our relationships with others, and further our progress along the path of yoga.
2. Niyama : The 5 Personal observances- practicing yogi’s internal environment of body, mind and spirit. The practice of Niyama helps us maintain a positive environment in which to grow, and gives us the self-discipline and inner-strength necessary to progress along the path of yoga.
- Shaucha (purification) is a central aim of many yogic techniques. The yogis discovered that impurities in both our external environment and our internal body adversely affect our state of mind, and prevent the attainment of real wisdom and spiritual liberation. The practices of asana, pranayama, and meditation cleanse and purify the body and mind, as well as strengthening their capacity to maintain a pure state of being.
- Samtosha (contentment) is not craving for what we do not have as well as not coveting the possessions of others. When we are perfectly content with all that life gives us, we attain true joy and happiness. It is easy for the mind to be fooled into thinking that we can attain lasting happiness through the possession of objects and goods, but both our personal experience and the teachings of the sutras prove that the happiness gained through materialism is temporary. Practicing contentment frees us from the unnecessary suffering of always wanting things to be different, and instead fills us with gratitude and joy for all of life’s blessings.
- Tapas (asceticism) is a yogic practice of intense self-discipline and attainment of will power. Tapas is doing something you do not want to do having a positive effect on your life. When our will conflicts with the desire of our mind, an internal “fire” is created which illuminates and burns up our mental and physical impurities. This inner fire is also a source of spiritual energy; leading to enlightenment.
- Svadhyaya (self-study) is the ability to see our true divine nature through the contemplation of our life’s lessons. Life presents an endless opportunity to learn about ourselves; our flaws and weaknesses give us the opportunity to grow and our mistakes allow us to learn. Examining our actions becomes a mirror to see our conscious and unconscious motives, thoughts, and desires more clearly.
- Ishvara Pranidhana (devotion) is the dedication, devotion, and surrender of the fruits of one’s practice to a higher power. Through this simple act of dedication, our connection to our higher power, and our yoga practice becomes sacred and filled with grace, inner peace, and abounding love.
3. Asanas : Body postures- the physical practice of yoga.
4. Pranayama : Control of prana or breath- the practice of breathing exercises
5. Pratyahara : Control of the senses- The practice of tuning into the body with awareness on and off the mat. Being present in the moment.
6. Dharana : Concentration and cultivating inner perceptual awareness- FOCUS
7. Dhyana : Meditation
8. Samadhi : Union, state of joy & blissPatanjali’s eight-fold path of yoga creates a solid foundation and strong container for the yogi or yogini to move into the deeper stages of yoga with focus, inner-strength, and success. Practicing the eight limbs is a journey and process. Take one-step at a time and proceed with compassion and without worry of perfection.
When you pick one petal from the garland of yamas and niyamas, the entire garland will follow- Swami Sri Kripalvanandaj