Yoga is an ancient practice that encompasses much more than just physical poses. It is a holistic system that focuses on promoting physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. While many people associate yoga with the familiar poses (asanas), there are actually eight different limbs, known as the ‘Ashtanga Yoga’, that together form a complete system to enrich life. Moreover, yoga is accessible to everyone, regardless of age, body type, flexibility, or agility.
The Eight Limbs of Yoga
The eight limbs of Ashtanga Yoga are: Yama (ethical standards), Niyama (self-discipline), Asana (physical poses), Pranayama (breath control), Pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation), and Samadhi (oneness, enlightenment). These limbs together form a holistic approach to yoga, integrating physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of life.
Yama: Ethical Standards Yama encompasses ethical standards and moral values, such as non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, chastity, and non-greediness. These standards serve as guidelines for creating a harmonious relationship with others and the world around us.
Niyama: Self-Discipline Niyama refers to self-discipline and self-care. This includes purity, contentment, self-discipline, self-study, and surrender to something higher. Niyama helps cultivate a healthy and balanced lifestyle and inner growth.
Asana: Physical Poses Asanas, the physical poses, are the most well-known form of yoga. They help to strengthen the body, increase flexibility, and reduce stress. But they are also meant to prepare the body for meditation and deeper awareness. Yoga poses range from gentle to challenging exercises and can be adapted to the needs of the individual.
Pranayama: Breath Control Pranayama includes various breathing techniques that help regulate life energy in the body. Pranayama exercises can help calm the mind, increase concentration, and reduce stress and anxiety.
Pratyahara: Withdrawal of the Senses Pratyahara refers to consciously withdrawing the senses from external stimuli. It involves reducing distractions and learning to control the senses so that one can focus on inner awareness and concentration.
Dharana: Concentration Dharana involves cultivating focused concentration. It involves directing the mind to a single object or thought and learning to control the fluctuations of the mind. By practicing Dharana, we can calm the mind and create more clarity and focus.
Dhyana: Meditation Dhyana refers to meditation, where one quiets the mind and becomes fully aware of the present moment. Meditation helps cultivate inner silence, awareness, and self-insight. It is an important part of yoga to calm the mind and achieve deeper awareness.
Samadhi:
Oneness, Enlightenment Samadhi is the ultimate goal of yoga and refers to a state of deep meditative oneness and enlightenment. It is a state in which the practitioner becomes completely absorbed in the consciousness of the Self and becomes one with the universe. While Samadhi is rarely achieved, it is the highest stage of consciousness that can be attained through the practice of yoga.