The Eight Limbs of Raja or Ashtanga Yoga
Compiled by the Sage Patanjali Maharishi in the Yoga Sutras, the Eight Limbs are a progressive series of steps or disciplines which purify the body and mind, ultimately leading the yogini/yogi to enlightenment.
YAMAS Ahimsa or non-violence Satyam or truthfulness Brahmacharya or moderation in all things (control of all senses). Also refers to celibacy Asteya or non-stealing Aparigraha or non-covetousness NIYAMAS Saucha or purity - this internal and external cleanliness. Santosha or contentment Tapas or austerity Swadhyaya or study of the sacred texts Ishwara Pranidhana which is constantly living with an awareness of the divine Presence (surrender to God’s Will) Asanas - Postures ASANA PRANAYAMA PRATYAHARA DHARANA DHYANA SAMADHI
Restraints are divided into five moral injunctions, aimed at destroying the lower nature; signified by non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, sexual restraints and on-greed. Yamas should all be practiced and developed but also more importantly in the spirit. To be practiced in word, thought and deed.
Observances, cleanliness, contentment, simplicity, study of the self and the ancient scriptures and acknowledgement of a Supreme Being.
Purify the body and make it a perfect vehicle for the furthering journey. Heat is the main tool for this purification. Internal heat is generated by a continuous flow of yoga postures combined with dynamic breath. The different postures are used to direct this heat into the many different energy channels (nadis) of the body. Internal locks (bandhas) are specific muscular contractions used to store energy in the body which we normally expend. Traditionally it is understood that you practise the 840 asanas until you can sit comfortably in the lotus position (padmasana) for a few hours.
Regulation and control of the breath. It is thought that the control of the breath controls the mind. It is the breath which synchronizes body and mind. There is a whole range of breathing exercises that one practices while gaining mastery of asana. Their purpose is to purify the mind. One achieves mastery of breath when one can tell your mind what it should do instead of vice versa. Asanas and Pranayama form the sub-division of Raja Yoga known as Hatha-Yoga
Means to turn the attention inward withdrawal of the senses to still the mind. Often happiness depends on wealth, pleasure, satisfaction, love and more. Pratyahara practiced to become independent of these external stimuli. The objective is to discover the real source of happiness within us. In the asana practice for example, one listens to their breath, gazing (drishti) at specific focal points, holding the internal locks (bandhas) following the flow of postures and one becomes totally immersed in the moment. One is directing all their energy back inside to create a space for oneself that is completely detached from the outer world.
Concentration is focusing the mind on a single-pointedly one object. At first one may focus for only a few seconds. Through daily asana practice, focusing on the breath and being mindful in the asanas, this ability to concentrate the mind is swiftly improved.
Meditation, the state of pure thought and absorption in the object of meditation: to remove all objects, thoughts:words and keep the mind single pointed - on the void, on stillness of mind (emptiness). Some who try meditation for the first time experience how easily the mind attaches itself to the next arising thought, and the next to become lost in a labyrinth of thought and recognition. Yoga helps those who find meditation a challenge, to prepare adequately. When you have a purified body and mind and learnt to control your thoughts and senses you become more able to see/feel the empty spaces between all of the phenomenon that arises in your mind. To rest in this emptiness, to remain unidentified within them, is true meditation. It is here where we gain freedom that we can experience. Dhyana is a duality that leads to Samadhi.
The superconscious state. In Samadhi non-duality or oneness is experienced. This is the deepest and highest state of consciousness where body and mind have been transcended and the Yogi is one with the Self or God. Bliss, realization, truth arises spontaneously after extended periods of meditation. One is able to observe, witness of our true nature. One realizes their individual self - atman, is one with the divine self - Brahman.
Pattabhi Jois, the Master of Ashtanga Yoga says ‘Partial yoga methods out of line with their internal purpose can build up the six enemies: desire, anger, greed, illusion, infatuation and envy, around the heart. The full Ashtanga system practised with devotion leads to freedom within ones heart.’
