Philosophy of Yoga ​​​- The 8 Limbs of Yoga

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As we continue discovering more about yoga philosophy, we use this month to read, learn, and practice the 8 Limbs of Yoga. Part of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, they were designed to guide us from physical health and ethical living to deep meditation and spiritual liberation.

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The 8 Limbs of Yoga consist of the Yamas, Niyamas, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana and Samedhi.

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Let us explore each one (without getting too technical or involved).

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Yamas - Interaction with the world and others. The 5 moral disciplines  consist of non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, non-greed, and the proper use of energy.

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Niyamas - Personal observation, inner discipline, self-care, and spiritual growth through cleanliness, contentment, discipline, and surrender.

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Asana - Physical postures that build strength and flexibility while preparing the body for meditation.

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Pranayama - Breath control used to calm the nervous system and direct life-force energy.

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​Pratyahara - Withdrawal of the senses by focusing inward and away from external distractions.

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Dharana - Concentration, mindfulness, and single-pointed focus that helps prevent the mind from wandering.

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Dhyana - Meditation, being in a state of uninterrupted concentration where the mind is quiet and fully present in the moment.

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Samadhi - Absorption, a state of profound peace and interconnectedness, where meditation and the universe merge as one.

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As we attempt to learn more about the 8 Limbs of Yoga and practice them in our daily lives, we begin to realize the importance of moving beyond the physical and ethical living towards a more profound path that enables mental clarity, profound meditation, and spiritual enlightenment.

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Namaste​​​​​​​​