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Yoga PhilosophyWhat are the 8 limbs of yoga and how do they relate to modern times? Take a stroll down a path of expansion as we dive into mindset, relationships with ourselves and others, self-observation, philosophy around mindfulness and how we are the placebo in the creation of our reality. Your physical practice directly translates into these other tenets of ascension, is served by them, and is serving to them.
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Dharma Study | 8 Limbs of Yoga | Types of Yoga | Yamas & Niyamas
8 Limbs of Yoga
The eight limbs of yoga serve as guidelines for how to live a balanced, ethical, and vibrant life. These eight areas of focus are an interconnected web of tools in practice that serve endlessly (and sometimes uncomfortably!) on a journey of individuation. A balanced practice supports wellness from a physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual realm, creating a recipe for a nourishing existence.
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1. Yamas
Yamas is a Sanskrit word that translates to "restraints". The Yamas are the first limb of yoga and are our social disciplines that serve as a guide in our interactions with the world. The Yamas are where we can see past our own needs and into the collective contribution to community and relationships. The Yamas reflect our true nature and serve as a mirror to pull back from seeking so much externally and instead sourcing our joy and happiness from what lies within. Practicing the yamas can be deeply uncomfortable as we learn to hold a mirror to the eye of the beholder.
2. Niyamas
Niyamas is a Sanskrit word that translates to "observances". The Niyamas the second limb of yoga and are our guide in our relationship with self. Whereas the Yamas have an external focus, the Niyamas focus within. The practice and exploration of the Niyamas leads us toward an evolution of harmony. The Niyamas offer up seeds of aspects of which to observe. When planted and repeatedly nourished, these seeds can grow in to a structure that supports a peaceful life in all of its ebbs and flow of tremendous trial and challenge.
3. Asana
Our Asana, or "posture", practice is the third limb of yoga. In Asana, we support presence and health in the physical body. Asana promotes physical wellness so that we may more fruitfully practice the other limbs of the mental and spiritual realms with great strength and discipline. The physical benefits of practicing Asana are abundant and include improved flexibility, balance, a relaxed state of being.
4. Pranayama
Pranayama is often directly translated into "breath control". More specifically, the word Pranayama consists of: prana (the vital energy that is infinitely everywhere) and ayama (to un-restrain or extend). Our vital life force of breath is a valuable tool to eliminate waste and replenish + rejuvenate energy. Our breath practice can also serve us in means of working with symptoms of anxiety, stress, and general unease or stagnation. Explore methods and techniques of breath control and how to apply these practices both on and off the mat.
5. Pratyahara
The fifth limb of yoga is our practice of Pratyahara, or the withdrawal (or control) of the senses. The translation of Pratyahara from Sanskrit to English equates to "gaining mastery over external influences". This is where our practice turns from external to internal. Pratyahara shifts focus from the external vibrancy on a more physical plane and human experience to an internal mastery where we begin to build a valuable relationship with the senses.
6. Dharana
The sixth limb of yoga is our practice of Dharana, or one-pointed concentration. Dharana in Sanskrit means "concentration". With the practice of Dharana, we are able to fix the mind on one object, point, or thing, and hold our concentration on this one point. This point might be a chakra, a physical spot on the body, an image or object in the room, etc. The practice isn't so much about the object itself but rather about the steadiness of the mind. When expanding into the next limb, Dyhana or meditation, we must be able to fixate and control the mind first.
7. Dhyana
Dhyana is the seventh limb of yoga. The word Dhyana comes from the Sanskrit word "dhyai" which means "to think of". Dhyana is the experience of being completely in the zone, or absorbed in meditation. Whether while exercising, sitting in meditation, or any moment in which all that exists is that very moment, that is Dhyana. Definition of Dhyana from Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, 3.2: Meditation is the one-pointedness of the mind on one image. Meditation is the continuous flow of the same thought or image of the object of meditation.
8. Samadhi
Samadhi is the 8th and final limb on our path. Samadhi is the highest state of consciousness. In this state, we find healthy connection in our inner and outer worlds, continue to support the body and breath, stay committed to removing stimuli and distraction, hold concentration and focus in the mind, and meditate in its deepest sense. In this state of consciousness, the whole self (as a whole) is one with the universe. Separation dissolves and we experience a state of enlightenment. This state is not a constant and as will the other limbs, requires consistent practice.
