The Eight Limbs Of Yoga

The eight limbs of yoga are the basics and core of yoga practice. The eight limbs was designed by the great sage Patanjali. He shared an eight-limbed path thousands of years ago that forms the basic framework of a yoga practice. The aim of the practice is that after a while, none of the elements will be worth more than another in terms of hierarchy.

The Eight Limbs are:

1. Yama – Universal Morality (there are 5 yamas; non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, continence and non-hoarding)
2. Asanas – Posture of the body (dissolves tension, builds strength, eliminates toxins and increases circulation)
3. Niyama – Personal observations (5 niyamas; cleanliness, contentment, purification, sacred texts study and devotion)
4. Pratyahara – Controlling of your senses (touch, taste, see, smell and hear)
5. Pranayama – Breathing exercises (stops your breathing from becoming restricted, erratic or choppy in mood swings)
6. Dhyana – Meditation and devotion (dissolves separateness and creates peace)
7. Dharana – Concentration levels and awareness (creates a calm and still mind)
8. Samadhi – Unity (the goal of all yoga, creates a complete state of consciousness)

Start by practicing the first limb, then extend to the second, the third and so on. Eventually, when you get used to practicing and get good at these practices, you will have achieved all that Patanjali aimed for each person to achieve by doing so. However, in order to perform them correctly, you need to be able to focus, relax and clear your mind so that each practice (limb) comes naturally to you. Prepare to reach the height of your human experience!