Ashtanga Yoga

Ashtanga Yoga, as described by Patanjali, consists of eight interconnected limbs that work together to guide practitioners toward liberation (kaivalya). These limbs are not sequential but function simultaneously.

1. Yama: Social Restraints

Yama involves using internal faculties to engage harmoniously with the external world.

  • Ahimsa (Non-Violence):
    Practice non-violence in actions, thoughts, and speech.

  • Satya (Truth):
    Always act with pure and righteous intention.

  • Asteya (Non-Stealing):
    Trust that whatever is rightfully yours will always be yours.

  • Brahmacharya (Moving Toward Infinity):
    Practice moderation in desires.

  • Aparigraha (Non-Accumulation):
    Avoid greed on both physical and emotional levels.

2. Niyama: Personal Observances

Niyama focuses on personal discipline and internal development.

  • Shoucha (Purity):
    Maintain cleanliness both internally and externally.

  • Santosha (Contentment):
    Cultivate gratitude and satisfaction with what you have.

  • Tapas (Endurance):
    Willingly endure discomfort as a path to growth (Path of Action).

  • Swadhyaya (Self-Study):
    Reflect on oneself and engage in the study of knowledge (Jnana Yoga).

  • Ishwara Pranidhana (Surrender to the Divine):
    Let go of ego and surrender to a higher power (Path of Devotion).

The last three observances—Tapas, Swadhyaya, and Ishwara Pranidhana—form the practice of Kriya Yoga (克里亚瑜伽).

3. Asana: Physical Postures

  • Only 3 of the 195/196 Yoga Sutras discuss asanas.
  • Definition: Asana is a steady and comfortable posture.
  • The practice of asanas allows practitioners to let go of effort and connect with the infinite.
  • Asanas help resolve conflicts arising from duality.

4. Pranayama: Breath Control

  • Prana: Life force, Ayama: Control.
  • Breath is the key to pranayama techniques.
  • The quality of your breath determines the quality of your existence.

5. Pratyahara: Withdrawal of Senses

  • Detachment from the senses: taste, smell, sight, hearing, and touch.
  • Helps bring the mind inward by reducing distractions from the external world.

6. Dharana: Concentration

  • Focus the mind with effort.
  • A stepping stone to moving from effort to effortlessness.

7. Dhyana: Meditation

  • Meditation is a state of awareness, not concentration.
  • It is akin to spending quality time with yourself, free from external distractions.

8. Samadhi: Equanimous Intellect

  • A state of complete absorption and unity with the infinite.
  • The intellect remains equanimous and undisturbed.

Sanyama: The Combined Power of Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi

The integration of Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation), and Samadhi (absorption) leads to Sanyama, unlocking profound spiritual powers.

The Goal of Ashtanga Yoga: Kaivalya

The ultimate purpose of Ashtanga Yoga is Kaivalya, or liberation—freedom from the cycles of duality and attachment.

Ashtanga Yoga offers a comprehensive framework for self-discipline, self-awareness, and self-liberation. By practicing the eight limbs simultaneously, practitioners can harmonize their body, mind, and spirit to achieve inner peace and ultimate freedom.

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