The Eight Limbs of Yoga

21/05/2012 19:43

 

The practice of Yoga is made up of eight parts known as eight limbs. ©

Ashtanga means eight limbs.

Therefore, Ashtanga Yoga means the eight Limbs of Yoga.

The practice of Ashtanga Yoga is called Samyana.

 

PATANJALI'S Eight Limbs of Yoga are the structural framework of Yoga Practice.

  • Yama – code of conduct, they are Universal Skills. 1st Limb of Ashtanga Yoga. These are :

  • Ahimsa - non-violence,

  • Satya - right speech, truthfulness,

  • Asteya - not stealing, integrity,

  • brahmacarya - moderation,

  • Aparaigrahah - non greed.

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  • Niyama - attitude to yourself - life vows. 2nd Limb of Ashtanga Yoga. These are:

  • Sauca – cleanliness, purity,

  • Santosa – being content,

  • Tapas – self-discipline,

  • Svadhyaya – self-study,

  • ISVARA PRANIDHANANI – Connecting/Surrendering to the 'Great Divine'.

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  • Asana's - postures. 3rd Limb of Ashtanga Yoga.

  • To be centred/established in a particular posture. Asana's have two qualities:

  • Sthira – steadiness and alertness within a posture,

  • Sukha - remaining comfortable within a posture.

  • Asana will improve strength and flexibility and has three steps:

  • taking the position,

  • holding the position,

  • releasing the position,

  • avoid fast, jerky straining movements.

  • Let go and feel the posture – do not force.

  • Focus on the breath, the movement and where the energy lies within the body.

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  • Pranayama – Breathing Techniques. 4th Limb of Ashtanga Yoga.

  • Prana is energy, watch each inhalation and exhalation.

  • Retention after inhalation is known as 'antara kumbhaka',

  • Retention after exhalation is known as 'bahya kumbhaka'.

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  • Pratyahara – 5th Limb of Ashtanga Yoga.

  • going within withdrawal of senses.

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  • Dharana – concentration. 6th Limb of Ashtanga Yoga.

  • Focus when practicing a posture, work with the breath Dharana begins with Asana,

  • focus on a symbol,

  • focus on one of the chakra's (energy centres within the body),

  • a Mantra - Aum Mane Pamde Hum, or sound the Aum/Om.

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  • Dyhana – meditation: 7th Limb of Ashtanga Yoga

  • At this stage the mind remains focused for some length of time on the object and time stands still.

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  • Samadhi – enlightenment, beautiful and blissful state. 8th Limb of Ashtanga Yoga.

  • All one's awareness is on the object/subject.

SAMYANA (practice) is the integrated states of Dharana, Dyhana and Samadhi. These three limbs are seen as the internal aspects of Ashtanga Yoga.

 

THE GOAL

The goal of our practice (SAMYANA) should be SAMHADI, ENLIGHTENMENT, this is what we should each be aiming to achieve. To reconnect with your true Self (Perusha – The Seer), The Lord and Master of the Mind. This leads to Liberation, Freedom (Kaivalya).

  • At first we will only achieve relaxation, become more focused/centred thus achieving more within our day to day activities.

  • There will be many obstacles from the very start. Discipline is essential.

  • Dhuka – sorrow and pain,

  • Sukha – happiness and joy

  • These obstacles (their Sanskrit name are KLESHAS) are:

  • Avidya – spiritual ignorance.

  • Amsita – ego.

  • Raga – desire and attachment.

  • Dvesah – hatred and anger.

  • Abhiniversah – fear.

 

The four stages of the Yoga Sutra's of Patanjali

  1. Samadhi Pada – Concentration 1st and 2nd Limbs of Ashtanga Yoga.

  2. Sadhana Pada – Practice and Discipline (Kriya Yoga mind control and self awareness to connect to the Great Divine). 3rd, 4th and 5th Limbs of Ashtanga Yoga.

  3. Vibhuti Pada - The Magic Powers – 6th, 7th and 8th Limbs of Ashtanga Yoga.

  4. Kaivalya Pada – Liberation and Freedom.   ©

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