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Compiled by the Sage Patanjali Maharishi in the Yoga Sutras, the Eight Limbs offer a step-by-step path to help us live with more awareness, balance, and peace—both on and off the mat.

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1. Yama – Ethical Restraints (How We Treat Others)
Yamas are moral guidelines that foster harmonious interactions with others:
• Ahimsa: Non-violence or non-harming
• Satya: Truthfulness
• Asteya: Non-stealing
• Brahmacharya: Moderation in all things
• Aparigraha: Non-possessiveness or non-greed
 

2. Niyama – Personal Observances (How We Treat Ourselves)
Niyamas are internal disciplines that cultivate self-growth:
• Shaucha: Purity of body and mind
• Santosha: Contentment with one’s circumstances
• Tapas: Self-discipline and perseverance
• Svadhyaya: Self-study and reflection
• Ishvarapranidhana: Surrender to a higher power or the divine. Trust in something bigger
 

3. Asana – Physical Postures

Yoga postures help build strength, flexibility, and focus—preparing the body for stillness and cleansing it through breath, movement, and internal heat.
 

4. Pranayama – Breath Control

Prana (energy) yama (control) involves regulating the breath to influence the flow of prana (life energy). Techniques include controlled inhalation, exhalation, and retention, promoting mental clarity and vitality.
 

5. Pratyahara – Withdrawal of the Senses

Pratyahara is the conscious withdrawal of attention from external stimuli, turning the focus inward. This practice bridges the external and internal aspects of yoga, preparing the mind for deeper concentration.
 

6. Dharana – Concentration

Dharana entails focused attention on a single object, thought, or sensation. This one-pointed concentration steadies the mind, laying the groundwork for meditation.

Training the mind to concentrate on one thing at a time.
 

7. Dhyana – Meditation

Dhyana is uninterrupted meditation, where the mind remains effortlessly focused on the object of contemplation. This state leads to heightened awareness and inner peace.

Maintaining the concentration. A steady, quiet state of awareness and presence.
 

8. Samadhi – Absorption

Samadhi represents the culmination of the yogic path—a state of profound absorption where the individual self merges with universal consciousness. Transcendence of the ego, leading to ultimate liberation.

A deep sense of connection, peace, and unity beyond the self.

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​* Do not confuse Patanjali’s Ashtanga Yoga with Pattabhi Jois’ Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga; is a modern-day form of classical Indian yoga. The Sanskrit word "Ashtanga" or "eight limbs" is representative of the eight fold path of yoga outlined in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali

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