8 Limbs of Yoga Explained

Continuing to build on the meaning of yoga, I wanted to go a little more in depth into the 8 limbs of yoga. The 8 limbs include the asana practice that we all know and love in the western world. Here are the 8 limbs yoga explained in the simplest terms through my interpretation. As with all things in yoga, or even religion, there is room for interpretation. If these 8 limbs have a different meaning to you I would love to hear it. These posts are always done to open up dialogues and conversations for a better understanding of this wonderful world of Yoga.

Yama

Ahimsa – nonviolence or do no harm to others. This can be interpreted differently, but for most this includes animals and respecting all living beings. This means that to practice ahimsa you would be vegan and focus on doing no physical, or emotional harm to others.

Satya– truthfulness. This doesn’t require much explanation, but when following up ahimsa you should all take in to consideration if telling the truth will do harm. We should always tell the truth, but me mindful of others peoples feelings.

Asteya – Non-stealing. Do not take from others.

Brahmacharya – Practicing behaviors that will lead us to the divine. Guiding our energy away from external desires towards finding peace within ourselves.

Aparigraha – Is the practice of non-attachment.

Niyama

Saucha – Saucha focuses about cleanliness and purity of body, mind and surroundings. It is all about directing us towards a positive and our life.

Santosha – Contentment with your life or lack of desire for what other people have.

Tapas– Means to heat or burn. It is the desire (fire) or focus for transformation.

Svadhyaya – Is self-study and the study of ancient texts.

Isvara Pranidaha– Surrender to a higher power. Or the commitment to the lord.

Asana

This is what we all know and love in the western world. Asana is your yoga physical practice meaning the postures and movements of the body.

Pranayama

Pranayama is the practice of breath work. Prana is energy or life force and Yama is restraint. So pranayama is essentially the control of breath. Breathing techniques can help to increase energy or decrease energy. The breath work is truly magical. With that said an asana practice that connects with pranayama can be hugely beneficial to the practitioner.

Pratyahara

Pratyahara is the withdrawal of the senses. This practice usually correlates to pranayama and meditation. It is the focus on the ability to have such focused concentration that you are not distracted by things that would stimulate your senses.

Dhrana

Dhrana is focused concentration. This is the first step to concentrated meditation. It is the ability to focus on an object or something that helps them to withdraw their senses. This practice can help to calm the mind and create mental strength.

Dhyana

Dhyana is the the actual act if meditation. It is not the techniques that we practice to meditate, but the actual moment the meditation is happening. The full detachment from objects or the full withdraw of the senses.

Samadhi

Samadhi is enlightenment. This enlightenment is the ability to see our life as it is without our emotions, pleasure, pain etc. It is the the final point of I am and the connection to the divine.