The word “Asht-anga,” in Sanskrit, means “eight-limbed.” The eight distinct forms of yoga practice are as below:
- Yama [ Do’s and Don’ts / Moral restraints] – is the first of the 8 limbs and means “five restraints.” The five Yamas are ahimsa (non-violence), satya (truthfulness), asteya (not stealing), brahmacharya (moderation) and aparigraha (not hoarding).
- Niyama [Discipline] The rules are – Cleanliness, Contentment, Austerity, Self-study or Introspection, Devotion to the Supreme Lord.
- Asanas [Body Posture / Practice of postures] – Improve body balance, flexibility and strength and help to reduce stress and conditions related to same.
- Pranayama [Vyayama (Exercise of Breath) / Breath control / Extension of the breath] – is a complete breathing exercise that leads towards silence and awareness.
- Pratyahara [An Inward movement of the senses] – When the senses do not require external gratification and this leads to iternal flow of energy. The 5 Gyan Indriyan, 5 Karma Indriyan and the Mind.
- Dharana [Concentration] – One point concentration, this helps to understand, reduce and remove the osscilations in the mind.
- Dhyana [Meditation] – Where the mind is silenced and in meditation.
- Samadhi [Meditative absorption / bliss] – Complete oneness of body, mind and being.
Ashtanga Yogaha and You
Increased awareness and bliss flows and the being is in a united sense of rhythm with the unmanifested. Ashtanga Being able to move at one’s own pace and level is another great advantage of Ashtanga Yogaha.
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