What are the 8 limbs of Yoga?

1. Yama ( ethics) ( ahimsa - non violence , satya - truthfulness , asteya - non stealing , aprigraha - letting go expectations and attechment, brahmacharya - celibacy) 

2. Niyama ( decipline) ( socha - cleaning, Santosh - satisfaction, tapas - penance, sandhaya - self knowledge, eshwarpranidhan - surrender to supreme power 

3.asana  ( physical health)

4.pranayama  ( relex breath)

5. Prathyahara (self control on senses)

6. Dharana (1 object several thoughts)

7. Dhyana (1object 1 thought) meditation 

8. Samadhi ( subject because the object) stage of leberation 

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The eight limbs of yoga, also known as ashtanga yoga, come from the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, a revered text on yogic philosophy. These limbs are a roadmap to achieving yoga's ultimate goal: enlightenment or samadhi. They progress from outward disciplines to inward practices, guiding a holistic transformation. Here's a breakdown of the eight limbs:

1. Yama (Yamas): These are ethical principles or moral restraints that guide your interactions with the world around you. There are five Yamas:

• Ahimsa (Non-violence)
• Satya (Truthfulness)
• Asteya (Non-stealing)
• Brahmacharya (Moderation or celibacy)
• Aparigraha (Non-possessiveness)

2. Niyama (Niyamas): These are self-discipline practices that cultivate positive habits and behaviors. There are five Niyamas:

• Saucha (Cleanliness)
• Santosha (Contentment)
• Tapas (Self-discipline or austerity)
• Svadhyaya (Self-study)
• Isvarapranidhana (Surrender to a higher power)

3. Asana (Postures): This is the part of yoga most people are familiar with. Asanas involve physical postures designed to improve strength, flexibility, and balance.

4. Pranayama (Breathing techniques): Pranayama focuses on controlling the breath to regulate the flow of energy (prana) in the body. It can improve concentration, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being.

5. Pratyahara (Withdrawal of the senses): This inward-turning practice involves withdrawing your attention from external stimuli and focusing your awareness inwards.

6. Dharana (Concentration): Dharana involves focusing your mind on a single point, such as your breath, a mantra, or an object. It trains the mind to become more focused and less scattered.

7. Dhyana (Meditation): Dhyana is a state of deep meditation where the mind becomes effortlessly absorbed in the object of focus. It's a state of inner peace and stillness.

8. Samadhi (Absorption): Samadhi is the ultimate goal of yoga, a state of perfect union or complete absorption with the object of meditation. It's a state of pure bliss and enlightenment.

Remember, the eight limbs are not meant to be mastered sequentially. They can be practiced and integrated into your life in a way that feels meaningful to you on your own yoga journey.

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The eight limbs of Yoga, as outlined in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, are: 1. Yama (ethical disciplines) 2. Niyama (self-discipline) 3. Asana (physical postures) 4. Pranayama (breath control) 5. Pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses) 6. Dharana (concentration) 7. Dhyana (meditation) 8. Samadhi (absorption or enlightenment) read less

He defined the eight limbs as yamas (abstinences), niyama (observances), asana (posture), pranayama (breathing), pratyahara (withdrawal), dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation) and samadhi (absorption).

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