The Eight Limbs of Yoga

According to Patanjali, yoga consists of eight limbs. Each of these limbs has its own separate identity, but all form part of a whole, and when they are integrated, the eight stages become true yoga.

1. Yama (social discipline)

These five universal laws include : non-violence; truthfulness; non-stealing; sexual restraint; and freedom from desire. As codes of ethical behavior, they should be followed in everyday life to promote harmony and understanding in society.

2. Niyama (individual discipine)

These five principles of personal conduct are cleanliness; contentment; austerity; study of one's own self; and devotion to God. While the yamas apply to universal morals, the niyamas are rules of behavior that apply to one's physical and mental discipline.

3. Asana (postures)

According to Patanjali's Sutras, "Postures bring about stability of the body and poise of the mind." Practising asanas improves flexibility, vitality, and health, and activates the organs (heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, spleen and pancreas). However, the true importance of postures is the connection between body and mind, so the two become interwoven, initiating the path from physical to spiritual awareness.

4. Pranayama (Breath Control)

Patanjali states that pranayama should be practiced only after a firm foundation in asana has been established. Practising pranayama releases tension in the body, calms the nervous system and keeps the mind tranquil.

5. Pratyahara (Withdrawal and control of the senses)

This withdrawal of the senses from objects of desire is the link between the first four limbs and the last three. After following the rules for universal and personal ethics (yama and niyama) and practising asanas and pranayama, one can turn one's senses inwards and achieve complete tranquility.

6. Dharana (Concentration)

After work on the body in asanas, refinement of the mind through pranayama and internalization of the senses of perception in pratyahara, the sixth stage, dharana, is reached. Here the mind is in a state of total absorption and is concentrated on a single point or task in which it is totally engrossed. The longer the mind remains in this state of focus, the more powerful it becomes.

7. Dhyana (Meditation)

When the practitioner maintains uninterrupted focus of attention in dharana, it becomes dhyana. In this state of deep concentration and undisturbed meditation, the mind, body and breath become one and merge into a single state of being.

8. Samadhi (Self-realization)

This is the culmination of yogic achievement-a true sense of communion and peace. This setting of the mind is the essence of yoga, where one has risen above the senses as a result of the complete refinement of both body and mind. The body and senses are at rest as if asleep, the mind and reason are alert as if awake, yet everything has gone beyond consciousness.

The first five limbs (yama, niyama, asana, pranayama and pratyahara) are known as the disciplines of yoga. They prepare the body and clear the mind and senses in readiness for the next three limbs (dharana, dhyama and samadhi), which are known as the attainments of yoga. Patanjali says, "The study of the eight limbs of yoga leads to the purification of the body, the mind and the intellect; the flame of knowledge is kept burning and discrimination is aroused."

The demands of modern life can bring about stress, which leads to illness as well as mental anguish. Good health is the harmony between body mind and soul. It is a result of a balanced
diet, exercise and a mind that is stress-free. In yoga, the asanas revitalize the body and pranayama brings about a sense of calmness. This helps to free the mind of negative thoughts caused by the fast pace of today's world. It is encouraging to know that in this age of pressure, there are well-established techniques in yoga to restore health and help contribute to life of happiness and harmony.

'The Complete Guide to Yoga' Judy Smith, Doriel Hall, Bel Gibbs'