8 Limbs of Yoga

Eight Limbs of Yoga from the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. These are guidelines for living a meaningful and purposeful life, encompassing physical, mental, and spiritual aspects. Here they are:

  1. Yama (Ethical Restraints) - Moral disciplines to live harmoniously with others:

  • Ahimsa (Non-violence)

  • Satya (Truthfulness)

  • Asteya (Non-stealing)

  • Brahmacharya (Moderation)

  • Aparigraha (Non-possessiveness)


  1. Niyama (Personal Disciplines) - Self-care practices for inner growth:

  • Shaucha (Purity)

  • Santosha (Contentment)

  • Tapas (Discipline)

  • Svadhyaya (Self-study)

  • Ishvarapranidhana (Surrender to a higher power)


  1. Asana (Physical Postures) - The physical practice of yoga to prepare the body for meditation

  2. Pranayama (Breath Control) - Techniques for controlling the breath to influence energy flow and mental focus.

  3. Pratyahara - (Withdrawal of Senses) - Turning inward by detaching from external distractions.

  1. Dharana (Concentration) - Single-pointed focus, a preparation for meditation.

  2. Dhyana (Meditation) - Continuous, effortless meditation leading to deep awareness.

  3. Samadhi (Absorption or Enlightenment) - The ultimate state of spiritual realization and union with the divine.