Patanjali, an ancient sage, defines yoga as “the restraint of the fluctuations of the mind.” He compiled the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali — aphorisms on yoga — in which he presents an eightfold path (eight limbs) aimed at the well-being and purification of the body, mind, and soul. This eight-limbed approach, known as Ashtanga Yoga, should not be mistaken as a step-by-step method, but rather understood as a multidimensional approach in which all eight limbs are practiced simultaneously.
The Eight Limbs of Yoga
Yama and its complement Niyama represent a series of "rules for life" or ethical guidelines.
Yama – The Five Social Ethics:
Ahimsa – Non-violence in actions, speech, and thoughts
Satya – Truthfulness in intention, based on a higher truth
Asteya – Non-stealing
Brahmacharya – Divine conduct, celibacy
Aparigraha – Non-possessiveness; not hoarding or coveting what belongs to others
Niyama – The Five Personal Ethics:
Shaucha – Purity of body and mind
Santosha – Contentment
Tapas – Austerity and self-discipline
Svadhyaya – Study of the Self; self-inquiry
Ishvarapranidhana – Surrender to God; devotion to the Divine
Asanas – Yoga poses or postures
Pranayama – Regulation of life force (prana) through specific breathing techniques
Pratyahara – Withdrawal of the senses
Dharana – One-pointed focus
Dhyana – Meditation
Samadhi – The highest state of consciousness, achievable during meditation
