The Eight Limbs Or Steps Of Yoga
There are eight limbs, or steps, in the practice or on the path of yoga. Yoga is a combination of asanas or bodily postures, breathing techniques, cleansing techniques, and meditation.
The eight limbs of Yoga are:
1. Yama, the restraint or control of our behavior. There are five Yamas: Ahimsa (non-violence) Satya (truthfulness) Asteya (non-stealing) Brahmacharya (non-lust) Aparigraha (non-possessiveness)
2. Niyama, personal observance, and the way we relate to ourselves. There are also five niyamas: Saucha (cleanliness) Santosha (contentment) Tapas (austerity) Svadhyaya (the study of sacred text and oneself) Ishvara-pranidhama (surrender to God or universal consciousness)
3. Asana, physical posture, or pose. Asanas are used to free the mind and body from tension and stress to provide a sense of stability and comfort. The reason and importance of practicing the Yamas and Niyamas before asanas are so that we treat our minds and bodies with loving-kindness and not to feed the ego, which generally tries to create pain or suffering, whether it be physical or emotional.
4. Pranayama, the restraint or control of the breath. Pranayama is also used to free the mind and body from tension and stress, but also to assist in focusing the mind and provide clarity. Pranayama assists us in recognizing the connection between our mind and body.
5. Prathayara, the withdrawal of the senses. Prathayara allows us to look deep within ourselves while being aware of but not distracted by what or who surrounds us. It’s an excellent practice to remember that we are not our mind, we are not our body, but deep within us resides our true self or identity.
6. Dharana, concentration. Dharana is a practice of one-pointed concentration; focusing on anything from a mantra or sound to an energy center within the body. It is separate from prathayara and a preparation for meditation. It is the place where we come after centering ourselves and before we are able to free the mind for meditation.
7. Dhyana, meditation. Dhyana is concentration without focus; a slowing down of thought process or freedom of the mind into a flow of uninterrupted concentration. It is a practice to heighten one’s self-awareness and connection to the universe.
8. Samadhi, enlightenment. Samadhi is the last limb of yoga practice and ultimately the place where we try to reach. It is a position in which we find peace and contemplation without the distraction of ego, without attachment to things or feelings, a place of ultimate awareness and compassion. Samadhi is a place where we unite our individual consciousness with the universal consciousness, recognizing to the fullest extent our connection with all beings, everywhere. We can practice yoga every day, in every moment. Be aware and responsible for your thoughts, for your actions, and for your speech. This is yoga.
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