Ashtanga: the eight limbs of Yoga

Patañjali's Yoga is structured in eight limbs. In Sanskrit: Ashtanga (aṣṭa, eight; anga, limb). It is not a progression of levels, nor eight independent techniques. It is a single discipline, described from eight angles.

The eight limbs

1. Yama

Moral observances / Universal disciplines

Principles of moderation and ethical behaviour towards others and the outer world: non-violence, truth, non-stealing, continence, non-possessiveness.

2. Niyama

Personal observances / Individual disciplines

Rules of personal conduct and of a disciplined inner life: purity, contentment, ardour, self-study, surrender to the divine.

3. Asana

Posture / The seat

The physical postures of yoga, steady and comfortable, so that the body can remain stable and the mind can settle.

4. Pranayama

Breath control / Expansion of vital energy

Conscious regulation of breathing to master the flow of vital energy in the body.

5. Pratyahara

Withdrawal of the senses

The ability to detach the mind from outer stimuli and turn one's awareness inward.

6. Dharana

Concentration / Single-point focus

A mental exercise of holding attention without interruption on one object or point.

7. Dhyana

Meditation / Continuous awareness

A state of uninterrupted meditative flow in which the mind stays in constant contact with the object of its concentration, without distraction.

8. Samadhi

Absorption / Union / Bliss

The ultimate state of self-realisation and total union, in which the practitioner is no longer separate from the Whole.

Complementary terms

The five Yamas and the five Niyamas, one by one.

Ahimsa

Non-violence

Not harming, in thought, word or action, oneself and every form of life.

Satya

Truth

Being sincere and upright in one's words and actions, with respect for others.

Asteya

Non-stealing

Refraining from taking what does not belong to us, including other people's time or energy.

Brahmacharya

Continence / Mastery of the senses

Channelling and using one's vital and sexual energy wisely towards spiritual elevation.

Aparigraha

Non-possessiveness / Non-attachment

Not burdening oneself with superfluous goods and not coveting what belongs to others.

Saucha

Purity (inner and outer)

Cleansing body and mind to foster mental clarity and overall health.

Santosha

Contentment

Cultivating inner peace and deep satisfaction, independently of outer circumstances.

Tapas

Ardour / Discipline / Sustained effort

The transforming fire that burns away physical and mental impurities to strengthen the will.

Svadhyaya

Self-study / Study of sacred texts

Observing and analysing one's own thoughts and behaviours in order to know oneself better spiritually.

Ishvara Pranidhana

Surrender to the divine / Devotion

Offering the fruits of one's actions to a higher force or to the universe, releasing the need to control.