Patanjali's Vision

The EightLimbs of Yoga

"यमनियमासनप्राणायामप्रत्याहारधारणाध्यानसमाधयोऽष्टावङ्गानि ॥ २.२९ ॥"

Ashtanga Yoga is the path of eight limbs. These stages provide a comprehensive framework for living a meaningful and purposeful life, leading the seeker from external discipline to the ultimate state of Samadhi.

01
Limb 01

Yama

यम

Ethical Standards

Universal moral commandments and external disciplines that govern our relationship with others and the world.

Ahimsa (Non-violence)Satya (Truthfulness)Asteya (Non-stealing)Brahmacharya (Continence)Aparigraha (Non-covetousness)
02
Limb 02

Niyama

नियम

Self-Discipline

Personal observances and internal disciplines that cultivate a pure inner environment and spiritual path.

Saucha (Purity)Santosha (Contentment)Tapas (Asceticism)Svadhyaya (Self-study)Ishvara Pranidhana (Devotion)
03
Limb 03

Asana

आसन

Posture

The physical practice of Yoga, designed to prepare the body for meditation and channel vital energy through stable and comfortable positions.

StabilityComfortStillnessPreparationAlignment
04
Limb 04

Pranayama

प्राणायाम

Breath Control

Regulation of the breath to expand and master the 'Prana' or vital life force, bridging the gap between the physical and the subtle.

Inhalation (Puraka)Rechaka (Exhalation)Retention (Kumbhaka)VitalityClarity
05
Limb 05

Pratyahara

प्रत्याहार

Sense Withdrawal

Drawing the senses away from external objects and turning the awareness inward, creating the foundation for deeper concentration.

InternalizationDetachmentSensory RestPeaceInward Flow
06
Limb 06

Dharana

धारणा

Concentration

Fixing the mind on a single point or object, training the awareness to remain steady without distraction.

Single-pointednessFocusMental StabilityAttentionPrecision
07
Limb 07

Dhyana

ध्यान

Meditation

An uninterrupted flow of awareness toward the object of concentration. The distinction between the observer and the observed begins to dissolve.

Effortless FlowDeep StillnessExpanded AwarenessInsightPresence
08
Limb 08

Samadhi

समाधि

Pure Absorption

The final limb and ultimate goal where the seeker merges with the Infinite. A state of pure consciousness, bliss, and liberation from the ego.

OnenessBlissLiberation (Kaivalya)Total UnionTranscendence

Ready to begin the Abhyasa?

The journey of the eight limbs begins with the first step on the mat. Explore our practice sessions to integrate these ancient disciplines.