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.

1
Limb 1

Yama

Yama

Ethical restraints

Universal morality and ethical disciplines that guide our interaction with the external world.

Ahimsa (non-violence)Satya (truthfulness)Asteya (non-stealing)Brahmacharya (continence)Aparigraha (non-covetousness)
2
Limb 2

Niyama

Niyama

Personal observances

Self-purification and internal disciplines that build character and spiritual readiness.

Saucha (purity)Santosha (contentment)Tapas (discipline)Svadhyaya (self-study)Ishvara Pranidhana (surrender to the divine)
3
Limb 3

Asana

Āsana

Posture

Physical postures designed to purify the body, build strength and stamina, and prepare for meditation.

Sthira (steadiness)Sukha (comfort)Vinyasa (breath-synchronized movement)Tristhana (posture, breath, gaze)
4
Limb 4

Pranayama

Prāṇāyāma

Breath control

Extension and control of prana (vital energy) through specific breathing techniques.

Ujjayi (victorious breath)Puraka (inhalation)Rechaka (exhalation)Kumbhaka (retention)
5
Limb 5

Pratyahara

Pratyāhāra

Sense withdrawal

Withdrawing the senses from external objects to turn the attention inward.

Drishti (gaze)Internal focusDetachment from sensory input
6
Limb 6

Dharana

Dhāraṇā

Concentration

Single-pointed focus and concentrated attention on a specific object or mantra.

Ekagrata (one-pointedness)Mental stillness
7
Limb 7

Dhyana

Dhyāna

Meditation

An uninterrupted flow of concentration; the state of meditation where the observer and observed begin to merge.

Continuous awarenessAbsence of distraction
8
Limb 8

Samadhi

Samādhi

Integration/Absorption

A state of super-consciousness where the self dissolves into the universal consciousness; profound peace.

BlissUnityTranscendence

Primary Series — Yoga Chikitsa

Yoga Therapy for cleansing and tuning the physical body.