Ashtanga Yoga or Eight Limbs Yoga
What is Ashtanga Yoga or Eight Limbs Yoga?
The foundation of the philosophy of yoga relates to the art of proper living, which includes exercise, diet and meditation, and forms the Yoga Sutras.
These philosophies are also called Ashtanga Yoga or Eight Limbs Yoga (Ashta = eight and anga = limbs). They are a series of disciplines which help to purify and unify the mind and body, and bring enlightenment to the Yogi (the person who practices Yoga).
Ashtanga Yoga Postures are not just a set of physical exercises. Yoga is a science as well as an art. Astanga Yoga or Yoga Eight Limbs helps the practitioner to become aware of the self, brining balance and calmness to the person. It makes them a complete person, while also connecting them to the divine.
In Ashtanga Yoga, one is required to master each step before moving on to the next one.
The eight-fold steps are:
Yama (Control, Restraints or Abstinence): Yamas are a set of moral and ethical values, aimed at making us better individuals by molding our behavior and attitudes. It includes controlling our desires and combines it with being generous, compassionate, peaceful and honest. The five characteristics of Yama are Satya (truthfulness), Ahimsa (non-violence), Aparigraha (non-covetousness), Asteya (non-stealing) and Brahmacharya (celibacy).
Niyama (Disciplines, Devotion, Rules of Conduct and Observances): Niyamas are ethical and moral values which are self-regulatory and hence more personal and intimate. They are prescribed for self-discipline and personal observance. They include Tapas (austerity), Santosha (contentment), Svadhyaya (repetition of Mantras and studying religious books), Ishwarapranidhana (worship or self-surrender to God) and Shaucha (external and internal purity).
Asanas (Yogic Poses): Ashtanga Yoga Asanas or Ashtanga Yoga Poses are the aspect of yoga which is most commonly known. They are physical postures which help to improve the strength, health, flexibility and balance of the body. The regular practice of these Ashtanga Yoga poses tones our circulation, digestion, and elimination, and helps our organs and joints to perform better.
Pranayama (Breath Control): Pranayama helps us to inhale, exhale and control, measure and direct our breath which is the source of energy. It helps to recharge the Chakras (energy channels) of our body and release toxins from the mind and body. It relaxes the body and mind and helps it to attain perfect health and balance.
Pratyahara (Withdrawal or Retraction of Sensory Perceptions): This is the fifth limb of Ashtanga Yoga and refers to the practice of withdrawing your senses from attachment to external and material objects. It lays stress on the fact that you should withdraw your attention from external distractions and focus on your inner self.
Dharana (Concentration or Fixation of Attention): This is the sixth limb. It encourages us to banish negative thoughts and focus our concentration, which help to make the mind calm and still.
Dhyana (Devotion or Uninterrupted Meditation): This seventh limb of Ashtanga Yoga relates to profound concentration and meditation, which helps us to focus on our inner self. This creates a deep self-awareness and helps create a balance between our mind and the divine universe.
Samadhi (Complete Equilibrium or Fully Integrated Consciousness): This is the final step of Ashtanga Yoga, and its ultimate goal, helping the self to merge with the universe. The senses and body are at rest, but the mind is alert.
The foundation of the philosophy of yoga relates to the art of proper living, which includes exercise, diet and meditation, and forms the Yoga Sutras.
These philosophies are also called Ashtanga Yoga or Eight Limbs Yoga (Ashta = eight and anga = limbs). They are a series of disciplines which help to purify and unify the mind and body, and bring enlightenment to the Yogi (the person who practices Yoga).
Ashtanga Yoga Postures are not just a set of physical exercises. Yoga is a science as well as an art. Astanga Yoga or Yoga Eight Limbs helps the practitioner to become aware of the self, brining balance and calmness to the person. It makes them a complete person, while also connecting them to the divine.
In Ashtanga Yoga, one is required to master each step before moving on to the next one.
The eight-fold steps are:
Yama (Control, Restraints or Abstinence): Yamas are a set of moral and ethical values, aimed at making us better individuals by molding our behavior and attitudes. It includes controlling our desires and combines it with being generous, compassionate, peaceful and honest. The five characteristics of Yama are Satya (truthfulness), Ahimsa (non-violence), Aparigraha (non-covetousness), Asteya (non-stealing) and Brahmacharya (celibacy).
Niyama (Disciplines, Devotion, Rules of Conduct and Observances): Niyamas are ethical and moral values which are self-regulatory and hence more personal and intimate. They are prescribed for self-discipline and personal observance. They include Tapas (austerity), Santosha (contentment), Svadhyaya (repetition of Mantras and studying religious books), Ishwarapranidhana (worship or self-surrender to God) and Shaucha (external and internal purity).
Asanas (Yogic Poses): Ashtanga Yoga Asanas or Ashtanga Yoga Poses are the aspect of yoga which is most commonly known. They are physical postures which help to improve the strength, health, flexibility and balance of the body. The regular practice of these Ashtanga Yoga poses tones our circulation, digestion, and elimination, and helps our organs and joints to perform better.
Pranayama (Breath Control): Pranayama helps us to inhale, exhale and control, measure and direct our breath which is the source of energy. It helps to recharge the Chakras (energy channels) of our body and release toxins from the mind and body. It relaxes the body and mind and helps it to attain perfect health and balance.
Pratyahara (Withdrawal or Retraction of Sensory Perceptions): This is the fifth limb of Ashtanga Yoga and refers to the practice of withdrawing your senses from attachment to external and material objects. It lays stress on the fact that you should withdraw your attention from external distractions and focus on your inner self.
Dharana (Concentration or Fixation of Attention): This is the sixth limb. It encourages us to banish negative thoughts and focus our concentration, which help to make the mind calm and still.
Dhyana (Devotion or Uninterrupted Meditation): This seventh limb of Ashtanga Yoga relates to profound concentration and meditation, which helps us to focus on our inner self. This creates a deep self-awareness and helps create a balance between our mind and the divine universe.
Samadhi (Complete Equilibrium or Fully Integrated Consciousness): This is the final step of Ashtanga Yoga, and its ultimate goal, helping the self to merge with the universe. The senses and body are at rest, but the mind is alert.