The Big Eight In Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, (200 BC) the eightfold path of yoga is comprised of the ethical and moral principles, as well as physical and spiritual practices to follow in order to attain the final state of samadhi, or enlightenment. The limbs are: Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, Samadhi. The first four stages concentrate on the basic morals, on gaining mastery over the body, and on developing an energetic awareness of the self. The last four deal with the senses, the mind, and attaining a higher state of consciousness. In our classes, we typically work on limbs 3 and 4, asana (postures) and pranayama (breathing exercises). 1. YAMA Yamas are the moral principles for the yogi. The five yamas are: Ahimsa: nonviolence Satya: truthfulness Asteya: nonstealing Brahmacharya: continence Aparigraha: noncovetousness 2. NIYAMA Niyama is self-discipline. The five niyamas are: Saucha: cleanliness Samtosa: contentment Tapas: heat; spiritual austerities Svadhyaya: study of the sacred scriptures Isvara pranidhana: surrender to God 3. ASANA Asanas are yogic postures. Asana helps to develop discipline and the ability to concentrate. 4. PRANAYAMA The fourth limb means breath control. The yogic breathing practices further increase awareness of the body and the spirit. 5. PRATYAHARA Pratyahara means withdrawal of the senses. A yogi is aware of his or her senses, yet is observing them from the outside, unaffected. This allows the yogi to objectively observe themselves and their habits. 6. DHARANA Dharana means a single-pointed concentration with no distraction. The mind is constantly traveling, distracting us with different thoughts. Dharana is concentrating on one thing at a time, it means stopping the usual fluctuations of the mind. 7. DHYANA Meditation - dhyana is a state of being aware without focus. At this stage, the mind has been calmed, and produces little or no thoughts. The yogi sits back and observes. 8. SAMADHI Patanjali describes this eighth and final stage as ecstasy. At this stage the yogi merges with the universe to the point that all forms disappear and become one– it’s the ultimate bliss. Yoga means union (of body, mind and spirit).
