… The Eight Limbs of Yoga
Jan 3rd, 2021
For many of us in the West, yoga is seen as a form of exercise, providing many benefits for the physical body, from increased flexibility and strength, to improved athleticism. However, there is much more to it than just providing us with a good workout…
“The mind is like a lake lashed into waves. Make the water of the lake clear and calm”
- Swami Prabhavananda (Indian Philosopher, 1893-1976)
Yoga’s Indian roots, within the religions of Hinduism and Buddhism, show great emphasis on the relation between mind, body, and soul, rather than their separateness. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali emphasise the role of yoga in allowing the body and mind to create union with the spirit/soul. The ultimate goal, therefore, of yoga practitioners in achieving such union, can be seen when we look at the Eight Limbs of Yoga (or the Eight Fold Path, as they are known in Buddhism).
The Eight Limbs are a list of different yogic techniques, as such, which if all (ideally) are practised over a long period of time, are ultimately believed to lead us toward the realisation of our true selves… these can be achieved through regular practise, however, most people begin by practising the Asanas, Pranayama, and/or Dhyana, which are explained below:
Yamas – “Codes of Conduct” (general) – Body- The Yamas, are essentially a set of five virtues on how to conduct oneself within society, similar to the Seven Virtues in Christianity, they emphasise qualities such as non-stealing, non-greed and honesty.
Niyamas – “Codes of Conduct” (personal) – Body- The Niyamas, like the Yamas, emphasise self-conduct, only in relation to one’s own words, beliefs, thoughts, and behaviours, with emphasis on cleanliness and contentedness (to name a couple).
Asana – “Postures” - Body- The Asanas are perhaps the best known, and most practised, of the Eight Limbs, they are the physical postures which are used in yoga, such as Downward Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana) and Child’s Pose (Balasana). Their focus is on the strengthening and cleansing of the physical body.
Pranayama – “Energy Control/Awareness” - Body- Pranayama is the control of the prana (lifeforce), most often by using certain breathing techniques. I shared a simple Pranayama Breathing Technique for everyone, on my last blog post.
Pratayahara – “Sense Withdrawal” – Mind- Pratayahara emphasises inward focus, connection with the self and leaving external distractions behind. Essentially allowing for the mindfulness of an individual, living in the moment, being at one within.
Dharana – “Concentration” – Mind- Dharana is achieved through the control of the senses, mind, and body. This is achieved through the physical practise of yoga asanas, breathwork, and mindfulness (Asana, Pranayama and Pratyahara).
Dhyana – “Meditation” – Mind- Dhyana is a deep meditative state when the consciousness is withdrawn into the soul. One can completely connect within, rid of all distraction. This is similar to being asleep, only during meditation.
Samadhi – “Bliss State” – Mind- Samadhi is the final of the Eight Limbs and is the most difficult state to achieve. It is a state of complete self-realisation, beyond the mind. Complete connection between mind, body, and soul. This “bliss state” is what is aimed to be achieved through the regular, long-term practise of the first seven of the Eight Limbs.
The Eight Limbs of Yoga serve as a set of prescriptive guidelines on how to live a more purposeful life which connects us more deeply with our inner selves. It is a long journey to begin to understand how the body, mind, and spirit work together, but a very exciting one to embark upon…
Niamh x
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