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Kelly Carver, E-RYT

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Eight Limbs of Yoga

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The Eight Limbs of Yoga

There are eight limbs of practice on the yoga path.  These limbs can initially be individual practices, but eventually integrate and become a lifelong practice for a yogi or yogini.

 

1.  Yamas, the restraints or control of our behavior.  There are five yamas: 

· Ahimsa (non-violence) 

· Satya (truthfulness)

· Asteya (non-stealing)

· Brahmacharya (moderation)

· Aparigraha (non-possessiveness) 

 

2.  Niyamas, personal observances and the way we relate to ourselves.  There are also five niyamas: 

· Saucha (cleanliness)

· Santosha (contentment)

· Tapas (austerity)

· Svadhyaya (study of sacred text and one self)

· Ishvara-pranidhana (surrender to God or universal consciousness) 

 

3.  Asanas, poses or physical postures.  Asanas are used align the body, free the mind and body from tension and stress, and to provide a sense of stability and comfort, preparing one for intellectual yoga practices. 

 

4.  Pranayama, the restraint or control of life force or breath.  Pranayama is another practice to free mind and body from tension and stress, but also assists one in recognizing the connection between mind and body.  The breath carries prana or life force.  Therefore, to breathe is to restore and replenish.

 

5.  Pratyahara, the withdrawal of the senses.  Pratyahara is the practice of tuning inwardly, beginning the process of removing the mind from distractions.

 

6.  Dharana, concentration.  Dharana is a practice of one-pointed concentration (i.e. mantra or energy center within the body).  It is separate of pratyahara and a preparation for meditation.  It is the anchor for the mind, where it rests after centering and before being freed for meditation.

 

7.  Dhyana, meditation.  Dhyana is concentration without focus; a slowing down of thought process or freedom of the mind into a flow of uninterrupted concentration.  It is a practice to heighten one’s self-awareness and connection to the universe. 

 

8.  Samadhi, enlightenment.  It is a position in which one finds peace and contemplation without the distraction of ego, without attachment to things or feelings; a place of ultimate awareness and compassion.  Samadhi is the place where one unites individual consciousness with universal consciousness, recognizing to the fullest extent the connection with all beings, everywhere.

 

Lokah Samastha Sukhino Bhavantu

May all beings, everywhere, be happy and free

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