Patanjali's Ashtanga Yoga ~ The 8 Limbs of Yoga

ashtanga

Ashtanga is a Sanskrit term for "eight limbs", credited to an early sage of Yoga, Sri Patanjali. His system of yoga, often referred to as Ashtanga Yoga, is explained in the classic text, The Yoga Sutras. These eight limbs are discussed as a set of transformative practices and experiences for both on and off of the yoga mat. Many yogis study this text and these eight limbs in particular to support self growth and the integration of yogic principles into daily life. 

The Eight Limbs:

• Yamas - social principles: how we behave in society and the world
• Niyamas - personal priniciples: how we treat ourselves
• Asana - seat or posture: the physical practice of yoga
• Pranayama - regulation of prana: the cultivation and expansion of vital energy via breathing techniques
• Pratyahara - withdrawing the senses: bringing one's attention inward, avoiding external distraction
• Dharana - focus and concentration: creating stillness and clarity in the mind
• Dhyana - unity with the focus of concentration: flow or meditative state
• Samadhi - unity with Source: a state of equanimity and bliss

In the words of Dr. Ganesh Mohan, "Yoga is self transformation toward inner peace, wrapped in physical wellbeing."
Asana, the physical "on the mat" practice, is the third limb and also the entry point for most folks beginning to explore yoga. Like many, my introduction to yoga also began with asana. At the time, I did not understand how yoga could be so life changing, as I'd heard many claim. However, some time after committing to a daily practice, I began to experience the holistic nature of yoga not just benefitting my physical state, but mental and emotional as well. 
It became evident that cultivating flexibility and strength in various parts of my body naturally supports flexibility and strength in other aspects of my life.

This painting was made during my beginner teacher training in spring 2022. I wanted to play with the idea of these various principles of yoga as limbs arranged in some familiar poses from class. It reminds me to keep the timeless philosophies of this practice in mind whether I am on the mat or off of the mat.

I look forward to exploring each limb in future posts on this blog, stay tuned!