The 8 Limbs of Yoga: An Overview

Patanjali, known as the “father of modern yoga,” compiled a series of principles called the Yoga Sutras (a great read if you’re interested in yoga philosophy).  These sutras outline the philosophical foundations that inform the physical, mental, and spiritual practices of yoga.

In particular, Patanjali describes the 8 limbs of yoga in the sutras.  These 8 limbs are intended to be a “guide” of sorts for living a life of meaning.  They recommend practices for ethical behavior, physical health, and spiritual connection.

So, in honor of our upcoming workshop on the first sixteen yoga sutras on Saturday, July 18, I wanted to dedicate some blog space to the 8 limbs.

Here are the 8 limbs in order:

1. Yama – specific physical restraints that embody the principle “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”

2. Niyama – spiritual observances that help cultivate self-discipline

3. Asana – physical postures (what we do at the yoga studio, and what we commonly think of as “yoga”)

4. Pranayama – breath control, helping us see how breath, body, mind, and emotions are connected

5. Pratyahara – withdrawal of senses, looking inward

6. Dharana – concentration on a single focal point within, in preparation for dhyana (meditation)

7. Dhyana – meditation, or continued concentration within

8. Samadhi – oneness with the divine

It is believed that each of the 8 limbs serves as a foundation for the next limb.  For example, it is necessary to achieve pratyahara, or withdrawal of the senses from the external world, in order to engage in dharana or internal focus.  Similarly, dharana is necessary for engaging in dhyana, or meditation.

After learning about the 8 limbs, practitioners are often surprised at how much more there is to yoga than just the physical (or asana) practice.  For the next several blog posts, I will describe each limb in further detail.

Happy week, friends!  If you’re interested in learning more about the yoga sutras and the 8 limbs, check out our workshop on Saturday 7/18 with Edwin Bergman – more info here!

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