What are the 8 Limbs of Yoga?

In the Yoga Sutras, Patanjali explains that by practicing the 8 limbs of yoga, “there dawns the light of wisdom” (2:28). What are these 8 limbs? How can we, as modern yoga lovers, try to practice some or all of these?

The eight limbs of Yoga are (2:29):

Yamas - restraints on your behavior

Niyamas - observances for your behavior

Asana - postures

Pranayama - conscious breathing techniques

Pratyahara - withdrawal from the external senses

Dharana - concentration

Dhyana - meditation

Samadhi - integration/absorption into a super-conscious state

It’s not a linear journey!

We can practice many of these at the same time. For example, we practice Dharana (concentration) when we focus our attention on the press points in a posture, at the same time as we practice Ahimsa (non-violence) which is the first of the Yamas (restraints) – because even as we hold and focus, we are doing our best to be non-violent toward our own body. Interpreters encourage us to: “remember here that each of the eight limbs is equal to the others and necessary.” (2:30)

Another example: Some students of yoga start with Dhyana (meditation) practices and discover that they are more able to “tune in” to their inner experience when they practice Pratyahara (withdrawing from the senses) by closing their eyes and also adding a Pranayama (breathing technique). Or, they may notice that their body gets uncomfortable in a seated position – so they are drawn to Asana (postures) and Swadhyaya (self-study) which is one of the Niyamas (observances) – they move and stretch their body with non-judgmental observation.

Whichever aspect of Yoga resonates for you is a great starting point. Or maybe it’s a re-entry point? The journey of yoga is understood to be an ongoing practice of meeting yourself right where you are.

Here at Santosha, we’d love to help support YOUR journey.

Need help finding the class that works best for you?

Check out our Schedule and Guide.

Or reach out to us at anytime at: santoshayoga621@gmail.com