The 8 Limbs of Yoga Explained 🙏

Yoga is a philosophical way of living your life. The physical movement of the body and the seated meditation practice that we associate with a Western yoga class, comprises only two aspects of the eight philosophical principles, or limbs, that underpin the practice of yoga. The non-dualist traditional of yoga does not identify with a God but rather, recognises that we are all connected. In Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, a key text on yoga philosophy written over 2000 years ago, the eight-limb path is used to demonstrate the central principles of yoga and is a clear framework that you can return to again and again to deepen and expand your understanding and practise of yoga.
These eight limbs are:
1. Yamas (moral disciplines, ethics)
There are five Yamas listed in the Yoga Sutras and these are: ahimsa (non-violence), satya (Truth or truthfulness), asteya (non-stealing), brahmacharya (integrity in relationship to sexuality/chastity) and aparigraha (freedom from desire and greed).
2. Niyamas (positive duties or observances)
There are five Niyamas: saucha (purity or cleanliness), santosa (contentment), tapas (self-discipline; spiritual passion, practice), svadhyaya (mindfulness; self-study) and Ishvara Pranidhana (surrender to God or the Absolute).
3. Asana (posture, physical movement of the body)
The word asana can be translated as “seat” and originally referred to the seat you would take in meditation. As yoga evolved and different physical postures were created, the term asana referred to the posture you were in and then, eventually, it began to be the word used to refer to all the physical postures of yoga that we are familiar with today. The practice of asana is a form of moving meditation where practitioners turn their attention inwards and focus on the breath. It is a tool to prepare the body and mind for seated meditation.
4. Pranayama (breathing techniques)
Pranayama translates as “extension of life-force energy” and the term refers to the breathing techniques that you might use at the beginning or throughout a yoga class. Controlling the breath by using Pranayama helps the yoga practitioner to steady the mind and is often viewed as the foundation for the development of meditation, helping to create a focused and concentrated mental state.
Prana, which is life-force energy in the yoga tradition, is increased in the body through breathing techniques and asana practice. By increasing prana, it is said to give yogis good health and longevity. Traditionally, yogis tried to build prana in the body to awaken the dormant Kundalini energy. This concentrated form of prana would pierce open and awaken the Chakras so that the yoga practitioner could attain enlightenment.
5. Pratyahara (withdrawal of senses)
Pratyahara is the fifth limb of yoga and often considered the bridge between the first four limbs, which are more externally focused and the last three limbs, which are more internally focused. Pratyahara can roughly be translated as the withdrawing of the senses and is considered the first step towards deep meditation. Traditionally, yogis would withdraw from the everyday world to live in caves in the Himalayas or to join forest communities. Pratyahara doesn’t need to involve this extreme action and it can simply refer to becoming more aware of what commands your attention and consciously directing your attention. An example of this would drawing your attention back to a yoga posture or your meditation practice when your attention is drawn outward by sensory stimuli or when your attention is drawn into thought.
6. Dharana (concentration)
Dharana is defined by Patanjali as concentration or single-pointed awareness. When a yoga practitioner learns how to steady the mind and consciously let go of thoughts and feelings as they arise then a steady uninterrupted state of intense focus is cultivated. It can be thought as the application of the mind to an object and these objects can be tools to help the practitioner to focus. Examples include repeating mantras or observing the breath.
7. Dhyana (meditation)
Dhyana refers to meditation or contemplation and builds upon the practice of Pratyahara and Dharana. Dharana is defined as concentration and single-pointed awareness and meditation is the extension of the concentration into a flowing process. The practice of meditation is to be aware of everything that arises in our consciousness and to choose to stay present and not get entangled in our thoughts and feelings.
8. Samadhi (enlightenment)
The final limb of yoga is Samadhi, or enlightenment and it is the ultimate goal of the yogic path. Samadhi occurs when the yoga practitioner transcends the Self and realises their interconnectedness with all living things. The yoga practitioner ceases to identify with the self as ego and identifies as consciousness. Samadhi is not a state to be attained, but it is our true nature.
🌻 my website | www.ailsaburns.com/
#yoga #philosophy #yogapractice

[@ailsaburns]

From Thursday 20th June to Saturday 22nd June 2024, you are invited to ignite your inner fire and uplift your inner being. Join me for 🌸 Light in Bloom 🌸; three days of online and on-demand yoga and Yoga Nidra. What's even better is Light in Bloom is absolutely FREE to join for email newsletter subscribers. Enrol now for free 👉 bit.ly/3VobA9Q Light in Bloom is your time to slow down and reflect on the close of Spring, to celebrate the fiery essence of the Solstice and to cultivate ritual as you bloom into the new season of Summer. Each morning you will receive an email prompting you to explore a different aspect of yoga and Yoga Nidra. Classes include: 🌸 30 minute strengthening yoga sequence 🌸 1 hour grounding and calming yoga class 🌸 20 minute restful Yoga Nidra meditation 🌸 An intention-setting ritual and journalling exercise Light in Bloom is hosted on a dedicated online portal, the last day to sign up for the program is Wednesday 19th June 2024 and the last day to access the program is Monday 24th June 2024. I hope you enjoy welcoming and celebrating beginning of Summer. 🙏 Much love, 🌙✨🌙 Ailsa 🌙✨🌙

[@Time2ShinePhotography]

Thank you for taking the time and care to explain the 8 limbs, this has been very informative and easy to follow 🙏🥰 Namaste my friend

[@ailsaburns]

Thank you so much Laura, I am so happy to hear that this video was clear and easy to understand. If you have any other questions regarding yoga, then I have a Yoga Explained playlist which covers common yoga questions so feel free to check that out if you are interested. 🙏🥰

[@njan_malayali_2023]

Om Nama Shivaya 🌞 Thank you my virtual lecture ☺️❤️ I will never forget this topic again 🌞. Bless Me For Being A Great Doctor For Society 💞 Love From Kerala India ❤️❤️

[@ailsaburns]

Thank you so much for the kind comment. 🥰

[@shivangnautiyal3522]

Also read bhagvat geeta which lord explain yoga more in detail like sankya yoga ( discribe about difference in soul and body )karma yoga ( following the righteous duty by detachment of desires) bhakti yoga ( surrender to god ) gyana yoga ( knowledge )

[@ailsaburns]

Thank you! 🥰

[@holisticemmy]

I love the way you explained this. Thank you!! :)

[@ailsaburns]

Thank you so much, I am so happy to hear that this helped you. I have an entire playlist dedicated to explaining common yoga terms so feel free to check that out if you want. I hope you are keeping safe and well! 🥰

[@posummerton-hope6930]

Thank you for this very clear and insightful video ❤️

[@ailsaburns]

Thank you! So glad to hear that the video helped you. I have a whole playlist dedicated to explaining yoga terms so feel free to check out that if you want. 🥰

[@gabiquaresma9373]

Thanks for thisss!

[@ailsaburns]

Thank you for the lovely comment, I am so glad it helped! 🙏🥰

[@PivotPixie]

This video is very helpful. Thank You

[@ailsaburns]

I am so glad! 🥰 Wishing you well on your journey with yoga.

[@MonicaEspinosa]

Lovely video and greatly explained Ailsa♥️

[@ailsaburns]

Thank you so much Monica. So happy to hear that it answered your questions. 🥰

[@TheChrysalisGal]

Thank you so much. This was very helpful 😊

[@ailsaburns]

Thank you for your lovely comment and I am glad this video was helpful for you too (as well as the Yoga Nidra video)!🥰

[@shatrudhnashatrudhna9649]

i love you so much. from India . i watch your video first time and i am impressed so much from you so now i decided to watch your one video daily. i am feeling so happy that your are so deeply in to Yoga. Lots of love from India.

[@ailsaburns]

Thank you so much for such a kind comment and I am so happy that my videos resonate for you. Wishing you well on your journey with yoga! 🥰🙏

[@juliedew6669]

Nice job! Share the wisdom.

[@ailsaburns]

Thank you Julie! I am glad to hear that you enjoyed the video. 🥰

[@marvinthemartian6788]

Great video! I’ve only done 2-3 of the limbs thus far

[@ailsaburns]

Thank you so much for your kind comment and wishing you well on your journey with yoga! 🥰

[@marvinthemartian6788]

@@ailsaburns I changed my name on KZbin. I’m one of your patrons. I brought up druidry before. Ty for your reply.

[@francesdoyle9461]

Lovely, thank you. Sounds like you are Scottish?

[@ailsaburns]

I certainly am! I am from near Aberdeen and thank you for your comment! 🥰 xxx