Outlined in the Yoga Sutras written by Patanjali some 2000 years ago the 8 limbs of Yoga provide the basis of our practice. The name 'eight limbs' comes from the Sanskrit term 'Ashtanga' and refers to the 8 limbs, or aspects, of Yoga. The eight limbs are the following:
1. Yamas - Restraint of negative behaviour, our guide to interact with our external world
2. Niyamas - Observance of positive behaviour, our guide to interact with our internal world
3. Asana - Yoga postures
4. Pranayama - Breathing techniques
5. Pratyhara - Mastering the 5 senses, learning to withdraw them
6. Dharana - Intense Concentration
7. Dhyana - Meditation
8. Samadhi - Enlightenment or Bliss, state of Oneness
Following the eight fold path through limiting harm, cultivating serenity, moving enough, breathing deeply, choosing uplifting feelings, and focusing the mind, we are on the way to live a calm, meaningful life.
Stay tuned, as in future blog posts I will expand each limb in detail to the best of my knowledge.
Namaste
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