Learn The 8 Limbs of Yoga-Patanjali Explain 8 Elements Of Yoga

Learn-the-8-Limbs-of-Yoga-Patanjali-Explain-8-Elements-Of-Yoga

Patanjali described 8 limbs of yoga in Yogasutras. These are called eight-fold paths or eight steps through which ultimate goal of yoga can be achieved, i.e., union of our soul with the supreme soul. These are 8 elements of yoga are stated below :

1. Yama
2. Niyama
3. Asana
4. Pranayama
5. Pratyahara
6. Dharana
7. Dhyana
8. Samadhi

The practice of each element is important for attaining the goal of yoga. After getting proficiency in one element, we should proceed to the next element. The elaboration of these elements is given subsequently.

Yama Is The 1 Limbs Of YOGA

Yama is the first element of Astanga yoga (eight limbs of yoga). Through the practice of yama one can abstain from doing things that keep one's mind involved in the inevitable struggle for survival. One can remain away from violence. Yama consists of five moral codes of conduct. According to Mahrishi Patanjali, there are 5 yamas, i.e., Ahimsa or Non-violence, Satya or Truthfulness, Asteya or Non-stealing, Brahmacharya and Aparigraha. The brief explanation of yamas yoga is given below.

Ahimsa or Non-violence: It means, one must keep away from causing harm to any organism or human being. Anxiety, jealousy, hate, anger and such types of negative emotions are included in violence. So, we must remain away from these emotions. We must not injure anyone. We must not speak ill of others. We must not display any negative emotion. There must be love, affection and regard for human beings as well as for other creatures.
Satya or Truthfulness: Satya is an important yamas. According to satya, we must be truthful in thought, word and deed. We must not tell a lie. We must abstain from falseness of any kind. We must not speak to others in a deceitful manner. We must speak the truth at any cost.
Asteya: Asteya means non-stealing. The propensity to use others' objects, money or thoughts for our own benefits is stealing. We must abstain from it. Even thinking about stealing something is wrong. So, we should neither steal anything nor motivate others to steal We should feel satisfied with what we possess.
Brahmacharya: Not to take a diet that stimulates sexual desire, not to read pornographic or sex-related literature, and not to indulge in sexual relations is called Brahmacharya. We must keep the above points in our mind so that we can follow the path of brahmacharya.
Aparigraha: Parigraha means to collect money and property for self-interest and, on the contrary, Aparigraha means to lead a life with minimum requirements. It is an attitude of mind that does not consider anything to be our own. We should not desire for physical pleasures. So, we must follow aparigraha.

Read: Explain The Importance Of Yoga And 12 Benefits Of Yoga

NiyamaIs The 2 Limbs Of YOGA

Niyamas are related to individual's body and senses. Niyamas are also ethical practices as yamas. There are five niyamas such as Saucha, Santosh, Tapa, Swadhyaya and Ishwara Pranidhana. Their brief explanation is given below.

Saucha: Saucha means purity. We must be clean physically as well as mentally. We must keep our body clean externally as well as internally. A special emphasis is given to purity of internal organs in yoga. For the purity of internal organs there are six shudhi kriyas or shatkarmas in yoga such as neti kriya, kapalabhati kriya, dhouti kriya, etc.
Santosh: Santosh means contentment. We must develop a feeling of satisfaction in all situations of life. We must feel satisfied with what God has given us. We should not obsess after desires.
Tapa: To endure the difficulties, obstacles and complex situations easily in the way of attaining the objective and to go ahead continuously towards the goal is called Tapa. We should accept the conflicts like pleasure and pain, loss and gain in the same spirit.
Swadhyaya: To study the great Vedas, Granths, Upanishads, Yogdarshan and Gita with devotion is called Swadhyaya. It is the first type of study. Second type of study is the study of self. To know about who am I? What should I do? What am I doing? What is the eim of my life? The above two types of studies are related to swadhyaya.
Ishwara Pranidhana: It is a an important stage of Niyama. To dedicate all the deeds to God is called Ishwara Pranidhana. In such a stage, a true devotee thinks that whatever facilities and prosperity such as body, mind, youth, intelligence, position, power, respect, etc., he/she has achieved in life are only due to God's grace. He/she surrenders to God and removes vanity, pride, ego and other impurities from his/her mind.

Asana Is The 3 Limbs Of YOGA

After yama and niyama, asanas come on the third level. Asarna means 'position or posture of body'. It also means to sit in easy posture. Due to its popularity, most of the people think that yoga is nothing but asana. They are not aware that asana is a step towards yoga. In fact, asanas are performed to keep the body flexible, agile and young. Asanas also improve body fitness by reducing inappropriate accumulation of fat in the body. There are various kinds of asanas like corrective asanas, relaxative asanas and meditative asanas. These types of asanas have different kinds of effects on various organs of body. These asanas activate the functions of various organs. Asanas can be performed from young age to old age without any problem.

Importance of yoga

Pranayama Is The 4 Limbs Of YOGA

Pranayama is the control of the process of breathing. It means the appropriate control over inhalation and exhalation. Basically there are three constituents of pranayama, i.e. Puraka (Inhalation), Kumbhaka (Retaining the breath) and Rechaka (Exhalation). There are various types of pranayama such as Ujjayi, Suryabhedi, Sheetkari, Sheetali, Bhastrika, Bhramari, Murcha and Plavini. Pranayama helps in regulating the metabolic activities and enhances the functions of heart and lungs. It also provides longevity to life.

Read: Top 4 Basic Asanas Yoga Poses For Increasing Concentration

Pratyahara Is The 5 Limbs Of YOGA

Pratyahara is a process of self-control in which an individual is able to exercise control over his/her senses. Indeed, to control the mind and senses is called pratyahara. In pratyahara, the senses no longer respond to the external objects that-hinder mental concentration. The attachment of various senses such as words, beauty, touch, taste, smell, etc., diverts the individual from the way of self-welfare. The practitioner of pratyahara starts feeling extreme pleasure in remembering God.

Dharana Is The 6 Limbs Of YOGA

Dharana is the concentration of mind. Generally, it's seen that the mind has a tendency to induce scattered but if the scattered mind is brought under control and set to 1 no longer, concentration is said to be achieved. The focal point can be in the centre of the forehead or navel or a pointed soothing light at a distance. Dharana is the first step towards samadhi. In fact, dharana is a mental exercise which enables a yogi to go ahead towards dhyana and samadhi.

Dhyana Is The 7 Limbs Of YOGA

Dhyana is a process of complete constancy of mind. It is a stage prior to samadhi. Generally, dhyana remains attached to our life at every moment. Whenever we perform any specific task in the family, it is usually advised to do that task with 'dhyana' (Dhyan se karana). But we do not understand its appropriate meaning. In fact, dhyana is a complete concentration of mind over a period of time without any distraction.

Samadhi Is The 8 Limbs Of YOGA

The union of individual's soul with the Supreme soul is called samadhi. Samadhi is also called the checking or destruction of all the impulses of mind. During the stage of dhyana, when the disappearance of self-awareness takes place, the yogi or yogini attains the stage of samadhi. He/She begins to feel the real truth. He/She forgets himself completely. He/She begins to experience the divine pleasure.