From Yamas to Samadhi: Discovering the 8 Limbs of Yoga
As yogis, we often get swept up in the purely physical practice of asanas, or yoga poses. The sweeping vinyasas, the challenging arm balances, the serene savasana - these are the aspects of yoga that capture our attention and keep us coming back to our mats time and time again.
However, the true essence of yoga extends far beyond the physical practice. At the heart of this ancient discipline lies a comprehensive framework known as the 8 Limbs of Yoga. These interconnected principles provide a roadmap for living a purposeful, meaningful life - both on and off the mat.
Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or just beginning your yoga journey, understanding the 8 Limbs can profoundly deepen your experience and accelerate your growth. So let's dive in and explore each of these foundational teachings.
The Yamas and Niyamas
The first two limbs - the yamas and niyamas - outline the ethical and personal disciplines that form the foundations of yoga.
The 5 yamas guide our interactions with the external world. These include: non-violence (ahimsa), truthfulness (satya), non-stealing (asteya), moderation (brahmacharya), and non-possessiveness (aparigraha);
Meanwhile, the 5 niyamas help us cultivate our inner landscape. These include: purity (saucha), contentment (santosha), self-discipline (tapas), self-study (svadhyaya), and surrender (Ishvara pranidhana),
These guiding principles aren't just abstract concepts - they're meant to be actively integrated into our daily lives. We also find that the most supportive place to begin this inner work is right here, on our yoga mats. As we unfurl our mats and settle into our practice, we can start to mindfully apply these timeless teachings. Perhaps we consciously let go of judgmental thoughts during our practice, or make an effort to approach each posture and breath with a sense of gratitude.
Asana and Pranayama
The third limb, asana, encompasses the physical yoga poses we're most familiar with, which help us attain greater physical strength, flexibility, balance and endurance. At a deeper level, the asanas are designed to prepare the body and mind for the more subtle experiences of yoga. By aligning our physical form, we create the conditions for our energy (prana) to flow freely. This, in turn, can help us access heightened states of focus, clarity, and inner peace. But asana is just the beginning - the third limb is meant to prepare the body and mind for the deeper, more meditative limbs that follow.
Next comes pranayama, the regulation of our vital life force energy (prana) through specialised breathing techniques. As we flow through our vinyasas, pausing to tune into the rhythm of our breath, we activate this fourth limb. Practices like ujjayi breath, nadi shodhana, and kapalabhati can help us cultivate a heightened state of awareness and focus.
Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi
The final four limbs guide us inward, helping us withdraw our senses, focus our mind, and ultimately experience the state of enlightened union. This journey from the external to the internal is the true essence of yoga.
Pratyahara, the fifth limb, is often described as "withdrawal of the senses." It's the practice of turning our attention inward and disconnecting from external distractions - something that becomes much easier to do when we're firmly grounded on our yoga mats, a place where we can let go of the everyday world and focus solely in the moment.
From there, we move into dharana, the sixth limb, which is the ability to focus the mind and cultivate concentrated attention. As we hold a challenging pose or gaze softly at a single point, we activate this state of one-pointed awareness. Equally, as we sit down for meditation, it is the act of fixating on one thought or single object, and if our mind wanders we bring it back into focus. Dharana helps us exercise the muscles of the mind, and take control of our inner dialogue.
The seventh limb, dhyana, is the state of meditative absorption, where the mind becomes still and unified. It is similar to dharana, however there is no specific focus during dhyana. It is about absorbing and contemplating an object or an action but without judging it or even intervening. It is the moment that you are so deep into meditation that it becomes part of your consciousness.
And finally, samadhi - the eighth and final limb - is the ultimate state of enlightenment, union, and bliss. Achieved after hours of meditation, it is natural and spontaneous, which may surprise you. Equally is ephemeral, and cannot be forced.
Weaving it All Together
By studying and practising each of the 8 Limbs, we can cultivate harmony between our body, mind, and spirit. Our yoga mats become sacred spaces where we not only build physical strength and flexibility, but also plant the seeds of ethical awareness, mindfulness, and self-realisation.
So as you continue your yoga journey, keep these foundational teachings in mind. With patience, presence, and the support of a high-quality yoga mat that provides the perfect foundation for your practice, you can unlock the profound wisdom and transformative power that lies at the heart of this ancient discipline.
Whether you're flowing through a dynamic vinyasa sequence or settling into a restorative yin pose, let the principles of the 8 Limbs guide you. Embrace the ethical restraints of the yamas, cultivate the personal observances of the niyamas, and allow your asana, pranayama, and meditation practices to transport you ever inward, toward the blissful state of samadhi.
The 8 Limbs of Yoga offer a comprehensive roadmap for living with greater purpose, clarity, and connection. So roll out your mat, breathe deeply, and get ready to embark on a transformative journey from the external to the internal - from the yamas to samadhi
Read next >>>
