8 Limbs of Yoga

 
Breath is the most powerful medicine you will ever have access to. Pranayama is sacred breath work that harnesses the vital life force (prana) of your breath and moves it through the body, mind and spirit in intentional ways to bring about presence, transcendence, and bliss. Pranayama is the heart of yoga.
1. Yamas: Moral Precepts
Yoga is so much more than physical postures. It’s a way of life, a way of being. Yoga is the continual practice of attuning oneself to breath, consciousness and the divine. “The Yoga Sutras of Patajanji” is considered the classical text of Yoga, highlighting the 8 limbs of living a yogic lifestyle.
Ahimsa: Non-Violence Satya: Truthfulness Asteya: Non-Stealing Bramicharya: Moderation of all things Aparigraha: Non-Attachment
The Yamas serve as a Code of Ethics to guide us in our relationships with others. These social disciplines represent the values of living a yogic lifestyle.
2. Niyamas: Personal Observances
The Niyamas encourage regulation of the body and mind to more fully merge with the oneness of the Divine.
Shaucha: Purity of body & mind Santosha: Acceptance of what is Tapas: Self-Discipline, Sustained Effort Svadyaya: Self-Inquiry, Spiritual Studies Ishvara Pranidhana: Devotion to the Divine
3. Asanas: Physical Postures
The physical postures of asana are designed to develop balance between strength and flexibility, both in body & mind. Asana promotes the release of physical toxins, stored emotions and muscular constrictions that prevent life force from flowing through your whole being. Asana is a tool to witness and focus the mind, engage consciousness, and come fully into the present moment.
4. Pranayama: Breathwork
5. Pratyahara: Withdrawal of the Senses
We are constantly bombarded by stimuli through our senses, which includes the mind. By setting aside time to practice Pratyahara, we are able to withdraw awareness from external cravings and forces and bring our
6. Dharana: Single-Pointed Concentration
Dharana, deep and sustained concentration, is used to develop control over the mind. By bringing our focus to one fine point, such as the breath or a candle flame, you are able to open to a purer form of consciousness.
7. Dhyana: Meditation

Dhyana is a series of techniques and exercises that take you to a deeper level of consciousness. Dhyana fully stills the mind so that we can hear the voice of the Soul. At this level of awareness Dharma (life path) is revealed and we are prepared for Samadhi.

8. Samadhi: Bliss

Samadhi is a state of expanded consciousness that brings us into harmony and oneness with all. It is here that we are reunited with the Divine. Few people achieve this state of being, however, through sustained practice, we can experience moments of Samadhi that liberate & heal us on all levels.

1.     Yamas:             Moral Precepts

2.     Niyamas:          Personal Observances

3.     Asana:              Physical Postures

4.     Pranayama:     Control of Prana

5.     Pratyahara:     Sense Withdrawal

6.     Dharana:         Concentration

7.     Dhyana:           Meditation

8.     Samadhi:         Enlightenment

awareness more fully into our inner being and truth. Through this practice we are able to minimize mental agitation and enter into a more peaceful and authentic state of being.