The Eight Limbs of Raja Yoga
Compiled by the Sage Patanjali Maharishi
in the Yoga Sutras, the Eight Limbs are a progressive series of steps or
disciplines which purify the body and mind, ultimately leading the yogi to
enlightenment. These 8 limbs are:
-
Yamas - The
Yamas or restraints (Don'ts) are divided into five moral injuctions,
aimed at destroying the lower nature.
- Ahimsa = abstention from
violence = non-violence to all beings
- Satya = abstention from
lying = truthfulness
- Asteya = abstention from
theft = non-stealing
- Brahmacharya or moderation
in all things (control of all senses). Also refers to celibacy
- Aparigraha = abstention from
possessions = non-covetousness
-
Niyamas - The
Niyamas or observances (Do's) are also divided into five and complete
the ethical precepts started with the Yamas:
- Saucha = purity (internal
and external cleanliness)
- Santosha = contentment
- Tapas = austerity
- Swadhyaya = self study
(loosely translated, it can be taken to mean introspection)
- Isvara Pranidhana =
surrender to the divinity within the individual (surrender to God's
Will)
-
Asanas -
Postures of the body
-
Pranayama -
regulation or control of prana ('life force') or vital breath
-
Pratyahara -
withdrawal of the senses in order to still the mind
-
Dharana -
concentration (fixing the attention on a single object)
-
Dhyana -
meditation is that state of pure thought and absorption in the object
of meditation
-
Samadhi - the
superconscious state. In Samadhi non-duality or oneness is
experienced. This is the deepest and highest state of consciousness
where body and mind have been transcended and the Yogi is one with the
Self or God.
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