Ashtanga Yoga / Eights Limbs of Yoga Introduction & Overview

Vocabulary

1. ANTARANGA YOGA — Internal aspects of the Eight Limbs of Yoga
2. ASANA — Posture or seat
3. ASHTANGA YOGA — Eight Limbs of Yoga
4. BAHIRANGA YOGA — External aspects of the Eight Limbs of Yoga
5. DHARANA — Concentration or attention
6. DHYANA — Meditation
7. EIGHT LIMBS OF YOGA — Raja Yoga practices as described in this lesson
8. NIYAMAS — Observances; qualities of an "evolutionary personality"
9. PRANAYAMA — Breathing techniques for directing energy
10. PRATYAHARA — Turning senses inward
11. SAMADHI — Absorption or union
12. SAMYAMA — Dharana, dhyana and samadhi together
13. YAMAS — Restraints; guidelines for engaging with others

Introduction

• Ashtanga Yoga (Eight Limbs of Yoga) are practices, or tools, of Raja Yoga.
• Other branches or paths of yoga focus on other practices, such as chanting in Bhakti Yoga and service in Karma Yoga.
• The Eight Limbs of Yoga are yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana and samadhi.
• While some sources refer to the limbs as a progressive path, many present them like limbs of a tree — not a sequential progression but rather all interrelated aspects of practice.
• Experts Alan Finger and Wendy Newton explain: “The eight limbs are both a sequential system and a holistic practice. There is an internal logic to moving from one limb to the next in the given order… But the Eight Limbs can also be applied as a holistic practice in which all the limbs function simultaneously and synergistically. From this holistic perspective, the practices are done in a way that best suits the needs of the individual in order to evolve spiritually.”
• The first five limbs are the external aspects and the last three are the internal aspects.

A HOLISTIC PRACTICE THAT CAN SUIT INDIVIDUAL NEEDS

The eight limbs are both a sequential system and a holistic practice. There is an internal logic to moving from one limb to the next in the given order. The yamas and niyamas help us to approach asana with the proper intention for practice; asana prepares the body for working with the breath; quiet and controlled breath helps us to withdraw the senses, which helps us focus the mind, and so on. But the Eight Limbs can also be applied as a holistic practice in which all the limbs function simultaneously and synergistically. From this holistic perspective, the practices are done in a way that best suits the needs of the individual in order to evolve spiritually. – Alan Finger & Wendy Newton