Ashtanga Yoga / Eights Limbs of Yoga Introduction & Overview
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.
