Eight Limbs of Yoga

Compiled by Maharishi Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras, the Eight Limbs of Yoga are a progressive series of steps or disciplines which purify the body and mind, ultimately leading the Yogi (one who practices Yoga) to enlightenment. While the physical part of yoga is certainly of significance, it is only one of the eight conventional limbs of Yoga practice, all of which have meditation of God as their rationale. These are the eight limbs of the complete yoga system as they are found in the famous Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.

• Yama - Moral observances for interactions with others
• Niyama - Moral observances for interactions with yourself
• Asana - Postures
• Pranayama - Breathing
• Pratyahara - Sensory inhibition
• Dharana - Focus
• Dhyana - Meditation
• Samadhi - Blissful absorption of one's individual consciousness in the essence of God.