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Patanjali Yoga Sutras
The Eight Limbs of Yoga

The eight limbs of yoga are guidelines described in the second chapter
of the Yoga Sutras to maintain a balanced state of being.
Sutra 11.28 reads: “With the discipline of the eight limbs of yoga,
impurities are eliminated, leading to wisdom and clear perception.”

The Eight Limbs of Yoga (astau-angani):

    Yama - niyama - asana - pranayama - pratyahara - dharana -
    dhyana - samadhi
    (PYS 11.29)

Yama: Interaction with others

One’s interaction with others include: nonviolence, truth, honesty,
moderation, and non-covetousness.

Ahimsa – satya – asteya - brahmacarya – aparigraha - yama
(PYS 11.30)

Niyama: caring for one’s self

One observes cleanliness, contentment, disciple, self study,
and devotion.

    Sauca – santosa - tapah – svadhyaya – isvara-pranidhanani -
    niyama
    (PYS 11.32)

Asanas – “to sit” - “to stay” - “to be”

One’s posture should be stable and comfortable.

Sthira sukham asana
(PYS 11.46)

Pranayama – conscious movement of energy (breathing practices)

One learns control of its own energy.

    Tasminsati – svasaprasvasayoh – gativicchedah –
    pranayama
    (PYS 11.49)

Pratyahara – quieting one’s senses

Withdrawing from stimulation, one goes inward.

    Sva-visaya – asamprayoge – cittasya – svarupanukara iva –
    indriyanam pratyaharah
    (PYS 11.54)

Dharana – Focus

The mind chooses a particular point.

Desabandhah – cittasya dharana
(PYS111.1)

Dhyana – Meditation

The mind transcends into that particular point

Tatra – pratyayaikatanata - dhyanam
(PYS 111.2)

Samadhi – State of grace – Mind connects with True Self.

And the two become one.

Tadeva – arthamatranirbhasam – svarupasunyamiva – samadhih
(PYS 111.3)

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Patanjali Yoga Sutras The Eight Limbs of Yoga

Patanjali Yoga Sutras
The Eight Limbs of Yoga