Ashtanga Yoga, also known as Raja Yoga, focuses on eight limbs. Ash meaning eight and tanga meaning limbs, combine to form all of the steps to reach Samadhi, complete self realization. The second part of the Yoga Sutras, compiled by Patanjali around A.D. 200, talks about these eight steps.
The first two limbs have to do with our relationships to the world and learning to manage our drive for possessions. These limbs teach us to abstain from evildoing. Mastering the first two limbs leads us to a direct, smooth and more refined way of life.
The third limbs teaches our body to be comfortable in mediation by improving our posture. All of the poses we learn in our asana practice stretch and strengthen our muscles to allow us to sit in a mediation pose for an extended amount of time.
The fourth limb focuses on breath. There are different types of breathing practices, some of which prepare us for meditation, and teach us to have control over our breath. It is also important to learn to breath correctly first.
The fifth limb tells us to disengage ourselves from the material world; to withdraw our attention from a world of concerns.
The sixth, seventh and eighth limbs concern concentration and meditation; all internal forms of practice according to Patanjali.
The first two limbs of yoga are just as important for the beginning student as they are for the accomplished yogi or yogini. All limbs can be practiced in any order and practiced at the same time. However, in order to reach the eighth limb (for most people) all others must be mastered first.
The eight limbs of yoga…
1. Yamas = restraints
2. Niyamas = observances
3. Asanas = postures
4. Pranayama = control of breath
5. Pratyahara = control of senses
6. Dharana = concentration
7. Dhyana = meditation
8. Samadhi = super conscious state
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