Astanga: The Eight Limbs of Yoga

Astanga or Eight Limbs Yoga is an ancient practice to incorporate into your daily life. This particular art form has been passed down for centuries because it is effective in balancing the mind, body, and spirit. Align these practices with the lunisolar calendar to balance your circadian rhythm and chakra system.

Yamas

The Yamas in Astanga (or Ashtanga) are five virtues that balance us with the world. We consider the world around us before ourselves because it is in giving that we receive. As within, so without. The Yamas teach us how to relate to the world around us. The five Yamas are Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (not stealing), Brahmacharya (following your Higher Self/intuition), Aparigraha (non-possession.)

Niyamas

Next, the Niyamas are five virtues that bring balance within ourselves. These virtues are intended to bring us Prasanna, or personal satisfaction. The Niyamas are important because they teach us a step-by-step process to internal happiness. The five Niyamas are Sauch (beautification), Satosha (contentment), Tapah (duty/determination), Swadhaya (self-study), and Eshwar-Pranidhana (surrender to God.)

Asana

The third limb, Asana is a Sanskrit word meaning to sit comfortably in any position. In asana, one practice focused movement that leads the mind into meditation and the soul to enlightenment. Astanga asana usually includes Sun Salutation and posture practice. Since yoga is a multi-dimensional art, it is suggested to practice all the limbs to reap both the internal and external benefits. Our Chakra Healing Guide will show you which asanas activate which chakras.

Pranayama

To follow, the fourth limb of Astanga is Pranayama: the study of Prana. We can feel this Life Force Energy by experiencing gratitude in moments of breath retention. Pranayama focuses on the breath. Subsequently, Pranayama is the space in between the inhale and exhale. Practice a breathing exercise, focusing on finding peace in the discomfort between your breath. This space is the key to mindfully weaving our auras and eliminating anxiety and chronic pain. Try it with me: inhale for a count of 4, hold for 16, and exhale for 8. Once you’ve mastered this practice you can increase the amount of time in your pranayama.

Pratayahara

Fifth is Pratyahara or the withdrawal of senses. Pratyahara disconnects one with the sense of self. Withdrawing from our senses helps bring us closer to our Highest Self and God. We can disconnect from our physical body in this state. To practice Pratyahara, practice feeling your essence dissolve away from your body. Remember: your body is inside your soul, not the other way around.

Dharana

The sixth limb of yoga is Dharana or concentration. By focusing on one particular point, we strengthen our pineal gland and make more conscious choices. A common practice of Dharana is to stare at a fixed point. When you lose concentration, reset and try again without judgment. This practice may cause leaky sinuses, yawning or goosebumps to exert pent-up energy. Stare at your fixed point with your eyes open to gain conscious awareness. Try with your eyes closed to gain subconscious awareness. With your eyes half open and half closed, you balance your conscious and subconscious awareness. Practice all three separately to sharpen your consciousness as a whole. Your focus, memory, and eyesight will increase as well.

Dhyana

Next, the seventh limb is Dhyana or meditation. Meditation connects us with our higher selves and the divine. You can find this connection with your eyes closed or open. See 5 Ways to Meditate for more. In this place, you are neither focused nor active. Instead, you “are.” A great meditation technique I love to practice is the I AM meditation. Sitting up straight and facing East, close your eyes and think “I” during your inhale, and “AM” during your exhale. This reminds the self that it is neither the body, mind, or spirit and can take you into a very deep meditative state or trance. This is a lighthouse towards the eighth and final step of Astanga: Samadhi.

Samadhi

The last anga is Samadhi or transcendence. This is the merging of yourself with God and the Universe. Also known as absolution, we become one with the infinite again. Reaching Samadhi is what some may call spiritual ascendence. Having shed our dualistic forms, we reconnect with our Source at our highest state of being.

Astanga Yoga is often a daily practice. Integrating Vedic virtues with mental, physical, and spiritual practices, Ashtanga is one beautiful way to celebrate the practice of yoga in any aspect of your daily life.