The eight limbs of Yoga make up the fundamental philosophies of Yoga. The limbs of Yoga are shown here.
Yamas And Niyamas
Yamas
The Yama’s were first mentioned in the Rig Veda but brought to light to most readers by Patanjali. We can think of the Yama’s as moral guidelines, socio-ethical disciplines, and ethical ideas that guide us on our journey. Yama’s sort of set the heart and mind on the right path.
These aren’t “shalt not”, they are suggestions. They are guides toward the light. Be gentle with yourself.
Ahimsa: non-harming
Ahimsa is probably one of my favorite words. Ahimsa is generally defined as “non-harming,” but when looked at more closely, it goes beyond the idea of one individual not harming another. It also means not harming the self physically or mentally. Negative self-talk could be seen as a form of self-harm. Ahimsa tells us to abstain from these activities. Ahimsa applies to all living things, including animals, insects, and even plants. Ahimsa applies to passive-aggressive comments, negative gossip, criticism, and anything that can potentially harm yourself or others.
Non-harming, compassion, patience, love for others, self-love, worthiness, understanding
Satya: truthfulness
Satya is another fun one. We can all understand the idea of being truthful. Truthful in our words and our actions. But the Yamas don’t live alone. We must be truthful and in harmony with the other eight limbs. If given a choice to say something truthful, that harms someone, you still have to take ahimsa into consideration. Sometimes it’s better to say nothing.
Truthfulness, honesty, non-judgment, owning feelings, true to self, loving communication, tolerance, and forgiveness.
Asteya: non-stealing
Asteya doesn’t just pertain to stealing physical objects. It can. But it can also be stealing another person’s light or joy or misusing time at work. Stealing is taking from the universe that which is not yours, usually not following ahimsa. One of my Yoga teachers, Cheryl, gave me an idea: Asteya gets in your way by filling your time beyond that which is sustainable—saying yes to events and things and people so often that you are stealing your own energy.
Non-stealing, the right use of resources, generosity, letting go of jealousy or envy, self-sufficiency, and not stealing time.
Brahmacharya: Moderation
Brahmacharya is an evolving term. Traditionally meant to tell the practitioner to “not touch the Brahma” to not take away his innocence, the word has evolved. Abstinence from sexual passions was another definition. Moderation may be the best definition for modern practitioners.
Of Brahma, containment of sexual energy, moderation of sensory control, non-addictive behavior, space between impulse and reaction.
Aparigraha: non-hoarding
Aparigraha isn’t like the Abrahamic idea of not coveting your neighbor’s wife. While that may be a part, it’s more like not seeking to hoard. Seeking to hoard stuff. Greedily pursuing things or people’s time or money or goals or anything. It’s a fundamental idea of minimalism.
Non-hoarding, non-possessiveness, filling needs instead of wants, non-attachment to outcomes, stuff you own owns you, minimalism.
Niyamas
The Niyamas are self-purification through disciplines or personal ethical disciplines. Here we focus on things we can do to make our lives better.
Saucha: cleanliness
Saucha is cleanliness, not just the physical body, but your surroundings, your minds, your thoughts, the tv shows you watch, the songs you sing, and the thoughts you think. Cleanliness. Pure.
Cleanliness, clean from pollutants, treating the body as a temple, evenness of mind and body and speech, literal cleanliness, simple living.(Horan, 2022)
Santosa: contentment
Contentment is not always an easy thing in today’s world, but the idea of Santosa reminds us to be happy with what we have. Where we are in the world. Surrender to the forces that are bigger than us. Trust that everything will be ok.
“Be here now. This is the only place you need to be. And from this place, all things are possible.”(Beattie, 1996)
Contentment, content with the moment, gratitude, acceptance, and peace.
Tapas: passion
Tapas is thought to be passion or zeal. Sometimes around Yoga, sometimes around other things. Maybe learning to be a Yoga teacher, maybe learning a musical instrument.
Zeal, zeal for the practice, dedication to Yoga, perseverance, austerity, discipline for the practice, and commitment.
Svadhyaya: Self-study
Svadhyaya is that self-reflection or self-awareness you gain while doing Yoga. But it’s also observing yourself in all situations. How do you behave? How does your body work? Self-study requires childlike inquisition. The knowledge you gain is for you and you alone.
Self-study, the study of the self, studying by the self, learning, reading, and practice.
Isvara pranidhana: surrender
Isvara pranidhana is to surrender. Surrender to the universe, surrender to God, surrender to the energies surrounding us, and trust the bigger plan of ultimate reality.
Surrender, Surrender to life and the divine, give up control, surrender to the nature of things, faith, dedication, and devotion.
Asana
Asana practice is commonly referred to when we think about Yoga in the west. But this is just one part of Yoga. Asana is all the physical movements when we go to Yoga class. The poses, the postures, and the physical movement of Yoga.
Pranayama
Pranayama is breath control. The breathing exercises we perform or life force discipline.
Pratyahara
Pratyahara is withdrawing the senses. We focus the senses inward to experience the nature of the mind.
Dharana
Dharana is concentration, training the mind to meditate. Attempts of meditation.
Dhyana
Dhyana is the state of meditation. A continuous flow of concentration.
Samadhi
Samadhi is pure contemplation. Oneness with the universe. A state of oneness. Yoga.
- Beattie, M. (1996). Journey To the Heart. Harper One.
- Horan, D. (2022). YTT Jai Yoga School. Tera Firma.