What Are the EIGHT LIMBS of Yoga?
The eight limbs refers to the eightfold path of yoga. BKS Iyengar says, "When the eight disciplines are followed with dedication and devotion, they help the practitioner to become physically, mentally, and emotionally stable so that he can maintain equanimity in all circumstances. He learns to know the Supreme Soul, and to live in speech, thought and action in accordance with the highest truth."
The eight limbs are as follows:
1. Yama:
Our attitudes towards others
2. Niyama:
Our attitudes towards ourselves
(for more info on Yama and Niyama,
see a previous blog entry)
3. Asana:
Practice of the physical postures
4. Pranayama:
Practice of breath control exercises
5. Pratyahara:
Withdrawal of the senses
6. Dharana:
Concentration
7. Dhyana:
Meditation
8. Samadhi:
Total absorption, profound meditation
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