Ashtanga Yoga — 8-limbed yoga in Patanjali Yoga Sutras. Foundation of yoga philosophy. Path to self-realization.
8 limbs: yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana, samadhi. From external to internal.
✦ 8 Limbs
1. Yama: social restraints (ahimsa, satya, asteya, brahmacharya, aparigraha).
2. Niyama: personal observances (shaucha, santosh, tapa, swadhyaya, ishvar-pranidhana).
3. Asana: stable posture.
4. Pranayama: breath control.
5. Pratyahara: sense-control.
6. Dharana: one-point concentration.
7. Dhyana: continuous awareness flow.
8. Samadhi: meditator-meditation-meditated unite.
✦ 5 Yamas
Ahimsa: harm none. In thought-word-deed.
Satya: truthful speech.
Asteya: non-stealing.
Brahmacharya: sense-restraint.
Aparigraha: non-hoarding.
✦ 5 Niyamas
Shaucha: external-internal cleanliness.
Santosh: contentment.
Tapa: endurance.
Swadhyaya: scripture study + self-introspection.
Ishvar-pranidhana: surrender to God.
✦ Practice Order
Yama-Niyama first: 6 months.
Then asana: 1 year.
Then pranayama: 1 year.
Skipping order dangerous.
Guru essential for higher limbs.
Samadhi = years to decades.
📚Sources & References
Content in this article is verified against the following classical and modern authoritative sources. Readers may independently verify against the original sources.
- ▪Surya Siddhanta — classical Sanskrit astronomical text (~5th century CE)
- ▪Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra — foundational text on Vedic astrology by Maharishi Parashara
- ▪Muhurta Chintamani by Ram Daivajna (16th century) — standard reference for muhurat selection
- ▪Astronomical Algorithms by Jean Meeus (Willmann-Bell, 1998) — basis for all astronomical computations on this site
- ▪Lahiri Ayanamsa — standard sidereal reference adopted by the Indian Calendar Reform Committee (1955)
✦ Frequently Asked Questions
Patanjali ashtanga vs power yoga?▼
No. Modern "Ashtanga Yoga" (Pattabhi Jois) = asana-focused. Patanjali's ashtanga = 8-limbed integrated.
How to start at home?▼
Yama-niyama first. Then simple asanas (surya-namaskar). Then pranayama. Then meditation.
🔗Related Topics
Note: This content is published for educational and cultural reference. For personal religious or astrological decisions, please consult a qualified pandit or jyotishi.